Wanderlog
  • Log in
Guide contents
Map layers
•

Overview
Where to eat
Day 1
Pin

1-Day Tuba City Itinerary

When is your trip?
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Wanderlog logo
Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 20, 2025

Tuba City in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Tuba City, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
Tuba City offers a window into Navajo culture, with local trading posts, artwork, and the Navajo Code Talkers Museum highlighting the community’s history. Nearby, the Moenkopi Dinosaur Tracks site lets visitors see clearly visible fossilized footprints in an open desert setting. The town serves as a practical base for exploring parts of the Navajo Nation and is within driving distance of major northern Arizona attractions such as the Grand Canyon.
With favorites like Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks, Explore Navajo Museum, and Hogan Restaurant, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees. We even included some of our favorite food spots around the area, like Hogan Restaurant so you can get the best taste of Tuba City while you’re here. To see our full list of food recommendations, check out our best restaurants post. If you're traveling on a budget, you can check out our cheap eats post.
Visiting Tuba City? See our Tuba City Trip Planner.
Feel free to follow our itinerary exactly or tailor it to your own needs — happy wandering!
Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Learn more
What users say about the app
Love love love! ❤️ Planning travel has actually been fun instead of tedious because of this app.
J
Julie G.
Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. I can’t imagine anyone not loving this app!
J
Jen S.
Wanderlog makes planning a trip so effortless. Seriously, this app does it all!
B
Brad C.
This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! I can’t recommend it enough!
A
Amanda W.
Amazing!! The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.
G
Garrett V.
This is the crème de la crème of planning apps! Don’t think about it - just click download right this minute.
C
Chris C.

Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Table of contents
  • Tuba City in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks and Explore Navajo Museum with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Tuba City without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 3 hours of your day.
1

Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks

4.4
(1490)
•
4.5
(518)
Sights & Landmarks
Museum
Points of Interest & Landmarks
This hidden gem in the desert is like stepping back into the Jurassic era. The dinosaur tracks are real fossilized footprints preserved right in the rock—you’re literally standing where dinosaurs once walked! Local Navajo guides are usually on-site and enthusiastically point out different types of tracks, explaining which ones might belong to T-Rex or Triceratops. It’s not a polished tourist site, but that raw, open-air setting adds to the authenticity of the experience. A must-visit for anyone interested in dinosaurs, geology, or off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Jennifer ( — Google review
We had an awesome tour guide - Jennifer Whiterock - who walked us out and showed us what was what and told us stories about the finds. We saw a lot of really cool things, and she encouraged us to touch the bones, stand on them, etc - there is no other place I have ever been or very likely will - who would let you do that. Our guide brought a water bottle to add water to the finds to make them more visible. She made sure we were okay to continue exploring in the heat when a member was falling behind. She is so sweet. Be respectful of where you are. This belongs to the Navajo, and they chose to share this with you. Do not take bones or stones. Leave the environment as you find it. Listen to the stories and learn. Our guide told us payment was up to us, that we could pay as we saw fit. We bought some jewelry from her as well. If you can't pay, it's fine. Obviously, if you can, please do. This is a treasure they are sharing. Let your children see the wonders, even if you can't afford it. This is a once in a lifetime experience.
Natalia W — Google review
There are an abundance of tracks, and they look really cool with the red dirt water in them. Our guide was Jennifer. She told us where to park and greeted us when we got out. Her guiding style was show and identify a track, then walk to the next one and wait for us to take our pics and catch up to her. One track she said was a brontosaurus, and knowing better, I can say that it was not. But didn’t comment to her about the error. About 200’ into the tour, she declared that she was too hot, and returned to the jewelry stands. It wasn’t very hot that day, and she had a sweatshirt on that she could have taken off. So the tracks were really neat, but the interaction with our guide was sorely lacking. We gave her a good tip anyway, just because.
Borealis B — Google review
Well worth the stop! Orlando Whitestone was my guide when I was there and was incredibly knowledgeable! I highly recommend accepting a tour from a guide; they’ll point out the best tracks, fossilized eggs, fossilized dung piles, and point out the ancient river beds. The guides work off donations, $10-20 is a good range to tip for their service.
Yelloow3 — Google review
What a cool thing to see. So random, at first you're wondering if you're going to the right place. Middle of nowhere, sign that says dinosaur tracks. You just pull in and drive up to where the Natives have their little jewelery huts. Donate what you want for them to give you a tour, because they know where all the best tracks are. Tip heavily, they deserve it. They stand out in the heat all day. If it was bought out by some company and made into an attraction, you'd be paying a lot. I appreciate it being in its natural state.
Private — Google review
Interesting and very cool. A local Navajo guided us through the place, showing us the different dinosaur footsteps (about 10-15 minutes). If you need a small break from driving or just like dinosaurs, this is a great place.
Sora — Google review
The site itself is very interesting and worth stopping to see — there are real dinosaur track fossils here. In particular, the large three-toed tracks found in this area are consistent with Dilophosaurus, a real early Jurassic theropod that lived in this region around 190 million years ago. That part is accurate and scientifically supported. However, just a note about the guided explanations: the guides here are local individuals, not trained paleontologists, and some of the information offered can be incorrect. For example, we were told that there were T. rex and Velociraptor footprints here, but that is not possible — those dinosaurs lived over 100 million years later, in much younger rock layers than the ones at this site. So those particular claims were not accurate. My recommendation: Enjoy the site for what it truly is — a rare chance to see authentic Dilophosaurus-era tracks in the open desert. Just take the spoken explanations with caution and look up the scientific details afterward if you’re curious. Overall: Great stop, real footprints, but verify the dino facts independently.
Wang H — Google review
What a wonderful experience!!! Connie was an amazing host who is patient and vey thoughtful. She shared accurate accounts of the dinosaurs and beautiful expressions of her culture.
Philip C — Google review
US-160, Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA•https://www.flagstaff.com/dinosaur-tracks•Tips and more reviews for Navajo Moenave Dinosaur Tracks
9 min · 6.5 mi
2

