coal mine canyon

Beautiful colors in the rock walls. Previous reviews describe two different points of access--at the windmill, easily visible to north of road about 14 miles from Tuba City, and at the Hotevilla sign about 18 miles. If you take the second option, it's about 3 miles on dirt track to the canyon where there are several overlooks. Any car can make it unless the track is wet. Doesn't take much time to make this interesting little side trip.

My husband read something about it and then saw photographs and has been wanting to see it for a couple of years. We actually were in Flagstaff for my birthday and took the side trip to see it. We followed directions that others have posted and found it with no trouble, but there are no signs. As you approach it seems impossible that it will look like the photos, but bam, there it is-this incredible canyon yawning before your eyes. It is a lot like Bryce Canyon with the colors and the hoo doos or spires. Like so many of the landscapes on Indian lands we experience the beauty and the harshness at the same time. The colors are spectacular with grays, whites, reds, greens and blacks complimenting the rock formations from years of wind and water. It is desolate and dramatic. We walked around on top, but they do not advise going into the canyon alone. There is a ranch fairly close, but I almost felt like an intruder, this is a powerful, historic place.

when i moved to tuba city i saw this site when i was driving in. I was curious on what was upon those hills, so i went for it! this spot is hard to give a location.. I'd say its about 10 miles out of Tuba. The canyon walls remind me of the painted desert up in Winslow Az Area. Great place to have a picnic and watch the sunset :)

We was told about this place information from Hopi friend. This place is sacred and very important for Hopi peoples.　All ethnic group is here. We have understood what they want to say and we have to do in the world. We must keep the state of the environment in which a situation exists.

As a teen growing up in the area, we would head to Coal Mine on nights with a full moon. Sitting on the edge of the canyon, we watched to moon shine on the rocks in the center of the canyon. The legends were told of a widow who walked the canyon looking for her husband. If you watched long enough, you could see it MOVE!

We were staying in Tuba City and heard about Coal Mine Canyon, during breakfast the next morning we asked the local police in the restaurant if it was worth the drive. They were more than helpful in giving us directions to the canyon. Yes you have to watch for the windmill off in the distance, turn onto a desert road and yes it is private there is a farm over in the distance, drive to the windmill and park. And WOW. The scenery just ahead is magnificent, popping up in the middle of the desert. The only thing the police did say was to not go down inside hiking alone because if you fell and hurt yourself and started hollering for help, chances are no one would hear you. It was absolutely breathtaking. There are a few concrete type tables and benches but not bathroom facilities. IT is one of those beautiful hidden secrets of the desert. A must see if you are in the area. We are back in the area in October and taking family there for a picnic.

We were going to the Hopi Reservation for a couple of days and I knew about this short side trip. We found the road to be in very good shape, any car could have made it. We were there late morning and the colors would be better early AM or before Sunset. My wife stepped out of the car and immediately picked up a seashell and some fossilized shells, we did not keep them! I have a friend that's hiked into the canyon, we didn't. I'm guessing with more time it could be fun.Considering that a short 1/2 hour detour will get you to this amazing place, everyone should stop.

Coal Mine Canyon is very beautiful in conjunction with excursions to Hopi or Monument Valley. You can get permits to hike it at Cameron Trading Post highway 89 about 20 minutes south of Tuba. This is Native country. It's a geologically sensitive area and not designed for tourism and therefore I am a little concerned about impact. Best to hire a guide if not familiar to the area. There are no facilities there but Tuba City is close by.Gary Tso is a First Nations Hopi and goes to Coal Mine as well as cultural tours of all three Mesas. He comes highly recommended. I have used him before and respect his approach - he will take you places where no one else will.

14.4 miles (from the map) east of the junction of 264 and 160 at Tuba City, turn left onto a dirt road and drive straight NW. The abandoned mine buildings are located at 35° 59.742'N 111° 44.784'W (Google Earth) and there are residences nearby, so be respectful. 300 metres SE of the buildings there is an enclosure with concrete benches, tables and firepits. The rock colours in the Canyon are spectacular. Worth a visit if you are driving by, but don't take your town car down the track. From the highway it is 3500 ft or just over half a mile.

lived in area many years, revisiting on my "bucket trip"... my off-road equipped jeep was well suited, but in past visits have seen many vehicles get themselves hung up... excellent first hand geology and many fossils clearly visible, each rain brings new finds

It is definitely an adventure to find this spectacular canyon, but when you do, you will be overwhelmed by its gorgeous unique stunning beauty! You will just say, WOW!!!!

My family grew up near/close by the canyon, and yes its difficult to find but worth it. There is a road that goes down into the canyon where you can find old trading post an school that use to be there, as my auntie stated. People still live beyond the canyon, so just be careful an respectful :)

Long dirt road out to the canyon, and I wish I could have found a way down into the canyon. Got some great photos.

Yes, it's hard to locate. You follow the directions and you're still concerned as you drive along a narrow dirt track. But you can see the edge of something canyon-like, so you keep going and boy is it magnificent.I'm guessing this is not a whizz-bang tourist attraction because it's on private land, which makes it even more interesting as not that many people see it. And thanks to the land-owners if it is private for allowing the odd tourist to appreciate the canyon in their back yard.There are several tracks and vantage points to see the canyon and all are different. Some have a blending of black through yellow and red and others are pure white. The most obvious track is the shortest one at the windmill and the views are panoramic from here. But make sure you try the next track off the highway that winds down a hillside before easing between canyon on both sides. Here you can see the smaller tributary canyons which are fantastic in themselves. This is a peaceful place where you can enjoy a marvellous landscape in solitude. Get the directions and make the effort.

Beautiful location, interesting color & texture contrasts. Amazing formations, places to picnic, easy to get to but drive slowly as not marked properly from the road. Look for the metal Water Windmill