Located on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona and accessible for travelers exploring historic U.S. Route 66, Experience Hogan by the River invites visitors to slow down and reconnect with the land through a stay rooted in Diné tradition. Set along the Little Colorado River, this family-run experience centers on the traditional hogan—a sacred dwelling that reflects balance, harmony and respect for the natural world.
Staying in a hogan offers more than lodging; it is an immersion into a way of life shaped by generations of relationship with land, water and sky. Guests are welcomed into a peaceful desert landscape where cottonwoods line the riverbanks and wide-open skies frame quiet evenings.
Hosts share cultural knowledge through storytelling, traditional foods and opportunities to learn about Navajo lifeways, seasonal rhythms and values passed down through families. Whether waking to birdsong, walking along the river or sitting beneath a canopy of stars, visitors experience the Navajo homeland in an intimate and meaningful way.
Experience Hogan by the River offers a respectful and authentic stay, honoring tradition while welcoming travelers seeking connection, reflection and cultural understanding. It is a traditional Navajo earth home located on a family homestead in Cameron, Arizona. Hosted by Shanna Yazzie, this off-grid retreat sits along the Little Colorado River and offers guests a minimalist cultural immersion 29 miles east of the Grand Canyon's south rim entrance.
ACCOMODATIONS
Traditional Hogan: You stay in a "male-style" fork-sticked hogan, a sacred ceremonial dwelling built from cedar and juniper logs, mud, and clay.
Capacity: The space typically accommodates 2 guests with two twin beds, though some listings mention capacity for up to 3 or 4 guests with additional cots.
Off-Grid Living: There is no electricity, running water, or indoor plumbing.
Essential Amenities: The host provides 5-gallon water jugs, a basin for washing, fresh bedding, and a short walk to a private outhouse.
Climate Control: A wood-burning stove is provided for warmth during cooler months; guests are required to know how to build and maintain a basic fire.
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
Stargazing: Located in a remote area with near-zero light pollution, offering exceptional views of the Milky Way.
Cultural Learning: Guests may have the opportunity to chat with Shanna’s family members, such as her uncle Floyd or aunt Mae, to learn about Navajo traditions and the property's history.
Nearby Attractions: Easy access to the Grand Canyon East Entrance, Horseshoe Bend, and the historic Cameron Trading Post, known for authentic Navajo crafts and cuisine.
