Ever driven down North Nevada Avenue and spotted a building that looks like it belongs in a 1930s postcard? That’s the Navajo Hogan. If you're a local, you probably know it as Johnny’s Navajo Hogan. It’s weird. It’s iconic. And honestly, it’s one of the most confusing pieces of Colorado Springs history you’ll ever stumble across.
Some people think it’s a tourist trap. Others swear by the "broasted" chicken they used to serve before the fires. But the Navajo Hogan Colorado Springs is actually a protected piece of American "Novelty Architecture." It’s a building designed to look like something it isn't—specifically, a traditional Navajo dwelling.
But here is the kicker: as of early 2026, the building sits in a sort of architectural limbo. It isn't just a restaurant that closed; it’s a National Register of Historic Places site that has survived fires, ownership changes, and the relentless expansion of Colorado Springs.
The Weird History of the Navajo Hogan Colorado Springs
The year was 1935. America was in the grip of the Great Depression, but the "automobile culture" was exploding. People were hitting the road, and businesses needed a way to make them stop. The solution? Build a restaurant that looked like a giant tepee or a traditional hogan.
John Aaron, a local builder, helped the original owners pull it off. They hand-stripped the bark off pine logs and built a corbeled roof that is actually a masterpiece of craftsmanship. If you’ve ever looked at the ceiling inside (back when it was open), you’d see logs stacked in rotating tiers. It’s a literal dome made of wood.
Why It Matters Today
Most roadside attractions from that era are gone. They were bulldozed for strip malls or Starbucks. The Navajo Hogan Colorado Springs survived because it was built like a fortress. In 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
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- It’s a prime example of "Criterion C" architecture—meaning it has high artistic value and represents a specific type of construction.
- It’s "Novelty Architecture." Think of it in the same vein as those giant donuts or buildings shaped like hot dogs.
- It survived the 1940s modernization when many other roadhouses were torn down or covered in stucco.
Interestingly, while the outside looks like a piece of history, the inside was a revolving door of 1970s and 80s decor until a massive restoration in 1989 tried to bring back the original 1930s vibe. They even fixed the 17-foot-tall Indian head sign that had rusted into a safety hazard.
What Happened to Johnny’s?
If you search for the Navajo Hogan Colorado Springs today, you’ll likely see a "Permanently Closed" tag on Google Maps. It’s a bit of a tragedy. The place was a local staple for decades. People didn't just go there for the architecture; they went for the Indian tacos, the tater nachos, and the "broasted" chicken.
Then came the fires.
A basement fire caused by a dryer was the first blow. Then, a second fire in the outdoor dining area made things worse. By late 2021, the building was boarded up. There was a glimmer of hope for a while. The owners posted updates about renovations and wanting to serve chicken and drinks again "by the new year."
That didn't happen.
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By 2024 and 2025, the property was being listed for sale. The price tag? Around $1.4 million. That sounds steep for a building that needs a lot of love, but because it's on the National Historic Registry, the new owner could potentially get massive tax credits (up to 45% in savings) on improvement costs.
The Mystery of the Menu
There is a lot of confusion online between the Navajo Hogan Colorado Springs and a restaurant of the same name in Salt Lake City. Let’s clear that up right now.
The Salt Lake City "Navajo Hogan" is famous for its blue corn tacos and its late owner, Bill Espinoza.
The Colorado Springs "Navajo Hogan" was more of a roadhouse/pub.
At Johnny’s in the Springs, the menu was a wild mix. You could get a brick oven pizza, a Patty Melt with beer cheese soup, or a Chicken Avocado Burrito. It was the kind of place where you could watch a game on a dozen TVs while sitting under a hand-hewn log ceiling from the 30s. It was a neighborhood bar that just happened to be a museum.
Common Misconceptions
- Is it a real hogan? Not really. It’s a "facsimile." Real Navajo hogans are sacred spaces with specific orientations. This was built as a bar.
- Is it open? No. As of early 2026, it remains closed to the public.
- Can you visit? You can drive by 2817 N. Nevada Ave and see the exterior, but the doors are locked.
Why This Spot Still Matters
Architecture like this tells a story about how we used to travel. Before every highway exit looked identical, we had "roadside whimsy." The Navajo Hogan Colorado Springs represents a time when a restaurant had to be an event just to get you to pull over.
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Even in its current boarded-up state, the building is a landmark. It’s one of the few places where you can see 1930s "streamline Moderne" influences mixed with traditional indigenous-inspired forms. It’s a weird, beautiful collision of cultures and commercialism.
What’s Next for 2817 N. Nevada Ave?
The future of the Navajo Hogan Colorado Springs is tied to whoever buys that $1.4 million listing. Because of the NRHP status, they can't just tear it down and build a car wash. They have to preserve the core structure.
This is actually good news for the city. It means that eventually, someone with the capital and the vision will likely turn it back into a restaurant or a boutique event space. The corbeled log roof is too pretty to stay hidden behind plywood forever.
Actionable Steps for History Buffs
If you’re interested in the site or want to see it before it changes again, here is what you should do:
- Drive the Route: Head to the 2800 block of North Nevada. It’s an easy drive from downtown Colorado Springs.
- Check the Registry: Look up NRHP Reference Number 90001420. The original filing documents have incredible details about the construction and the builders.
- Support Local Preservation: Keep an eye on the Historic Preservation Alliance of Colorado Springs. They often provide updates on the status of endangered local landmarks.
- Don't Trespass: The building is private property and currently monitored. Stick to the sidewalk for your photos.
The Navajo Hogan isn't just a closed restaurant. It’s a survivor. Whether it becomes a high-end bistro or returns to its roots as a gritty neighborhood roadhouse, it remains a vital piece of the Colorado Springs landscape.