Coal Mine Canyon Arizona
A remote Arizona gem on Navajo/Hopi land, Coal Mine Canyon boasts stunning, colorful hoodoos and vast, untouched landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, mild temps
Coal Mine Canyon Arizona
Best Time
Golden light, mild temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A remote Arizona gem on Navajo/Hopi land, Coal Mine Canyon boasts stunning, colorful hoodoos and vast, untouched landscapes.
"The best thing in AZ for beautiful views and zero people."
🚗 AWD Recommended for Roads
Dirt roads can be bumpy. While some sedans manage, AWD or SUV offers a smoother ride .
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No services available. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colorful Hoodoos
Upper end of the ravine
Striking, candle-like formations in vibrant hues, a photographer's dream.
Vast, Unspoiled Views
Canyon rim
Expansive vistas of a lesser-known canyon, offering solitude and breathtaking scenery.
Remnants of Mining Past
Canyon edges
Echoes of a bygone era with visible signs of historical coal mining operations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Remote Beauty, Pack Accordingly
Respect the Land and Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 AWD Recommended for Roads
Dirt roads can be bumpy. While some sedans manage, AWD or SUV offers a smoother ride.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No services available. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Ensure your navigation is accessible offline.
📸 Capture the Colors
The canyon's formations are incredibly photogenic, especially in the morning light.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 AWD Recommended for Roads
Dirt roads can be bumpy. While some sedans manage, AWD or SUV offers a smoother ride.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No services available. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty. Ensure your navigation is accessible offline.
📸 Capture the Colors
The canyon's formations are incredibly photogenic, especially in the morning light.
🤫 Embrace the Solitude
Enjoy the peace and quiet; it's a major draw for this remote location.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Coal Mine Canyon's stunning, otherworldly beauty and the incredible solitude it offers, calling it an 'AZ secret.' The colorful hoodoos and vast views are major highlights. However, the remote location means a lack of services and potentially rough access roads, requiring thorough preparation.
"An AZ secret...absolutely stunning canyon with hoodoos in the middle of nowhere! Dirt roads to the site can be a bit rutted and bumpy, but an AWD car, SUV, or truck will have no problems.
Be advised that there is next to nothing civilization-wise in the area and very few people, so be prepared prior to visiting. There are zero provisions, other than spectacular views and excellent hiking. Definitely worth the drive if you're in the eastern area of the Grand Canyon or Tuba City."
Terry Lycans
"The best thing in AZ for beautiful views and zero people."
Blake Schaffer
"Beautiful pair of canyons in the middle of nowhere. Plug "Coal Mine Canyon" into your gps and you'll be taken to the entrance off of 264. You don't need a 4 wheel drive vehicle as it has been suggested, my Nissan Sentra was able to handle the drive perfectly."
Chris Sanders
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Coal Mine Canyon is located on Navajo and Hopi Nation land, about 70 miles from the Grand Canyon's east entrance.
While not heavily signposted, many visitors find it manageable by following GPS directions to the general area. Reading recent reviews for specific directions can also be helpful.
While some visitors have navigated the dirt roads in sedans, an AWD vehicle, SUV, or truck is generally recommended for a more comfortable and secure drive, especially if the roads are in rough condition.
No, there is no public transportation to Coal Mine Canyon. It is a remote location best accessed by private vehicle.
Coal Mine Canyon is located approximately 30-40 miles east of Tuba City, Arizona, making it a feasible day trip from the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As Coal Mine Canyon is located on Navajo and Hopi Nation land, it's always a good idea to check for any specific tribal land use regulations or fees. However, many visitors report no entry fees or permits required for casual day visits.
Coal Mine Canyon does not have official operating hours as it is a natural, remote area. Visitors typically access it during daylight hours for safety and optimal viewing.
Most visitors do not report paying an entrance fee. However, regulations on tribal lands can change, so it's wise to be prepared for potential fees or to check with local tribal authorities if concerned.
Camping is generally not permitted within the immediate canyon area. Visitors often day trip to the site. For camping, explore options in nearby national forests or designated campgrounds.
Official guided tours are not widely advertised. Due to its remote nature and cultural significance, it's best to explore independently or with a knowledgeable local guide if available.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary activities at Coal Mine Canyon are hiking along the rim, photography of the colorful hoodoos and formations, and simply enjoying the vast, quiet landscape.
Yes, there are opportunities for hiking along the canyon rim. Trails are generally not well-maintained or marked, so caution is advised. The terrain can be uneven.
The upper edges of the canyon offer the most dramatic views of the colorful hoodoos and formations, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
No, Coal Mine Canyon is a remote natural area with no facilities. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies and packing out all trash.
Safety depends on preparedness. Be aware of uneven terrain, potential drop-offs, and the remote location. Always let someone know your travel plans and carry essential safety gear.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are virtually no services or dining options directly at Coal Mine Canyon. The nearest amenities are in Tuba City, which is about 30-40 miles away.
Given the remoteness, it's essential to pack all your food and drinks. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.
Yes, picnicking is a great way to enjoy the views. Just be sure to pack out all your trash to keep the area pristine.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The low-angle light accentuates the colors and textures of the canyon walls and hoodoos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canyon views, while a telephoto lens can help isolate interesting formations. A tripod is useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.
The uniquely colored hoodoos, often described as looking like 'dipped candles,' are a primary subject.
Drone usage on tribal lands can be restricted. It's crucial to check with the Navajo and Hopi Nations for current regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
The remoteness means no facilities, so carrying all gear is necessary. The desert sun can be harsh, and dust can be an issue, so protecting your equipment is important.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens to capture intricate details. A tripod will be invaluable for low-light conditions. Be prepared for the elements and protect your gear from dust.🚗 Road Trippers & RV Travelers
While some reviews suggest AWD is necessary, many RV travelers with standard vehicles have successfully navigated the dirt access roads.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Remote Landscape
Preparation is key for visiting this secluded spot. Cell service is notoriously unreliable, making offline maps and a reliable GPS device essential. Visitors are strongly advised to carry ample water, snacks, and a full tank of gas, as there are no services available for miles. This ensures a safe and enjoyable exploration of the canyon's unique geological features without worry.
Beyond the practicalities, the experience of Coal Mine Canyon is one of profound solitude and natural wonder. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the landscape, a stark reminder of the wild beauty that still exists away from the crowds.
Geological Marvels and Historical Echoes
The canyon walls display a rich palette of reds, oranges, yellows, and purples, creating a breathtaking panorama, particularly during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.+1The canyon's name hints at its past. Historically, it was mined for coal, though the quality of the coal proved to be poor, leading to the abandonment of these operations. Remnants of this mining era can still be observed along the upper edges of the canyon, serving as a subtle reminder of human interaction with this rugged landscape.
This blend of natural artistry and historical footnotes makes Coal Mine Canyon a unique destination.For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the canyon offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture its unique beauty. The lack of crowds means you can often have these stunning vistas all to yourself, allowing for a more intimate connection with the environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit