Discover the Untamed Beauty of Native American Lands

You may have traveled extensively across the US, but chances are, you’ve yet to explore Indian Country. Historically, many reservations lacked the desire or infrastructure to host non-tribal visitors onto their lands. However, the NATIVE (Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience) Act of 2016 has helped tribes to develop and promote their own tourism experiences, with support from the US Department of the Interior (DOI) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). As a result, many tribes now offer increased public access for cultural and historic experiences, as well as guided excursions for hunting, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, rafting and camping. And many tribes are now training their own guides and outfitters; there’s no better way to explore an indigenous nation than with a Native guide who knows the terrain, history and culture. And, by visiting a tribal nation, you can show your respect for an ancient culture and help to support responsible tourism.

Many tribal lands provide spectacular scenery, vast undeveloped landscapes, and a dizzying variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. You can also take part in cultural events and festivals, visit museums and historic sites, or simply take a driving tour. Visiting an indigenous nation is a way to walk through history and to learn about deeply rooted traditions, spiritual backgrounds, art, culture, and language. But you need to follow the rules.

Tribal nations maintain complete control over their land and the activities permitted. Don’t be surprised that, upon entering an indigenous nation, you see a sign saying something like, “You are leaving the U.S. and entering the Navajo, Hopi, Yakama, etc. Nation.” You don’t need to show your passport, but you should respect the border as you would when crossing one into any foreign country. Although indigenous nations are technically part of the US, they operate as sovereign entities with their own governments, laws, and customs. And while U.S. National and State Parks are seeing record numbers of visitors, discerning outdoor travelers can find unique adventures by visiting these tribal nations. Sure, it takes a bit more planning, and the infrastructure isn’t always as turn-key, but you can expect fewer people, magnificent scenery and fascinating insight into other cultures, food traditions, and ways of life. And you’ll be contributing to local economies.

The 574 recognized tribes in the US--with a total population of about 2.5 million American Indians and Alaska Natives--manage around 56,200,000 acres. That’s 87,800 square miles or 2.3 percent of the total US land area. The largest reservation, the Navajo Nation, is about the size of West Virginia. Some tribes have more tourist options than others; what is critical is to research each specific nation you’re interested in visiting. Joshua Barnett, Director of the Office of Public Affairs at BIA, advises, “As tribes are sovereign nations, tribal lands are not public land and are not open to the general public without contacting the tribe. Before touring tribal lands, it is highly advisable to connect with the tribe to inquire about best practices for accessing tribal lands and obtaining any required permits.”

There are several ways to reach out to a specific tribe for cultural and outdoor activities. A list of federally recognized tribes and their contact information is available on the DOI’s Tribal Leaders Directory website. The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) a non-profit that runs Native American Travel.com, offers a wide variety of locally guided itineraries from rafting the Wild Buffalo Rapids on the Flathead Reservation to birding on St. Paul Island (Alaska).

Here are just a few of the magnificent Indigenous nations that you can explore. When visiting, it’s essential to follow the specific rules of each location, which includes respecting sacred areas, adhering to prohibitions on cameras and drones, sticking to trails and roads, and observing local laws and customs.

The Navajo Nation (aka Navajoland) formed an office of tourism in 1986. Located in Northeastern Arizona, parts of Utah and New Mexico, the Navajo Nation is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, and Antelope Canyon. The Tribe offer guided tours and outdoor adventures such as hiking, jeep tours, and cultural experiences.

It is highly recommended that you visit the Nation with a Navajo guide; not only will your experience be richer from a cultural and historic angle; you’ll see things you could never find on your own. You can take a hiking, jeep, fishing, horseback or even self-guided hiking tour. Visit Monument Valley Tribal Park, or the scenic Canyon de Chelly, or explore the dramatic scenery of Antelope Canyon. You’ll need a camping, hiking or backcountry permit, and must respect the local culture and follow tribal rules. You can also get a permit for hunting and fishing.

The Wind River Reservation is shared by the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. It’s the seventh largest Native American nation in the US, and includes the Wind River Basin, and parts of the Wind River Range, Owl Creek Mountains and Absaroka Range. You need a permit for exploration, hunting and fishing on the thousands of acres of vast, unspoiled reservation lands. In addition to powwows that can be attended by non-tribal members, you can take a self-guided audio/driving tour. The Reservation promotes fishing eco-tourism.