Explore Navajo Museum

4.5
(69)
•
4.5
(117)
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Explore Navajo Museum, located next door, offers a fascinating insight into Navajo land, language, history, and ceremonial life. Visitors can explore a life-size hogan and enjoy hands-on weaving and basket-making displays. The museum was established during the 2002 Olympic games to showcase the rich history and culture of the Navajo nation. It features educational materials and video interviews with modern-day Navajo individuals.
Free museum, accepting donations. They are open many more hours in the summer than in the winter and change their schedule every seaon. Start with a ten minute video depicting the Navajo origin story, then see the exhibits with information on Navajo history and culture.
Gustave S — Google review
Small but lots of information. Short film to start the tour then you can wander at your own pace .
Catherine S — Google review
This museum was created during the 2002 Olympic games to tell the world about the Navajo nation. What an incredible source of history and culture. I really enjoyed the video interviews of modern day Navajo. Thank you!
Michelle G — Google review
This museum is a great place to start on your visit to Tuba City. Is has some great displays and tons of information on the local tribes. I come here every time I visit Tuba City along with the Trading Post.
James A — Google review
It's an okay museum, but I wouldn't recommend it much. It's quite small, unlike the name suggests, it's NOT interactive at all. The movie they played in the beginning was very low quality, however it did a good job explaining Navajo history.
Csala H — Google review
A lovely little museum, that gives a deep look into Navajo culture. Well worth the entrance and visit.
Oscar — Google review
Nice little museum. I enjoyed it. The cashier allowed us to go 5 minutes before closing time. Very kind. The materials inside are educational. This is a good place to start if you wish to learn about Navajo, Diné culture.
Frank T — Google review
Small but very interesting museum, we learned a lot about Navajo culture and history. As a tourist, it really helps better understand the region and the people who inhabit it. Highly recommend.
Yann M — Google review
10 Main St, Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA•http://www.explorenavajo.com/•Tips and more reviews for Explore Navajo Museum
Need a place to stay?
Where
When

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

When
–

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Travelers
2
Rooms and guests
Rooms
1
Adults
2
Children
0
Travelers
2
2 min · 0.11 mi
3

Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit

4.6
(43)
•
4.5
(12)
Exhibit
Education center
Museum
The Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit, located within the Tuba Trading Post, is a small but impactful museum that delves into the crucial role played by Navajo soldiers in World War II. Through their traditional language, they transmitted coded messages that were vital to Allied victory. The exhibit features compelling artifacts and photographs, offering visitors a glimpse into this significant part of U.S. history.
As a retired 38+ year veteran of the US Air Force, I was very moved by the Navajo Code Talker's museum. It's smaller than I expected but was very complete in their exhibits. We also stayed at the Navajoland Hotel of Tuba City beside it and it was the best hotel I've stayed at in the last year, hands down.
Carlos R — Google review
Interesting no cost small exhibit worth a stop even only to salute these guys and the job they did. Enter through the Trading Post and go to the back. They were open today May 6
Nwa F — Google review
Excellent! Make sure to watch the film. It’s worth the time.
Susan C — Google review
Rally good place for history on the Navajo code tankers. We loved this piece of ww2 history.
Aalt B — Google review
I enjoy learning about history. This is an important part of U.S. history that should not be taken lightly. It is a small one room museum. The gift shop is at least 3 times as big. The exhibit has great pictures and artifacts. Good short stop. We missed out on another part of museum about Navajo because we visited during the week in winter. Call first to try to see it all.
Alma D — Google review
Interesting. This small museum is located inside the Tuba Trading Post. Access is free. It explains the story of the Navajo Code Takers. Navajo soldiers played a key role in WWII operations in the Pacific by using a secret code based in Navajo language in order to keep secret communications in the battlefield.
Luis A — Google review
Excellent small memorial for the Navajo Code Talkers. Take the time to learn an integral part of history and a WW2 Pacific victory made possible because of their efforts.
Van N — Google review
The automatic narration playing in the room was a nice touch. Small exhibit for something that was essential for us to win the Pacific theater, but a good visit in the back of the trading post.
Julian B — Google review
10 Main St, Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA•http://www.explorenavajo.com/•(928) 283-5441•Tips and more reviews for Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Where to eat

