Group Tours Can Discover Navajo in the Fall

The changing of the seasons brings new activities and spectacular cool weather all across the Navajo Nation just several hours drive from Phoenix but worlds away once your group tour arrives.  Sample traditional Navajo food, see Pow Wow dancers, enjoy the music, and learn about the Navajo ways at the Fall festivals in Window Rock and Tuba City.  Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the Navajo Parks including Canyon de Chelly where the trees begin to show fall colors in September.

62nd Annual Navajo Nation Fair Sep 2 – 7, 2008 Window Rock, AZ
The Fair features Navajo Agriculture, Fine Arts & Crafts, Cultural Entertainment, Pow Wow, Song & Dance, Indian Rodeo, Parade, Concerts, Public Free Barbeque and amusement rides. Window Rock bustles with excitement during this time.  Vendors are set up everywhere selling arts & crafts, steamed corn, mutton stew and Navajo burgers. Group tour Information:  www.navajonationfair.com 

New Museum Exhibit Window Rock, AZ
The Navajo Nation Museum opens the new exhibit, Hózhóogo ‘liná: A Beautiful Life, on September 1. The exhibit features the work of Eli Secody, a Navajo award winning singer & song writer. Two other exhibits are also on display:  The Navajo Creation Story and Our Stories from the Long Walk. Group tour Information: (928) 871-7941        

40th Annual To’ Nanees’ Dizi’ Diné Fair October 9 – 12   Tuba City, AZ
To’ Nanees’ Dizi’ is the Navajo Name for Tuba City, AZ and means Tangled Water.  Diné is the name the Navajo call themselves which means The People.  In October, the season has changed for the Navajo and it is now time for Yei Bi Cheii ceremonies.  At this fair there will be more opportunities to see native culture at the Baby Contest, Song & Dance, Pow Wow, Miss Western Navajo Pageant, Arts & Crafts and at the Parade.  Other events include the Mudbog, Rodeo, Chili Cookoff, Kids’ Day, Elderfest, Carnival, Concert, Country Western Dances and Basketball Tournament. Group tour Information: (928) 283-3284       

While you’re in Tuba City for the fair, visit the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum. At over 7,000 square feet, the museum features a traditional Navajo Hogan (home) and Navajo stories of creation.  Your Navajo escort will help you understand the exhibits of Navajo culture, traditions, family systems and more.  This is the perfect place to begin your visit to the Navajo Nation. 

Just a few short steps away, the Navajo Code Talkers Museum has actual gear used in battle, exceptional photos and a film you can watch about the Code Talkers.  group tour Information: www.explorenavajo.com 

Autumn on the Navajo NationEnd of September through Mid October   Canyon de Chelly National Monument, AZ
This is the perfect time to visit Canyon de Chelly.  The cottonwoods in the canyon are golden and it’s a time like no other.  Check with the visitor center for the perfect time to plan your getaway.  Group tour nformation:                 (928) 674-5500 Canyon de Chelly National Monument: www.nps/cach

The colors are also beautiful traveling the northern pass through the Lukachukai Mountains (Buffalo Pass – IR 13) between IR 12 at Lukachukai to just south of Shiprock Peak at Hwy. 491. This drive will almost offer a guarantee at seeing wildlife- at least a doe or two watching from the side of the road.  Contrary to some maps, the road is newly paved.  It is steep with sharp curves so take your time and use your low gears when you’re descending.  There’s a little trading post/grocery store in Lukachukai to pick up refreshments or check out arts & crafts. They also have the latest in cradle boards. Group Tour Information:  Totsoh Trading Post – (928) 787-2281      

For additional information contact: Navajo Nation Tourism Department  www.DiscoverNavajo.com
 
Courtesy of  leisuregrouptravel.com