Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site

Park Historic Navajo trading post still operating today

On the Navajo Nation near Ganado, Hubbell Trading Post preserves a late‑19th‑century trading post historically run by the Hubbell family. Visitors seek guided tours, Navajo rugs and jewelry, and context on trade between Indigenous artisans and settlers.

Main image

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site preserves a 19th-century trading post on the Navajo Nation near Ganado, Arizona. The site commemorates long-term trade relationships between Navajo weavers and Anglo traders centered at one ranch-style compound.

The historic complex includes the original trading room and adjacent family buildings with many original furnishings and displays of Navajo rugs, jewelry, and trade goods. Interpreters and exhibits explain the trading post’s role in commerce, craft exchange, and cultural contact.

The post was established by John Lorenzo Hubbell in 1878 and became an important local center for trade and supplies on the Navajo reservation. Over time the post functioned as both a commercial business and a social hub linking Navajo producers with wider markets.

The trading post is located near the town of Ganado on the Navajo Nation in northeastern Arizona, set within a high desert landscape of mesas and juniper.

  • Founding date: Founded by trader John Lorenzo Hubbell in 1878, the site remained in continuous operation as a trading post for many decades.

What to See #

  • Trading room: Original trading room where Navajo rugs, jewelry, and trade goods were bought and sold; much of the historic interior and furnishings are preserved.
  • Hubbell family buildings: Hubbell family residence and ancillary structures adjacent to the trading room that reflect the post's role as a family-operated business on the Navajo Nation.
Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
35.7073, -109.5600
Free

Tips for Visiting Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site #

  • Visit early in the morning or in the shoulder seasons (spring/fall) to avoid desert heat and the busiest visitor hours-the site is on Navajo Nation and mid-day in summer can be very hot.
  • Stop at the visitor contact/entrance area first to orient yourself to the historic compound and ask staff about the trading post's history and any on-site sales of Navajo weavings; the post is a working historic trading place as well as a museum site.
  • Be mindful that you are on Navajo Nation territory-check the National Park Service site or call ahead for current opening hours, admission details, and any visitor guidelines before you go.

Best Time to Visit Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site #

Best visited in spring or fall to avoid summer monsoon storms and the coldest winter conditions.

Spring
March-May · ~40-75 °F (4-24 °C)
Mild, comfortable touring weather - a good time to see the trading post and surrounding high‑desert landscape.
Summer (Monsoon)
June-August · ~60-95 °F (16-35 °C)
Warmer and humid with possible afternoon monsoon thunderstorms (especially July-August); afternoons can be hot, so plan visits for mornings.
Winter
November-February · ~20-50 °F (-6-10 °C)
Colder nights and occasional snow at this high‑plateau location; services may be quieter and some outdoor interpretation limited.

Weather & Climate near Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site #

Climate

Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-6°

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3° 13°

Weather

19 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
19°

Weather

14 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
23°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 7 mm.

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
10° 30°

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
14° 32°

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 40 mm of rain.

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
13° 31°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
27°

Weather

28 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
21°

Weather

32 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4° 13°

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-8°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

Nearby Attractions to Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site