Climbing on the Navajo Nation is ILLEGAL. MORE INFO >>>
While some have made clandestine ascents in the area without incident, others climbing on the Navajo Nation have had their gear confiscated or have been fined. It is unclear what the specific consequences would be if confronted by Navajo authorities. It is unclear if one can get permission to climb here from someone with the appropriate authority to legitimize climbing here. Some climbers have talked to locals, especially the grazing-permit holders, and respectfully asked permission, and have had really positive experiences, climbing as well as a cultural experience, in some areas on the Navajo Nation.
This area is included for historical purposes mainly, and as a location to put those amazing photos everyone has.
The Navajo Nation covers a large area within the four corners region of Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. The majority of this land lies within Arizona and New Mexico. This section covers only the portion of the reservation that exists in New Mexico, one can see the Arizona Navajolands as well.
Presently, climbing is banned in the Navajo Nation. This information is included only for historical purposes. Please see this informative article, written by Cameron M. Burns (aka cammo) for more information.
Getting There
The Navajo reservation covers a huge corner of the map in the northwest portion of the state. Most of the area can be accessed by heading north from Gallup, NM or south from Shiprock, NM on the late US Highway 666 (now US-491).
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for New Mexico Navajolands: