Tucked into the heart of Clarkdale, the Taawaki Inn offers more than a place to rest your head. It’s a bridge between cultures, a welcoming space infused with the spirit and stories of the Hopi people. Owned and operated by the Hopi Tribe Economic Development Corporation, the inn brings Hopi heritage to life through its architecture, décor, and art, creating a meaningful experience for every guest who walks through its doors.
Nestled at the entrance to Tuzigoot National Monument and overlooking the Verde River, Taawaki Inn offers unparalleled access to both natural beauty and cultural landmarks. The inn is conveniently located within a two-minute drive to the Verde Canyon Railroad, a 12-minute drive to Jerome, a 33-minute drive to Montezuma’s Castle, and a 35-minute drive to Sedona.
Whether you're staying the night or simply stopping in to peruse the gallery and gift shop, a visit to the Taawaki Inn is an invitation to connect—with the land, with the community, and with the enduring legacy of the Hopi.
What “Taawaki” Means
In the Hopi language, Taawaki means “House of the Sun.” For the Hopi the Sun stands as a symbol of ceaseless creative and elemental vigor, elevated to divine status due to its vital contributions and life-giving influence, especially when related to corn, a cornerstone of Hopi sustenance and culture. The sun, in its radiant glory, encapsulates the very essence of cosmic vitality, fostering growth and igniting passion.
The name itself sets the tone: this is not just a hotel, but a cultural destination that honors the traditions and values of the Hopi people. The architecture and interior design are inspired by traditional Hopi dwellings, while also embracing the landscape and history of the Verde Valley. From the materials used to the layout of the space, the inn is designed to feel welcoming and respectful of both place and people.
Migration Route of the Hopi
The Hopi migration route is known as different Hopi clans migrated independently, from different directions at different times. Tuzigoot National Monument “Tsor’ovi – Place of the Bluebird” was one of many early routes that Hopi clans Bear “Honngyam”, Bluebird “Tsorngyam”, Spider “Kòokyangwngyam”, and Bear Strap “Piqösngyam” clans came to live and moved on to the next location, which eventually the clans made it to the Hopi mesas and what it is known today as, the Hopi reservation.
HOPI History Hopihinìwtipu
The Hopi are considered to be the “oldest tribe of the Four Corners Region” and have a current total population of 14,580. The Hopi Reservation is located in Northern Arizona, in which the Hopi land encompasses approximately 1.5 million acres with an elevation of 7,200 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding low-altitude desert. The Hopi people view the land as sacred and consider themselves as caretakers of the land that they inherited from their ancestors. Hopi is a tight-knit community that is bound together by clan relations. Today there are 34 living clans spread out among the 12 Hopi villages. The clan system stems from individuals who trace their ancestry matrilineally back to a common ancestor. Clans that mythically or historically migrated together since their emergence into this “Fourth world” formed a phratry that often work together to perform both social and ceremonial functions, duties, and responsibilities within the village. Each village is self-governing and autonomous, and members of the Hopi tribe often identify themselves by their village and clan affiliations.
History Fun Fact. The village of Oraibi, on Third Mesa, is the oldest continuously inhabited U.S. settlement. This multi-level living complex was built by stacking rooms (without ground-level openings) several stories high around a center courtyard.
Traditional BELIEFS Hopinavoti
Hopi religion is very intricate and unique. The Hopi believe they have passed through four evolutionary eras often referred to as worlds. Currently, the emergence into this present world from three preceding worlds, is currently the fourth world of Tuuwaqatsi (The Land). The Hopi continue to live by the sacred covenant made upon their arrival to this land with the deity, Maasawu, by living a life of compassion, peaceful, humble, respectful, and universal earth stewardship. The religion contains numerous important spirits and gods, including Mother Earth and Father Sky. Another part of Hopi belief are Kachinas that are beings from above, they serve as a guardian spirit, for the Hopi people.
The MESAS
On Third Mesa, stands the village of the Old Oraibi, designated as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement on the North American continent, said to have been established in 1100 A.D. On Third Mesa also stand subsidiaries of Old Oraibi; the villages of Kykotsmovi, Bacavi, Hotevilla, and Upper and Lower Moenkopi. Third Mesa is widely renowned for its fine weaving of traditional Hopi clothing and textiles, wicker plaques, and multicolored yucca baskets as well as its artistic paintings, and Hopi Over-lay Jewelry.
Second Mesa is home to the Hopi Cultural Center as well as the villages Shungopavi, Sipaulvi and Mishongnovi. Second Mesa is widely renowned for its fine weaving of traditional Hopi clothing and textiles, wicker plaques, and multicolored yucca baskets as well as its artistic paintings, and Hopi Over-lay Jewelry
First Mesa, located on the eastern side of the Hopi reservation is comprised of the villages of Walpi, Sichomovi, and Tewa. Walpi is a historic village, noted for its high-rise dwellings panoramic view. First Mesa is widely renowned for its handmade Hopi pottery, artistic paintings and Hopi carvings. The First Mesa Consolidated Villages also offer organized tours of the surrounding Hopi landscape within jurisdiction.