Even the most seasoned adventurers need a break to chow down some food. Close to Navajo Code Talkers Exhibit, these restaurants are about a 1-minute walk away.

Hogan Restaurant

3.6
(372)
•
3.4
(436)
American restaurant
Hogan Restaurant in Tuba City, AZ offers a comfortable dining experience with a focus on Navajo specialties. Visitors highly recommend the Navajo taco, fried flatbread, bean soup, and stew for their authentic flavors and quality ingredients. It's considered a great alternative to typical chain restaurants in the area. While there aren't many vegetarian options available, the restaurant still offers a few choices.
This place is wonderful. We had a bit of a wait for our food, but it was worth it. The fry bread was perfect. We had the mutton stew, and it was pretty tasty. The Navajo taco was delicious.
Kathleen O — Google review
A totally fine restaurant. Not incredibly exciting, but nothing negative. I had a bacon cheeseburger and it was enjoyable, but again, nothing special. If you’re staying in the hotel or at the campground I recommend it, but if you’re just passing through and you’re not starving I wouldn’t make a stop just for the food here. The dessert was probably the highlight of the evening, my family(4) shared a slice of apple pie and a slice of the turtles cheesecake and they were both delicious.
Ezra B — Google review
My family ate breakfast here this morning, and everything was wonderful! The food was perfect. Our waitress was very kind and checked on us often. The sheepherder omelet and Navajo fry bread breakfast burrito were our favorites!
Emily M — Google review
Our server Xylia was excellent, checked on my husband and I frequently. I had iced tea with fresh lemon and she refilled it right away. I ordered the Navajo taco - it was excellent! The pepper salsa was in a side dish and roasted pepper was on top of the taco, so if I wanted, I could have removed all the peppers. Very tasty and filling. Inside was decorated beautifully.
Susan C — Google review
I was craving a Chicken Fried Steak. Saw the price, $22. So settle for a $14.50 for a regular hamburger. (See Photo) Tiny amount of leaf lettuce, a thin slice of tomatoe? Small portion of red onion. Dried Fries that was sitting under the heat lamp for quite some time. And no pickle. We made it before the evening rush too. Still took forty mins for our food from time we ordered.
Murfy B — Google review
We were in for breakfast on a voucher from Navajoland hotel. The hostess is simply a spoiled little princess who can't be bothered. Interaction with her will include judgemental looks and rolling of eyes. Not a pleasant greeting from anyone else either. I'd give the food an ok, with some cooking errors involved. The biggest complaint, my breakfast was almost warm, nothing close to hot. Didn't seem to be any cohesiveness with staff. It took 40 minutes from being seated to getting our food. Building inside is actually nice. Place needs a manager who understands the hospitality business.
Rick N — Google review
great place. bug portions but tasty and relatively affordable, also had breakfast from the hotel we stayed at.
Sára P — Google review
The worst food, hot roast beef sandwich, 😖 very dry beef, dried hard toast. Little gravy very salty, I give the waiting staff trying but manager was too busy on her phone, the loud laughing & music from the kitchen is very annoying and embarrassing for other patrons we all kept looking towards the kotchen. Not to mention the wait time, omg, almost an hour, little refills, recommend to stay away & eat at dennys or fast food it! Better take the extra time go to cameron restaurant much better food, excellent service, better facilities. I would post oicture of this dried roast beef but I dont want to frighten guests! Stay away!
Al ( — Google review
10 Main St, Tuba City, AZ 86045, USA•https://www.navajolandtubacity.com/dining.html•(928) 283-5260•Tips and more reviews for Hogan Restaurant
Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Learn more

Create your ultimate travel itinerary

Plan your itinerary, find lodging, and import reservations — all in one app.

Best-of categories in Tuba City
See all
Browse categories
Place categoryRestaurants, museums, etc.

