Wupatki National Monument

Things To Do

Overview | Climate/Map | Description | Things to Do | Where to Stay | Nearby

The primary activity at Wupatki National Monument is viewing the ruins and archaeological artifacts of prehistoric Sinagua and Anasazi peoples.

Facilities include a museum, book store, restrooms, overlook and short trails. Allow 2 hours to see five prehistoric pueblos; or, at least 30 minutes to visit the largest -- Wupatki Pueblo located behind the Visitor Center -- and to view museum exhibits.

Biking

Bicycles are restricted to the Loop Road.

Auto Touring

Much of Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano can be experienced by driving the 36-mile Loop Road connecting the monuments to U.S. Highway 89. Traveling from the south, stops include:

• Bonito Park, for a view of Sunset Crater Volcano
• Sunset Crater Visitor Center
• Bonito Lava Flow Pull-out
• Cinder Hills Viewpoint
• Painted Desert Vista
• Wupatki Visitor Center with access to the major pueblo
• Doney Mountain Viewpoint

Hiking/Ruins Trails

Hiking is restricted to established trails only. The backcountry of Wupatki is closed to hiking to protect fragile archaeological sites.

• Wupatki Ruins Trail from the Visitor Center, is a self-guided tour of the largest pueblo in the Flagstaff area. An infomative booklet is available identifying 17 stops along the trail, including a ball court, amphitheater.and the blowhole, a fascinating geologic feature. The trail is less than 1/2-mile round trip. The pueblo can also be viewed from an overlook (100 yards).
  
• Lomaki Ruins Trail is a 1/2-mile easy walk with access to several pueblos.
  
• Wukoki has a short (.2 mile) paved trail.
  
• Citadel has a short (.2 mile) paved trail.
  
• Nalakihu has a short (.2 mile) paved trail.
  
• Doney Mountain Trail, signed "View Point and Lunch Area," ascends from the picnic area to the top of the mountain (1/2 mile) for spectacular views of the surrounding area.

 

 

The Desert Environment
The North American Deserts
Desert Geological Terms