We are going to the north rim of the grand canyon in August. We are considering a one or two day trip to the hopi indian rservation/mesas. Has anyone been? We are travelling with two boys under 10. do you recommend this side trip? What is the weather like in August? What are the attractions? How long a drive from the north rim or from Jacob Lake to Tuba City? Please advise

Set aside at least several days. Lots to see in the area. The drive to Tuba City is full of great secnery. Tuba City, however, is in the less than scenic area. The drive is about a half day. You could head north on 180 and stop in at Navajo Nat'l Monument. A free Park and a short walk to the overlook of the Betakin ruins in the opposite cliff. Most Native American reservations are Navajo in this part of the state. North a bit more to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park or head east on 264 out of Tuba City to get to Canyon de Chelly. An interesting note: Arizona does not use Daylight Savings Time but the Navajo Reservation does. You need to know where you are to know the correct time.

I would second Larry absolutely. The drive through Hopi-land is pretty barren of scenery. You must not miss Navaho Monument, Monument Valley and if you have the time, Canyon de Chelly. All roads are good and fast driving time. Wonderful full and half day tours in M.V. and C.d.C. Best Western in Kayenta o.k. but Thunderbird Lodge in C.d.C. closer to the action. It will be pretty warm but an adventure you won't regret.

If you DO get to Canyon de Chelly (pronounced as "shay") which is on Navajo land, stay at the Holiday Inn. We were just there in May. The Thunderbird Lodge is the oldest and takes in a lot of people travelling on bus tours; eating is only cafeteria style, if memory serves me correctly. There's also a Best Western but that's out near the main highway. Holiday Inn is the best of the 3 and there's only the 3; Holiday Inn has a very nice restaurant as well along with a nice gift shop. It also has a pool which had not opened for the season when we were there.
As for a tour, we hired a private Navajo guide via Holiday Inn -- pricey at $110 or $125 (for the 2 of us) for going in his ancient 4WD and lasted about 3 hours. You see just as much if you take the group tour which you, I believe, sign up for at the Tourist Center (passed the Holiday Inn on your right and before you get to the Thunderbird Lodge) OR it may be the Thunderbird Lodge. Cost is $35-$40 per person and they went everywhere we did and included a guide as well. Vehicle used consists of seats bolted to the back of a huge 6WD truck -- open air -- maybe it held 30 people.

The Hopi Mesas themselves are interesting too! Go to the Hopi Cultural Center on Second Mesa to get information on when any dances are going to be held. A true Hopi Kachina dance held in one of the old villages (Shungopavi, Mishongnovi, Oraibi) is an experience of a lifetime. These dances are not held for tourists, they are part of the old religious calendar that many Hopis still honor. If you go and sit on the side, and are respectful (i.e. don't even think about bringing a camera), you will be treated as a guest. As noted above, Tuba City isn't much, but I would stop at the Nava-Hopi Tacos stand on the outskirts of town for a great cheap meal.