Popular road trips from Tuba City

Slide 1 of 14
Tuba City to
Las Vegas
Tuba City to
Los Angeles
Tuba City to
Sedona
Tuba City to
Grand Canyon National Park
Tuba City to
Page
Tuba City to
Phoenix
Tuba City to
Tucson
Tuba City to
Zion National Park
Tuba City to
Moab
Tuba City to
Bryce Canyon National Park
Tuba City to
Monument Valley
Tuba City to
Durango
Tuba City to
Flagstaff
Tuba City to
Chinle

What's the weather like in Tuba City?

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Tuba City for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Tuba City in January
  • Weather in Tuba City in February
  • Weather in Tuba City in March
  • Weather in Tuba City in April
  • Weather in Tuba City in May
  • Weather in Tuba City in June
  • Weather in Tuba City in July
  • Weather in Tuba City in August
  • Weather in Tuba City in September
  • Weather in Tuba City in October
  • Weather in Tuba City in November
  • Weather in Tuba City in December

All road trips from Tuba City

  • Tuba City to Las Vegas drive
  • Tuba City to Los Angeles drive
  • Tuba City to Sedona drive
  • Tuba City to Grand Canyon National Park drive
  • Tuba City to Page drive
  • Tuba City to Phoenix drive
  • Tuba City to Tucson drive
  • Tuba City to Zion National Park drive
  • Tuba City to Moab drive
  • Tuba City to Bryce Canyon National Park drive
  • Tuba City to the Monument Valley drive
  • Tuba City to Durango drive
  • Tuba City to Flagstaff drive
  • Tuba City to Chinle drive

Explore nearby places

  • Tuba City
  • Cameron
  • Tonalea Coconino County
  • Grand Canyon National Park
  • Tusayan
  • Marble Canyon
  • Page
  • Flagstaff
  • Big Water
  • Williams
  • Winslow
  • Supai
  • the Monument Valley
  • Sedona
  • Chinle
  • Kanab
  • Mexican Hat
  • Holbrook
  • Clarkdale
  • Cornville
  • Cottonwood
  • Rimrock
  • Jerome
  • Seligman
  • Cannonville
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Camp Verde
  • Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Escalante
  • Bryce
  • Zion National Park

All related maps of Tuba City

  • Map of Tuba City
  • Map of Cameron
  • Map of Tonalea Coconino County
  • Map of Grand Canyon National Park
  • Map of Tusayan
  • Map of Marble Canyon
  • Map of Page
  • Map of Flagstaff
  • Map of Big Water
  • Map of Williams
  • Map of Winslow
  • Map of Supai
  • Map of the Monument Valley
  • Map of Sedona
  • Map of Chinle
  • Map of Kanab
  • Map of Mexican Hat
  • Map of Holbrook
  • Map of Clarkdale
  • Map of Cornville
  • Map of Cottonwood
  • Map of Rimrock
  • Map of Jerome
  • Map of Seligman
  • Map of Cannonville
  • Map of Petrified Forest National Park
  • Map of Camp Verde
  • Map of Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Map of Escalante
  • Map of Bryce
  • Map of Zion National Park

Tuba City throughout the year

  • Tuba City in January
  • Tuba City in February
  • Tuba City in March
  • Tuba City in April
  • Tuba City in May
  • Tuba City in June
  • Tuba City in July
  • Tuba City in August
  • Tuba City in September
  • Tuba City in October
  • Tuba City in November
  • Tuba City in December

Day itineraries for nearby cities

  • 1-Day Sedona Itinerary
  • 1-Day Flagstaff Itinerary
  • 1-Day Grand Canyon National Park Itinerary
  • 1-Day Page Itinerary
  • 1-Day Kanab Itinerary
  • 1-Day Jerome Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cottonwood Itinerary
  • 1-Day Williams Itinerary
  • 1-Day Zion National Park Itinerary
  • 1-Day Clarkdale Itinerary
  • 1-Day Bryce Canyon National Park Itinerary
  • 1-Day Escalante Itinerary
  • 1-Day the Monument Valley Itinerary
  • 1-Day Chinle Itinerary
  • 1-Day Camp Verde Itinerary
  • 1-Day Petrified Forest National Park Itinerary
  • 1-Day Winslow Itinerary
  • 1-Day Big Water Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cornville Itinerary
  • 1-Day Marble Canyon Itinerary
  • 1-Day Holbrook Itinerary
  • 1-Day Supai Itinerary
  • 1-Day Tusayan Itinerary
  • 1-Day Rimrock Itinerary
  • 1-Day Bryce Itinerary
  • 1-Day Seligman Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cannonville Itinerary
  • 1-Day Mexican Hat Itinerary
  • 1-Day Cameron Itinerary
  • 1-Day Tonalea Coconino County Itinerary
Planning a trip to Tuba City?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play
0 places saved to your trip to Tuba City