Forum Discussion

aguablanco's avatar
aguablanco
Explorer
Apr 11, 2017

Navajo Rte 16

We will be going to Canyon De Chelly at the beginning of our summer trip. Coming from Mesa,AZ it appears that the most direct route is I-40 east from Flagstaff to Navajo 16 north. Wondering if anyone has info on Navajo 16?
Thanks in advance,
RichH
  • Navajo route 16 only exists north of Highway 160 to the Utah border near the village of Navajo Mountain (now Naatsisan, AZ).

    Route 505 at I-40/Winona becomes route 15 and later joins highway 191 when it crosses highway 264 south of Chinle.

    191 from I-40 is the normal route to take.
  • I couldn't find Navajo 16 either. I took US191 about 10 years ago and it was fine, it's probably the best way to go. Taking shortcuts across Indian reservations is not a good idea.
  • I do not know about nor where is Navajo 16 but unless you have been assured that it is a paved road ALL THE WAY to the destination I would avoid it. This time of year many back roads are still torn up from the winter. Take Busskippers advice or call the Navajo Police and ask them.

    3 days ago we drove over NM 193 which starts out paved and then turns to dirt for 13 miles and then back to paved. The point being that even if you get to a junction and see pavement the first few miles it may not be paved all the way.
  • aguablanco wrote:
    We will be going to Canyon De Chelly at the beginning of our summer trip. Coming from Mesa,AZ it appears that the most direct route is I-40 east from Flagstaff to Navajo 16 north. Wondering if anyone has info on Navajo 16?
    Thanks in advance,
    RichH


    I've always used RT 191 from I-40 - Have driven Many of the Navajo Roads but never noticed any Route numbers, so not sure where Navejo 16 is. Nothing against the local roads but we have been a few that were just barely adequate for the Coach.

    Best of Luck,
  • Hard to believe that no one on this list has been on Navajo 16 in Arizona.
    RichH