Oljato Trading Post

**History**
In 1906 Navajo leader Hashkeniini allowed trader John Wetherill to open a trading post one mile south of the present post. That building is now gone. The present post was built in 1921. The adobe structure with viga ceilings and bullpen interior design still has the old trading post atmosphere. The current proprietors continue the trading tradition. The local people make up most of the customers. Many speak Navajo and bartering is still used. This is not an American fast food franchise. It is a real neighborhood store. Even Monument Valley is getting "progress" in the way of convenience stores. But, at Oljato Trading Post & Museum you can purchase groceries, snacks, general merchandise and arts & crafts in a store that has not changed much in 77 years. In the arts and crafts rooms you can see museum items and vintage photographs. There are displays of traditional clothing, rug weaving and tools. These give you aspects of Navajo history and the old trading post days. The post is headquarters for Navajo Country Guided Trail Rides. You can visit some of their horses here and reserve a trail ride in this area or other scenic areas of Monument Valley and Mystery Valley. Oljato Trading Post is one of the last original operating trading post. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The landing strip from the early trading days remains adjacent to the post.

Call for details of flying in. Horseback trail rides with Navajo Country Guided Trail Rides or vehicle tours can then be arranged.

Photo courtesy of Dag Reeves

The day Dag & friend flew to Oljato.

Monument Valley sandstone mesas.

Oljato Trading Post & Museum is located in The Four Corners Area in the northwestern part of the Navajo Nation near the Utah/Arizona border in the heart of Monument Valley, 14 miles west of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on Rd. 42. The scenic drive to Oljato past towering red sandstone mesas with views of Navajo Mountain and the Henry Mountains is a special experience. This is part of the famous landscape seen in western movies. Getting away to one of the quieter places will help you appreciate the serenity the way the people who live here appreciate it.