Blue Canyon

Blue Canyon is a valley in Coconino County featuring red and white rock formations within Moenkopi Wash, displaying numerous geological features such as hoodoos, spires, and ravines. The layered stone creates a complex pattern of eroded shapes across the landscape.

This place formed as part of an extensive branched drainage system that includes Coal Mine Canyon, Ha Ho No Geh Canyon, and Bat Canyon near Moenkopi. These canyons developed over millions of years through erosion and water flow patterns.

The Hopi Nation manages this land, and visitors must obtain permits and travel with authorized tribal guides to protect sacred territory. This requirement reflects how deeply the Hopi people value and safeguard this place.

Access starts from Red Lake Trading Post on US 160 or from AZ 264, involving about 14 miles (22.5 km) of sandy tracks suitable for standard vehicles. Visitors should be prepared for rough conditions and allow extra time for the drive.

The rock walls display natural patterns in sedimentary stones that reveal geological processes of the eastern Painted Desert. These formations tell the story of millions of years of erosion and layer building in the stone.