According to Arthur Lawson, director Shoshone and Arapaho (Wind River) Fish and Game on the Wind River Reservation non-tribal members may purchase a fishing license to access any open waters on the Wind River mountain range. That includes roads, trail heads and trails leading to open waters to fish. On the north side of the reservation on the Owl Creek mountain range, everything is closed except the Wind River Canyon. Backcountry fishing is open June to September; the lower lakes and other areas are open most of the year. The Wind River Reservation also has tribal outfitters who take people white water rafting, fly fishing and horseback riding. And there’s plans in the works to develop a guiding school on the Reservation

Lakota creation stories trace their nation’s birth to the He Sápa, the “Black Mountains,” now known as the  Black Hills. South Dakota is today home to approximately 71,800 Native Americans and nine tribal governments. There are plenty of exploration opportunities on tribal lands in South Dakota, from hiking, camping and horseback riding in Sica Hollow State Park to hunting and fishing and hiking on the Pine Ridge Reservation. "Our tribal nations in South Dakota encourage travelers to support our local native entrepreneurs, artists and businesses when traveling through tribal lands," said Dew Bad Warrior-Ganje, CEO of Zuya Sica Consulting. "Tribal tourism supports economic development and brings awareness to protect natural and cultural resources. There are hidden gems and amazing beauty in our culture." "We work closely with tribal partners to encourage responsible travel to tribal nations," said Brook Kaufman, CEO of Visit Rapid City. "One of the best ways is with a tribal tour company, as their guides can provide insights, education and connections you wouldn't find on your own."

The Five Tribes of the Inter-Tribal Coalition (the Navajo Nation , Hopi Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Ute Indian Tribe), the U.S. Forest Service, and the BLM signed a cooperative agreement for the management of Bears Ears National Monument. The Monument, located in southeastern Utah, covers more than 1.36 million acres of land. Management of the vast landscape of sandstone canyons and mesas rich with rock art, cliff dwellings and ancient fossil beds is a huge proposition. 

Tucked into the San Juan Mountains in Southwest Colorado, the Southern Ute Tribe provides guided tours that includes cultural education, and a variety of outdoor adventures, including fishing and hiking. You can visit the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park with a knowledgeable Native American Ute tour guide who will interpret Ute Indian history, show you Ute pictographs, and take you on a tour of castellated land formations, and ancestral pueblos. And there are guided hiking and jeep tours—don’t miss the 4.5-mile hike to Morris 3 Cliff Dwellings, or the chance to fish and boat on Lake Capote.

The Hopi Reservation, in Northeastern Arizona features breathtaking landscapes and traditional Hopi cultural experiences. Outdoor activities include guided hikes and tours to significant cultural sites and natural landmarks. You can sign up for a tour of the timeless village of Old Oraibi, the Walpi Village and First Mesa. You’ll see spectacular geography, ancient petroglyphs, and experience one of the oldest cultures in North America.

In Northwestern Montana, the Flathead Reservation is home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, and the 1.3-million-acre reservation has some amazing lakes, mountain ranges and rivers. The Bison Range and its 18,500 acres are open year-round and is home to around 350 – 500 bison, as well as deer, elk, bighorn sheep, bears, mountain lions, pronghorn antelopes and birds. Visitors can see its landscapes – and wildlife – on three scenic drives, including Prairie Drive, West Loop and Red Sleep Mountain Drive, which is open seasonally. Additional birding opportunities can be found nearby at Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge. You can also explore the beautiful Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake.

If you are visiting an indigenous nation, remember to always respect tribal customs and traditions. Here are some general guidelines.

• Before visiting, take time to educate yourself about the tribe’s history, culture, and current issues.
• Follow instructions or guidelines provided by tribal members and you tour guides. Dress appropriately, avoid disruptive behavior and be respectful during ceremonies or events.
• Remember that some areas are considered sacred and are off-limits to visitors. Always stay on designated paths or trails.
• Be respectful of cultural and spiritual practices. Avoid touching or disturbing sacred objects or sites. Ask for permission before taking photos, especially in sacred or private areas.
• Support the local economy by using a Native guide, buying souvenirs, crafts and food from local businesses. Many tribes offer hotels, lodges, camping, and even home stays you can enjoy.
• Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance. Do not feed or disturb animals.
• If you have questions, just ask. Most tribal members are happy to share their knowledge if approached respectfully.
• Follow all federal, state, and tribal laws applicable to the area you are visiting. This includes regulations related to land use, hunting, and fishing.
• Be considerate of individuals’ privacy and personal space.