Blue Canyon
Around Tuba City - Arizona
Note: On dirt roads, road conditions can change constantly. Therefore, we strongly recommend that everyone check the road conditions before each trip. We do not recommend driving on unpaved roads before, during or shortly after rain or snowfall.
Coordinate:
Junction from Highway 264 onto Hopi Route 7: Latitude 35.971115 , Longitude -110.829810
Our visits: So far 1 visit in November 2009
Note: There are always rumors that you need permits for the canyon. The Blue Canyon is on the territory of the Hopi and actually it is not allowed to enter their territory without a permit. So there is always the possibility that you are not welcome. That's something to keep in mind. We don't know where and if there are any permits at all.
Blue Canyon
Description of how to get there: The approach is first via Highway 264 south of Tuba City. After about 33.6mi turn left into Hopi-Route 7. Follow this road for 14.7mi until you reach Blue Canyon. The entire length of Hopi-Route 7 is unpaved. During our visit it was relatively well passable and should be no problem for a SUV with high ground clearance. As with all dirt roads, however, conditions can always change. The only difficulty may be a wash about 2.5mi before the parking lot. You first have to go down a relatively steep hill and then you cross the wash. If the wash has water, it can become impassable.
In addition to this route, you can also reach the Blue Canyon from the north, also via Hopi-Route 7. We did not drive this road and therefore cannot say anything about it.
Description: The Blue Canyon area is quite small and overlookable, there are no trails and you can hike freely everywhere. The terrain is flat.
Trail length: 1.5mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: –
Time needed: 1-2 hour
Difficulty level: easy
Our rating: Our visit to Blue Canyon was a while ago (November 2009). However, we have very good memories of it. The unusual stone formations are definitely worth a visit. If the weather is dry, getting there should not be too much of a problem.
