Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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THE HOPI RESERVATION
67 miles N of Winslow; 250 miles NE of Phoenix; 100 miles SW of Canyon de Chelly; 140 miles SE of Page/
Lake Powell
The Hopi Reservation, often referred to as Hopiland or just Hopi, is completely encir-
cled by the Navajo Reservation and has at its center a grouping of mesas upon which the
Hopi have lived for nearly 1,000 years. This remote region, with its flat-topped mesas
and barren landscape, is the center of the universe for the Hopi people. Here the Hopi
follow their ancient customs, and many aspects of pueblo culture remain intact. How-
ever, much of the culture is hidden from the view of visitors, and although the Hopi
perform elaborate religious and social dances throughout the year, many of these dances
are not open to outsiders.
The mesas are home to two of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in North
America—Walpi and Old Oraibi. Although these two communities show their age and
serve as a direct tie to the pueblos of the Ancestral Puebloan culture, most of the villages
on the reservation are scattered collections of modern homes. These villages are not
destinations unto themselves, but along Ariz. 264 numerous crafts shops and studios sell
kachinas, baskets, pottery, and silver jewelry. The chance to buy crafts directly from the
Hopi is the main reason for a visit to this area, although you can also take a guided tour
of Walpi village.
Important note:
When visiting the Hopi pueblos, remember that you are a guest and
your privileges can be revoked at any time. Respect all posted signs at village entrances,
and remember that
photographing, sketching, and recording are prohibited in the vil-
lages and at ceremonies.
Also, kivas (ceremonial rooms) and ruins are off-limits.
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ESSENTIALS
GETTING THERE
This is one of the state's most remote regions. Distances are great,
but highways are generally in good condition. Ariz. 87 leads from Winslow to Second
Mesa, and Ariz. 264 runs from Tuba City in the west to the New Mexico state line in the
east.
VISITOR INFORMATION
For advance information, contact the
Hopi Cultural Pres-
ervation Office,
P.O. Box 123, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039 (
&
928/734-3612;
www.nau.
edu/~hcpo-p).
THE VILLAGES
With the exception of Upper and Lower Moenkopi, which are near the Navajo town of
Tuba City, and the recently settled Yuh Weh Loo Pah Ki community, east of Keams
Canyon, the Hopi villages are scattered along roughly 20 miles of Ariz. 264. Although
Old Oraibi is the oldest, there are no tours of this village, and visitors are not likely to
feel very welcome here. Consequently, Walpi, the only village with organized tours, is the
best place for visitors to learn more about life in the Hopi villages. We mention all
of the Hopi villages below to provide a bit of history and perspective on this area, but for
the most part, these villages (with the exception of Walpi and Old Oraibi) are not at all
picturesque. However, most do have quite a few crafts galleries and stores selling silver
jewelry.
FIRST MESA
At the top of First Mesa is the village of
Walpi,
parts of which today still
look much like the ruins of Ancestral Puebloan villages in such locations as Canyon de
