Customer Reviews

Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide to the Navajo and Hopi Nations

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
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If you're going to travel in "Indian country" you need to keep this one in the front seat. Your companion can read while you drive. This book is recommended in the conclusion of The Native American Indian Artist Directory. Along with The Field Guide to Southwest Indian Arts and Crafts you can have a great adventure in the Southwest. Read Kosik and Hardeen's book first. Then read the Field Guide to learn about the art along the "Native Roads." Then open up The Native American Indian Artist Directory and find an address or phone number for the artist that interests you most and have a memorable experience!!

A great book for the roads in the area, and best if you buy it beforehand for planning your trip, rather than buying it in a gift shop. It is divided up into sections of the major highways, and is easy to follow. The bits of historical information are interesting, and it will lead you to things you might not otherwise take a look at (or know to look for), including geological formations along the road. It also shows where services are available, including gas -- and in that big open country, that's a nice thing to know. The only downside is that it hasn't been updated since the mid-90's, but the only real changes are a few of the prices and hours of operation, along with the addition of a few hotels and amenities. Overall, a fantastic guide.

THIS BOOK WAS VERY EASY TO USE AND SO VALUABLE IN "FINDING" PLACES TO VISIT. WE TRAVELED IN THE HOPI RESERVATION RECENTLY AND USED THIS BOOK. WE TOOK THE BOOK'S SUGGESTIONS ON TWO SPECIAL PLACES TO DRIVE OFF THE MAIN ROAD AND FOUND SPECTACULAR VIEWS. ONE SUGGESTION WAS TO DRIVE TOWARDS THE WINDMILL, WHICH WE DID AND WHAT WE SAW WAS UNBELIEVABLE. COAL MINE CANYON OPENED UP BEFORE OUR EYES - SURPRISING BEAUTY FOUND IN A SPECIAL RED AND WHITE CANYON. YOU NEVER WOULD HAVE KNOWN IT WAS THERE EXCEPT FOR THIS BOOK. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING AREAS LESS "TOURISTY".

Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, Native Roads: The Complete Motoring Guide To The Navajo And Hopi Nations by Fran Kosik continues to be the definitive travel planning guide for anyone seeking to visit and explore the reservations and hospitality of the Navajo and Hopi peoples. Maps, black-and-white photographs, cultural etiquette tips (for example, Hopis do not allow any photography), self-guided road tours, in-depth descriptions of various locations, and tips on everything from how to discern a well-woven rug to avoiding or dealing with common environmental hazards fill this extremely practical guide cover to cover. An emphatic "must-have" for any tourist interested in visiting the Navajo and Hopi nations for business or pleasure.

If you are going to travel in this area, and DON'T want to get lost. Buy this book

i bought a used copy of this book thinking that it would give me the highlights of the various roads of "indian country".. i was a bit disappointed in this for about the first hundred pages - until i finally figured out what the book was about. it was subtle detail about everything. once i slowed down and started understanding what the author was doing, i suddenly realized that i had in my hands one of the most amazing books i have EVER read. history, politics, geology, rug patterns,
hotels, shops - of the hopi and navajo nations - it is all here. buy this book if you travel in these areas. it is simply wonderful.

Not often does a road guide go in to the category of leisure reading, but this one certainly does. The descriptions capture the magic of this part of the country, and serve as a reminder of previous visits to the area, and as a stimulus for future visits.

I'm just going to quote Tony Hillerman, he says it best: "NATIVE ROADS is loaded with all sorts of helpful iinformation, well designed, easy to use. Don't head for the reservation country without one."