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Keet Seel (located in Tsegi Canyon) is in the Navajo National Monument (fee area). In my opinion it is the greatest single village cliff dwelling ruin, better than anything in Mesa Verde National Park. The work needed to get there makes it better. It's a long hike of 17 miles out-and-back. A Ranger will take you into the ruin site. All worth it! Horses are available for trips to Keet Seel.
The trip to the ruin site and back can be done as a day-hike if a person is aerobically fit. Elevation changes are not very demanding. It is just a long slog through unremarkable arroyos and sagebrush. The ruins are stunning to come upon, no matter how many pictures one has seen. The monotony of the hike increases the awe.
The National Monument is surrounded by Navajo land, with Kayenta being the nearest town of significant size. I have a small moral problem with the white man securing this property in the middle of the Navajo Reservation. However, I'm glad it happened that way so that we can see this magnificent specimen.
As a bonus, water is available at Keet Seel to refill supplies. Less to carry!
This trail is open only Memorial Day through Labor Day, with a daily visitor limit enforced by permit.
Access to the National Monument is from Rt. 160 west of Kayenta, Arizona.
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