Wupatki National Monument protects fragile ancient pueblo archaeological sites. It encompasses 56 square miles of rugged landscapes. Stop at the visitor center and learn about the history of these almost 800 year-old sites. You’ll want to allow about two hours to visit this monument.
Location:
Twelve miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 89. Turn right at the sign for Sunset Crater Volcano-Wupatki National Monuments, 22 miles to the Wupatki Visitor Center.
Trails:
The Wupatki Pueblo can be seen from an easy trail, only half a mile round trip. You can take this self-guided tour of the Wupatki Pueblo just behind the visitor center.
Lomaki Pueblo Trail is an easy one-half mile walk.
Short two-tenths mile trails also lead to Citadel and Nalakihu. You can get a map at the visitor center which will guide you to these easily accessible sites.
The half-mile Doney Mountain Trail leads to a picnic area at the top of a cinder cone.
More information on Wupatki
Things to know about Flagstaff Area Monuments:
Fees:
- Walnut Canyon National Monument--$5.00 per person for a seven-day pass.
- Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments--$5.00 per person for a seven-day pass, good at both monuments.
- An annual Flagstaff Area National Monuments Pass, good at Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki, is available for $25.00.
- National Park passes are also honored at these sites.
All three monuments are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round, except for Christmas day and snow days when they are closed. Hours may be extended during the summer months.
Camping and Accommodations: There is no camping in the monuments, but Bonito Campground is located just across from the visitor center at Sunset Crater in the Coconino National Forest. The Forest Service also operates many other campgrounds in the surrounding area. A large number of hotels and bed and breakfast inns are available in Flagstaff. You will definitely want to make reservations, especially in the busy summer months.
Website: All Peaks District Campgrounds
Cautions:
- It is illegal and you will be fined if you move or collect artifacts, plants or natural objects, write on or deface any natural or archaeological features or walk off designated trails or climb on walls.
- Pets must be on leash at all times and are not allowed in the visitor centers or on the trails.
- Most areas cannot accommodate oversized vehicles, so before you go, be sure to find out about where you can park larger recreational vehicles.
- Because of the altitude and exercise involved in visiting these monuments, make sure that you have adequate water available.
- No food service is available at these monuments, so you will want to stop and pick up a picnic lunch before leaving Flagstaff. There are picnics areas available in all three national monuments.
Find out more about Flagstaff Area National Monuments: National Park Service Website.
