The Four Corners region is the long-inhabited homeland of two peoples, the Hopi and the Diné, also known as the Navajo. The Hopi reservation lies entirely within the state of Arizona and is entirely contained within the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation primarily resides within Arizona with some portions extending into New Mexico and Utah. The current boundaries cover a large portion of the traditional lands of the Hopi and Diné peoples. This Map of the month, Navajoland U.S.A., depicts these Native lands as they were in 1960.
The map shows the extent of particular environs associated with the region as well as many traditional practices regarding particular areas. For example, sheep herds are shown roaming around the various plains within the reservation. Further illustrated here are a man being pulled by a lassoed cow, trading posts, a landscape painter, a mission and traditional hogan dwellings. How many will you find?
The valley showing its many famous “monuments” from Mystery Valley to the Mittens.
In the north is the famous and often-visited Monument Valley, an area of exceptional rock formations carved by erosion. Numerous stone arches, towers, and boulders are found here. There's even a pair of butte formations that look like mittens! Many such formations are famous and the Valley is often seen as emblematic of the broader Southwest. Also shown are a uranium mine, picnickers, and a trading post.
Wildlife is plentiful in the wooded mountains near the New Mexico-Arizona border, and many, such as turkey, deer, and bears, are illustrated on the map. This area is often subject to hunting and fishing as can be seen on the map. Exceptional rock formations are also found throughout Navajoland. A red rock valley occupies the space between mountain ranges where yet another mitten-like butte can be found. Also depicted are two men drilling, a woman weaving, a man cooking a fish, and a bear inspecting a camper in his tent.
Furthermore, significant prehistoric Indigenous settlements are scattered throughout the area. The Canyon De Chelly National Monument, for example, contains numerous ruined settlements, indicating the long and continuous presence of people on this land. The canyon is of great significance to the Diné and despite it being a national monument, it is not federally owned. Rather, it is owned by the Navajo Nation. The Chuska Mountains also contain many lakes and are known for their exceptional natural beauty. The lakes, along with turkey, deer, towns and trading posts, are all illustrated in detail.
Though it is not the focus of the map, the Hopi reservation is also shown, as it is a sovereign enclave entirely contained within the Navajo Nation. The Hopi have lived on the First, Second, and Third Mesas since time immemorial. Indeed, Old Oraibi, founded sometime before 1100 AD, is the oldest continuously inhabited place in the United States.
We hope you enjoyed our September 2025 Map of the Month!
- Title: Navajoland U.S.A.
- Date: 1960
- Author/Publisher: The Navajo Tribal Parks Commission
As with all of our Map of the Month features, if you’d like to learn more about this map series or schedule a visit to explore our maps in person, please submit a Map and Geo Service Request. We’ll be sure to get back to you within two business days, but typically sooner.
-Grace Behan, Map and GIS Assistant