Wupatki National Monument

Here, past meets present. Pueblos and cliff dwellings are so well preserved that it's hard to believe their builders moved on 700 years ago. Amid lava and cinder one can imagine a landscape still hot to the touch. Welcome to the Flagstaff Area National Monuments!

There is something for everyone: prehistoric cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon, the mountain scenery and geology of Sunset Crater Volcano, and the painted desert landscape and masonry pueblos of Wupatki National Monument.

Less than 800 years ago, a large agricultural community spread across this volcanic plateau. The warm, arid climate and sparse vegetation today make the successes of these pueblo farmers remarkable. Here you'll see stunning artistry in masonry pueblos that emerge from bedrock to stand several stories high.

Flagstaff Area National Monuments - WUPA
6400 N. Hwy 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(928) 679-2365 - Visitor Information
928-526-1157 - Visitor Information, HQ

By Plane
Nearest commercial airport is located in Flagstaff, Arizona.

By Car
From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. The Visitor Center is 21 miles (34km) from this junction.

By Plane
No public transportation is available. For additional information on transportation services, contact the Flagstaff Visitor Center at 1-800-842-7293.

Getting Around
Most visitors tour the monument by car and foot. Much of Wupatki can be experienced by driving the 35- mile loop road connecting the park to US 89.

Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. Expect windy afternoons spring, summer, and fall. Summer daytime temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Short afternoon thunderstorms are common July through September. Autumn days are warm and mild, winter days are cool with occasional freezing temperatures. Snow can occur but usually doesn't last long.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Educational Programs
• Hiking
• Wildlife Viewing
• Bird Watching

Recommended Activities
Allow 2 hours to see five prehistoric pueblos; or, at least 30 minutes to visit the largest - Wupatki Pueblo, located behind the Visitor Center.

Wupatki Pueblo Trail, located at the Visitor Center, is a self-guided tour of the largest pueblo in the park. Don't miss the blowhole, a fascinating geologic feature. The trail is less than 1/2 mile (.8km) round trip.

Lomaki Pueblo Trail is a 1/2 (.8km) easy walk with access toseveral pueblos. Wukoki, Citadel, and Nalakihu Pueblos are accessible by short (.2 mile, .4 km) trails.

Doney Mountain Trail ascends from the picnic area to the top of the cinder cone (.5 mile, .8km) for spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Hiking is restricted to established trails only. The backcountry of Wupatki is closed to hiking to protect fragile archeological sites. Pets are allowed only in parking lots.