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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site #
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -9°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 7 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 40 mm of rain.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of -4°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.