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Wupatki National Monument

Description and Directions >>

Description:
Wupatki National Monument near Flagstaff, Arizona provides interesting examples of ruins of pueblos and other buildings from ancient peoples. A visitors center provides more information on the history of the Wupatki people. Hiking trails of various lengths are located throughout the park. A 35-mile loop road connects two parks: Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.

Activities:
sightseeing, hiking, history

Directions:
From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles, turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. The Visitor Center is 21 miles from this junction.

Story Date 4/11/2005
Publish Date 12/27/2005

Story Perspectives >>

According to Mikala: We visited the Wupatki National Monument along with the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Both are located on a 35-mile loop road, which is worth driving just for the view of the painted desert.

We hiked on the various loop trails, which are very short and took us close to the ruined pueblos and other buildings of the Wupatki people. These people lived in the area during the 12th and 13th centuries. Anasazi and Sinagua Indians built large farming communities, which thrived because of the thin ash layer from the volcano. The pueblos were finally abandoned by 1250.

The ruins of the pueblos are very beautiful. The red rock blends perfectly with the landscape, and contrasts nicely with the green desert brush and the black volcanic rock near Sunset Crater. It was very easy to imagine people living their lives in these little communities. One thing is for sure, they had a tremendous view!