AGRICULTURE NATWANI
Living in a semiarid climate for thousands of years the Hopi have developed and perfected a traditional dry farming technique which utilizes existent moisture in the soil and is dependent on natural precipitation – winter snows or summer monsoon rains. Around agriculture and the corn, Hopi have built a civilization despite the inherent difficulties in living within the arid deserts of Arizona. Collectively surviving and more importantly prospering in this harsh environment required humility, cooperation, respect, and universal earth stewardship and thus these qualities became the tenets of Hopi life to this day.
To the Hopi, agriculture is an act of faith that has both religious and economic value. In accordance with tradition, a majority of dry farming continues to be done by hand and is in fact a collective endeavor. The men plant, nurture, and harvest the crops, while the women and young girls learn the techniques for storing and preserving this harvest for later use.
With corn being a representation of the Hopi way of life and a main source of nutrition for the community, the Hopi continue to cultivate and practice their ceremonies and traditions, despite the various challenges and difficulties faced by the Hopi people today and often the phrase “Hopiqatsit hintsakqw a’ni tumalanìikyangw put angqw naat mongvaswa” can be heard, meaning “despite the difficulty of the Hopi way of life good things undoubtedly still come from it.”
Visiting Hopi Lands Respectfully
For those inspired by the Taawaki Inn experience and interested in traveling deeper into Hopi territory, it’s important to approach with respect and awareness. The Hopi people are deeply spiritual and value their privacy, especially during religious ceremonies that take place throughout the year. Many Kachina dances are open to the public, but photography, sketching, and recording of any kind are strictly prohibited.
Visitors should also know that alcohol is not permitted on the Hopi Reservation, and historic Hopi homes are still lived in—so entering any structure without permission is not allowed. To help preserve the land and its cultural richness, guests are asked to leave no trace: take nothing and leave nothing behind.
Travel on Hopi lands is limited to main highways unless accompanied by a guide, and guided tours are the only way to access the mesas. Ask the front desk at the Taawaki Inn for a list of Hopi guides who can help make your visit respectful and meaningful. When in doubt, it’s best to travel light—personal electronics should be kept secured in your vehicle.
By honoring these guidelines, you’ll help support the Hopi people’s sovereignty, spirituality, and sacred traditions.
A Hopi-Owned Hotel with a Mission
The Taawaki Inn is the first hotel in the Verde Valley that is fully owned and operated by a Native American tribe. It represents a vision brought to life by the Hopi Tribe Economic Development Corporation—to create sustainable, community-focused businesses that reflect Hopi values and provide economic opportunities for the tribe.
The inn offers a contemporary experience rooted in tradition. Guests are treated to high-quality hospitality while also gaining insight into the deep history and ongoing contributions of the Hopi people in Arizona and beyond.
Celebrating Hopi Artists
One of the most striking features of the Taawaki Inn is its art. The inn proudly showcases original works by Hopi artists, adding color, texture, and meaning to each space they inhabit including the gallery, common areas and the individual rooms. These artworks are more than decoration—they are expressions of identity, culture, and resilience.
Visitors can view pieces by:
Jeremy Navenma
Painting, Fine Art
Duane Koyawena
Painting, Murals, Pottery
Their awe inspiring murals are featured behind the primary reception desk and Café inside Taawaki Inn.
Donna Kaye
Artist
Landrieu Omaohoya
Artist
Quinn Honanie
Artist
Rapheal James
Artist
Cody Andrews
Artist
Dannae Mahape
Artist
Dominic East
Artist & Sculptor
Devon Poseyesva
Artist
Kevin Horace
Artist & Sculptor
Every piece has its own story, and together they create a visual journey through Hopi history, spirituality, and everyday life.
Learn More: "Becoming Hopi"
If you’re curious to explore more about Hopi history, culture, and philosophy before (or after) your visit, consider picking up a copy of Becoming Hopi: A History—a book recommended by the Taawaki Inn team.
Published by the University of Arizona Press, Becoming Hopi is a collaborative effort between Hopi and non-Hopi scholars that weaves together oral histories, archaeological insights, and archival research. It’s a rich, multidimensional look at what it means to be Hopi—past, present, and future.
Whether you’re a casual reader or a deep cultural explorer, the book offers a powerful foundation for understanding the living culture that inspires the Taawaki Inn.
Experiencing Hopi Culture in Clarkdale
You don’t need to be an overnight guest to appreciate what the Taawaki Inn has to offer. Stop in to explore the public gallery, admire the art, and browse the gift shop featuring authentic Hopi-made items. It’s a quiet, meaningful way to engage with the culture, even in a brief visit.
As the inn grows, it also plans to host more community events, artist talks, and cultural programming that will allow both locals and visitors to engage with Hopi culture in authentic, respectful ways.
Check the Taawaki Inn Facebook page for the most up to date happenings.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re drawn to the art, the architecture, the cultural depth, or the peaceful setting, the Taawaki Inn invites you to experience something truly special. It's more than a stay—it's a cultural connection in the heart of Clarkdale where guests can learn about the Hopi worldview—not as a distant past, but as a vibrant, living culture.
👉 Visit the Taawaki Inn website to learn more or book your stay.