Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±

Wupatki National Monument

Top choice in Arizona


The eruption of Sunset Crater (AD 1040–1100) briefly enriched the surrounding soil, luring the ancestors of the Hopi, Zuni and others to the region. By AD 1180 it was home to roughly 100 people, and 2000 more peppered the immediate area. By 1250, however, the inhabitants had moved on. About 2700 of their structures lie within Wupatki National Monument, though only a few are open to the public. Entry is also valid for nearby Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

A short self-guided tour of the largest dwelling, Wupatki Pueblo, begins behind the visitor center. Lomaki, Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos sit within a half-mile of the loop road just north of the visitor center, and a 2.5-mile road veers west from the center to Wukoki Pueblo, the best preserved of the buildings.

On weekends in April and October, rangers lead visitors on a 25-mile round-trip overnight backpacking tour ($75; supply your own food and gear) of Crack-in-Rock Pueblo and nearby petroglyphs, normally off-limits to the public. Chosen by lottery, only 12 people may join each tour. Call the visitor center for applications, which can be submitted up to July 31 (for October trips) or January 31 (for April trips).


Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions

Nearby Arizona attractions

1. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

12.95 MILES

Around AD 1064 a cinder cone erupted on this spot, spewing ash across 800 sq miles, spawning the Kana-A lava flow. Now the 8029ft Sunset Crater is quiet,…

2. Walnut Canyon

25.24 MILES

The Sinagua cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon are set in the nearly vertical walls of a small limestone butte amid this stunning forested canyon. The mile…

3. Museum of Northern Arizona

25.74 MILES

Housed in an attractive Craftsman-style stone building amid a pine grove, this small but excellent museum spotlights local American Indian archaeology,…

4. Coconino Center for the Arts

25.89 MILES

The Coconino Center for the Arts exhibits works by local artists and hosts various performances and programs. Check its website for current exhibitions…

5. Pioneer Museum

25.96 MILES

Built in 1908 with volcanic remains from the nearby Mt Elden eruptions, this stone house served as the Coconino County Hospital for the needy and was…

6. Heritage Square

27.12 MILES

The central square in Flagstaff's historic downtown has a handful of cafes offering outdoor seating. In summer there's weekend music and family-friendly…

7. Thorpe Park

27.28 MILES

A great playground with plenty of grass and shade, and a dog park.

8. Lowell Observatory

27.47 MILES

Astronomers, get ready to geek out! Sitting atop a hill just west of downtown, this national historic landmark – famous for the first sighting of Pluto in…