What to do in Tuba City, AZ

Activities, attractions and tours

#Petroglyphs
#Petroglyphs
The rocks and stratifications near Tuba City, AZ
#Nature
Luckily I had the directions to Coal Mine this time, because there is no sign, it’s on private property and you can’t see it from the road.  Between mileposts 363 and 364 you turn off onto someone’s property and aim between a two-storey house and a windmill.  It’s okay, they’re about half a kilometre apart.
I pulled up beside a photogenic ruin and grabbed my gear.  As I stood up, the attraction of Coal Mine became clear.  It was everything I’d hoped for and more.  The reality of it was simply that it was the finest canyon I’d ever seen.
Sure, it’s not as deep as the Grand Canyon, doesn’t have as many hoodoos as Bryce, doesn’t quite have the sheerness of Zion and has no more colour than Cottonwood Canyon Road; but, it has everything; all of those features crammed into one of the earth’s most magnificent compact canyons.  Why it’s not a major attraction I don’t quite understand; perhaps it’s where it is that causes people to miss it.  This would be backed up by the fact that other nearby canyons are rarely visited also.  Perhaps it’s because this is distinctly Indian country, as was the Square Butte earlier.  All along the main routes you see stalls selling jewellery.  I couldn’t help but think if they got a bit entrepreneurial they could make an absolute killing by developing some of the sites.
Still, I was more interested in this washed out hole in the ground.  It’s on the edge of the 120 mile wide Painted Desert. The colours were the like of which I’d never seen before in one geological place.  I moved around to parts where you could get out to; couldn’t stop shaking my head at what was there in front of me.  Weird shapes, the layer of coal that used to be mined almost on top, the patterns in the rocks; I didn’t know where to look first.
After I’d spent over an hour poking in here and there I worked my way further south until I came across the benches that someone has put there.  However, to my despair, I noticed there’s also a rope-supported trail to the bottom just a bit further on.  Physically, I hadn’t enough left in me to go down but, know when you go that it’s an option.  If you want to get to this point first you should drive to the side where the windmill is.
I’ve read another report since on another site that indicates you can drive to two other access points as well, further down the road, but I was unaware of those at the time.  Also, you’ll read that you are on Indian land and, from every bit of information I could glean, it’s Navajo up the top and Hopi down the bottom.  I’d boldly suggest you do just what myself and most people do; just go there.  I tried to contact the Hopi re a trip to Blue Canyon but ran up a dead end, so I gave up after that.
So, if you’re looking for a café and accommodation beside a major attraction, you’ve come to the wrong place.  However, if it’s solitude and a wonderful natural experience that fits the bill, then look no further.
I'm in love with desert sunrises🌅

Quick Tip: Don't forget to pick up your Navajo Permit to access the canyon rim! If you want to climb down into the canyon, you need to hire a Hopi guide. #Arizona #Adventure

Tuba City Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Tuba City has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Tuba City is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Tuba City to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Tuba City Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Tuba City.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Tuba City attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.


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What to do in Tuba City


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Frequently asked questions

Is Tuba City worth visiting?
Tuba City offers a unique mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, nature or regional cuisine, there are many things you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Tuba City?
After you've checked off popular attractions like Navajo Code Talkers Museum, spend some time exploring the shopping and food scene in Tuba City.
What is the top tourist attraction in Tuba City?
Navajo Code Talkers Museum is one of the top tourist attractions in Tuba City and should be high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Tuba City?
Three days is enough for a quick escape to Tuba City — you'll hit the main sights and get a good feel for the place. But if you truly want to soak it all in, stay for at least a week to check out some hidden gems too.
What are some activities to do in Tuba City with kids?
Planning what to do in Tuba City with kids has never been easier. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Tuba City for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Tuba City. Whether you're into the arts, outdoor activities or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Tuba City?
From checking out parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Tuba City. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Navajo Code Talkers Museum is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing adventures.

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