Window Rock, Capital of Navajo Nation in Apache County, Arizona, United States
Window Rock is the capital of the Navajo Nation in Apache County, Arizona, near the border with New Mexico. Administrative buildings, a courthouse, and a museum stand close to the namesake sandstone formation with a natural opening.
The administrative headquarters was established in 1936 to bring together different agency offices within the reservation area. The tribe gained additional responsibilities in education, health, and justice over the following decades.
The name refers to a rock formation with a circular opening visible from the ground, considered meaningful in traditional Navajo culture. Navajo speakers use the name Tségháhoodzání, which references the natural architecture of the sandstone.
A visit in the early morning or late afternoon offers soft light that brings out the reddish color of the sandstone. Walking trails in the area require sturdy footwear and plenty of water, especially during warm months.
A zoological and botanical park displays animal and plant species from the Four Corners region, including some that appear in Navajo ceremonies and healing practices. The park also supports reintroduction efforts for endangered species that historically lived in this area.
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