HikeArizona.COM

Hey all,
I'm trying to plan myself a trip (or a couple trips) over my spring break next week and I'm having a bit of trouble working out the details. Does anyone know the specifics on camping/backpacking on the Navajo/Hopi joint use land near the painted desert? I'd like to hop into either Ha Ho No Geh Canyon near the 264 or Coal Mine Canyon near the picnic tables and spend a few days wandering around down there. I called the Navajo Recreation palce in Cameron and the lady wasn't really a huge help. She said that she could issue me a permit for hiking, and after a bit of debating with herself said it should probably be fine if I camped at the rim of Coal Mine Canyon. When I asked about backpacking in and camping at the bottom of the canyon, she mulled over it a bit and then told me something along the lines of them just finding out that the bottom of the canyon is actually Hopi land so it's not under their jurisdiction. But, that the Hopi most likely didn't monitor that area. I didn't really press the issue any more because she sounded very unsure of all her answers and I don't really have much confidence in what she told me, so I'm wondering if anybody here with more experience with that area can help me out?

Thanks

Look at a map. You should be able to find the boundaries of the Hopi-Navajo Joint Use Area with a Google search. Unless you've got a guide, hiking or backpacking on Hopi lands is generally a no-no (unless you go under the radar).

I have had similar experiences with various Navajo permit requests.
USGS shows that Coal and Ha Ho No are all within Navajo land holdings. I realize that she said that "recently,......" ....but I'm with her... Who's gonna be checking.

re. camping/hiking/backpacking...... I have generally just paid $10.00 per day - that way I'm covered.........
"In accordance with the Resources Committee Land Use Policies, a camping fee will be charged of $5 per person, per night. In addition a backcountry use permit is required for hiking. The backcountry permit fee is $5 per person."

The best way to find out is to call the individual chapter house that governs that area. coalmine at navajochapters org
The visitor center often gives out misinformation or isn't completely informed. I disagree with "Who's looking" attitude as this will cause more closure and restrictions when peps get caught. The Navajo Nation is has enough closure and we should respect their sovereignty, as well as the fact that if caught it is a little like going to a third world jail (have lots of cash and gold)

There is a home near to the rim of Coal Mine Canyon, in fact you drive by it to get to a parking area near the abandoned picnic sites. I had a nice conversation with a young Hopi man there, I would get permission from them if they are home if you camp on the rim. I've been in Coal Mine twice, and the second time some Navajos were spending some time on the rim there.
I too had some confusing conversations with the tribe and stopped in Cameron in person for a permit to hike Rainbow Bridge. So I did the north trail without the permit, saw some Navajos with a pack trail near the bridge, had a brief pleasant conversation with no hassles. and had an amazing trip. No problems at the TH either.

jkern15674 wrote:The Navajo Nation is has enough closures and we should respect their sovereignty

I agree with this completely. But, like Letty said, some people do go in without permits and no one seems to care.