Wupatki National Monument
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ArchaeologyHistory
Overview
The Wupatki National Monument is a United States National Monument located in north-central Arizona, near Flagstaff. Rich in Native American archaeological sites, the monument is administered by the National Park Service in close conjunction with the nearby Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Wupatki was established as a national monument in 1924 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-3 hours
Best TimeIt's recommended to visit on a spring or autumn morning or evening, when the sunlight on the red sandstone buildings is at its most vivid, while also avoiding the scorching midday desert sun
Getting ThereLocated north of Flagstaff; you can enter from US-89, or drive north from Sunset Crater along the Forest Road 545 scenic road all the way through to reach it
Travel Tips
- This preserves a large number of red-sandstone building ruins built by the ancient Puebloans after the volcanic eruption, including a multi-story village structure with over a hundred rooms and a rare circular ball court
- The red-earth walls at the site are extremely fragile; during your visit please stay strictly on the designated boardwalk or paved trail and absolutely do not touch, climb, or take away any stones or pottery shards on site
- Don't miss the "Blowhole" behind the main ruins (Wupatki Pueblo)—a crevice connecting to a vast underground cave system that violently inhales or exhales depending on the outside air pressure
Reviews
Positive
- The Native American history is very well preserved; the red ancient buildings look especially desolate and stunning amid the desert, and that blowhole is very fun and worth experiencing firsthand
- The visitor center's small museum is very thoughtfully done, and the rangers' talks are remarkably in-depth, giving you a profound understanding of how the ancients survived and developed civilization in such a harsh environment
Heads up
- This is a semi-desert area where the wind and sand are usually very strong; in summer there's almost no shade anywhere, so without enough water you'll get dizzy from the sun