A Trek To Window Rock, Arizona

Above, the natural arch that gives the town its name. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even though it has been a rainy day, I decided to take a drive to Window Rock, Arizona for the fun of it.

I had never been there before so I headed over after breakfast and a stop at the Tee Pee Trading Post in Lupton, Arizona.

Above, the Navajo Nation Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What's the significance of Window Rock?

According to Wikipedia:

Window Rock is a small city that serves as the seat of government and capital of the Navajo Nation, the largest territory of a sovereign Native American nation in North America. It lies within the boundaries of the St. Michaels Chapter, adjacent to the Arizona and New Mexico state line.

Above, a giant tabletop map of the Navajo Nation. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While it probably would have been better to go there during the spring and summer months, it was a nice drive with snow on the surrounding red rocks. Besides being my first time there, it was also the first time I drove in this area of the Navajo Nation.

Above, a display of Navajo Code Talker radio transmitters. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After arriving in town, I headed over to the Navajo Nation Museum. It is a nice modern facility with a large display area, conference rooms, library, the offices of the Miss Navajo pageant and a gift shop. Free coffee is available at the information desk in the main lobby.

After wandering through the museum, I headed over to see the rock formation that gives the town itss name.

Above, an interesting rock formation a short walk away from the museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To get good view of Window Rock, one has to drive to the Window Rock Tribal Park & Veteran's Memorial. At the Veteran's Memorial is a huge statue of a Navajo Code Talker of World War II. The park honors Navajos who served in the U.S. military.

Above, the "Legendary Navajo Code Talkers" statue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I didn't walk over to the statue as the walkways were very icy from the New Year's snowstorm.

After visiting the Window Rock Tribal Park, I headed out and stopped at the Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise facility. There were many examples of Navajo art goods including jewelry, rugs/blankets, camping equipment, paintings, clothing and other items. I didn't see anything that suited my fancy enough to purchase.

Above, a side view of the "Legendary Navajo Code Talkers" statue. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

After visiting the Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise, I headed out to go to Gallup for some grocery shopping.

From the time I left the Flying J this morning and returned home today, I drove about 108 miles. Not a bad little outing.

Above, Window Rock Tribal Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This gave me a great opportunity to get some exercise and see things. I will post more on the Navajo Nation Museum in another blog post.