Accent

Navajo monument has cliff dwellings

Some of the best-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in the Southwest await visitors at Navajo National Monument in Northeastern Arizona. Short trails near the monument visitor center lead to an overlook of the spectacular Betatakin cliff dwelling. Rangers lead hikes to Betatakin and the more distant Keet Seel cliff dwelling. Facilities include two small campgrounds and a picnic area. Travelers from Southern Arizona sometimes visit the monument en route to destinations in Utah or Colorado. Drive: From Tucson, take Interstate 10 to Phoenix and continue on Interstate 17 to Flagstaff. Proceed north from Flagstaff on U.S. 89 to U.S. 160, then follow 160 northeast to Arizona 564 and a signed turnoff for the monument. Go north nine miles on Arizona 564 to the visitor center. When: Visitor-center hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. The center is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Note that the monument, unlike most of Arizona, observes daylight-saving time. Cost: Entrance to the monument, camping and ranger-guided tours are free. Information: 1-928-672-2700.