Territory capital · United States
Window RockTségháhoodzání
Go for one night as the capital of the Navajo Nation: museum, zoo and the memorial park take half a day; add Canyon de Chelly or Hubbell for a second.
Window Rock is the administrative capital of the Navajo Nation, a town of about 3,000 people just west of the New Mexico line. It is small, but the tribal museum, the zoo and the sandstone window that names the town sit within a few minutes of each other, and it is the practical base for Canyon de Chelly, Hubbell Trading Post and the reservation's rug-weaving country. Most travellers reach it by car from Gallup, New Mexico.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon storms and heat), Dec–Feb (cold nights, some closures)
- Airports
- ABQ · FLG · GUP
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Window Rock911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Navajo Nation Police (Window Rock dispatch)928-871-6111
- Poison control (US, 24 h)1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Window Rock, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyWindow Rock is a small, quiet administrative town and violent crime is rare; the real issues are long empty drives, summer monsoon storms…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 928-871-6111 Navajo Nation Police (Window Rock dispatch) · 1-800-222-1222 Poison control (US, 24 h)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportABQ Albuquerque International Sunport (About a 2.5-hour drive east; the usual gateway with rental cars.).
- Getting aroundThe town is about 5 square miles (14 sq km): walk the museum, zoo and memorial park cluster, or drive between them in a few minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeUS$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down meal for twoBefore tax; tip 18–22%.US$30–60
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum and zoo entryDonations welcome.Free
- Budget bedFamily room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$140
- Mid-range bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$140
- High-end bedMotel or inn double room, a night, per roomUS$220
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$120 · High US$220
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ABQ Albuquerque International Sunport (About a 2.5-hour drive east; the usual gateway with rental cars.) · FLG Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (Smaller; about a 3-hour drive west.) · GUP Gallup Municipal Airport (No scheduled airline service; Gallup itself is about 30 minutes east by road.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C) low), wettest Aug (8 rain days), driest Jun (2). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Window Rock: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
4 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
4 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
4 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
3 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
3 rd
Jun
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
8 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
5 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
4 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
3 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is about 5 square miles (14 sq km): walk the museum, zoo and memorial park cluster, or drive between them in a few minutes. Navajo Transit System runs buses on the reservation; a car is the practical choice for anything outside town.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Drive US-191 north to Ganado, about 1 h
A working trading post with rugs and jewellery; the NPS site is free to enter.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Drive US-191 north to Chinle, about 1 h 45 min
Rim drives are free; the canyon floor needs a Navajo guide. Better with a night in Chinle.
Gallup, New Mexico
goDoor to door: About 35 min
Drive Hwy 264 east to I-40, about 30 min
The nearest full-size town: motels, restaurants and the only legal alcohol nearby.
Petrified Forest National Park
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h 30 min
Drive east to I-40 then west, about 2 h 15 min
A long return day; pair it with an overnight in Holbrook instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Window Rock and St. Michaels
The two inns and most services sit along Hwy 264 between the town centre and St. Michaels, 3–5 minutes apart by car.
Gallup, New Mexico
About 30 minutes east on I-40; far more rooms, restaurants and bars, and alcohol is legal there.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- US$110–180 excl. bed
- High
- US$180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel or inn double room1 × 1 night × US$140 | US$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$120 | US$240 |
| Rental car, one day, compact1 × US$70 · check | US$70 |
| Fuel, 200 km of driving1 × US$25 · check | US$25 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$51 |
| Trip total≈ US$278 per person per day, bed included | US$556 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; car hire and long drives excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | US$3–6 |
| Frybread from a standMost stands cluster near the downtown flea market. | US$5–10 |
| Green chile cheeseburger | US$8–14 |
| Sit-down meal for twoBefore tax; tip 18–22%. | US$30–60 |
| Grocery run for a day's food | US$20–35 |
| Museum and zoo entryDonations welcome. | Free |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Alcohol is prohibited on the Navajo Nation: do not carry or drink it in Window Rock, and expect a search if you cross into the reservation with a cooler.
- The reservation observes daylight saving time, unlike most of Arizona — clocks shift relative to Phoenix and Flagstaff in summer.
- Cell coverage is patchy outside town; download maps and fuel up before long drives.
- Some roads and trails on tribal land need a permit or a Navajo guide: check before you set off, especially at Canyon de Chelly.
- Summer monsoon storms drop heavy rain fast and wash out dirt roads.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Navajo Nation Police (Window Rock dispatch)
- 928-871-6111
- Poison control (US, 24 h)
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
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Window RockTségháhoodzání
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Díígi shíí yíghááhTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Navajo Nation Police (Window Rock)928-871-6111
- Poison control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies here; national capitals and consulates sit in Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Houston and Denver. US visitors: your own consulate is not needed, but keep ID on you.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Gallup → Window Rock by car: about 30 min, roughly 40 km (25 mi) (check)about 30 min, roughly 25 mi (40 km) (check)
- Window Rock → Canyon de Chelly by car: about 1 h 45 min (check)
- Albuquerque airport → Window Rock by car: about 2.5 h (check)
Say or show
- Ahéheeʼ — Thank you (ah-HAY-heh)
- Yáʼátʼééh — Hello (yah-ah-TEH)
- Díkwíísh bąąh? — How much is it? (dih-KWEE-sh bah)
- Háájígo chąąʼ bee nihwiiłtʼé? — Where is the restroom? (check pronunciation)
Alcohol is banned on the Navajo Nation. Photography of ceremonies and some sites is restricted: ask first.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Window Rock. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (monsoon storms and heat), Dec–Feb (cold nights, some closures) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ABQ: drive times, rental desks, last fuel before the reservation.
- Walking cluster map for the museum, zoo and memorial park, with parking and shade.
- Place pages with verified hours for the Navajo Nation Museum, the zoo and the tribal park.
- Permit and guide rules for Canyon de Chelly and tribal-land drives, checked against NPS and Navajo Nation sources.