Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument is located in northern Arizona, near Flagstaff and the city of Sedona. It encompasses more than 35,000 acres and preserves ancient Native American ruins, specifically those of the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the area over 800 years ago.

The monument is situated on the Colorado Plateau, with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the Painted Desert and the San Francisco Peaks. It is characterized by its unique red rock formations, volcanic cinder cones, and expansive grasslands, creating a picturesque setting for visitors.

The area that is now Wupatki National Monument was once a major cultural center for the Ancestral Puebloans, who settled here around 500 AD. They thrived for centuries, building elaborate multi-story stone dwellings and developing an extensive trade network with neighboring tribes.

The main attraction of Wupatki is the ancient pueblo ruins, which include a four-story structure known as Wupatki Pueblo. This particular pueblo is the largest in the area and is believed to have been home to approximately 100 people. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the daily life and survival strategies of the Ancestral Puebloans through interpretive displays and guided tours.

In addition to the ancient ruins, there are numerous hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, such as the Doney Mountain Trail and the Lomaki Trail. These trails allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty while also learning about the geological and ecological significance of the region.

Nearby attractions include the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, which is known for its perfectly preserved cinder cone volcano and lava flows. This site offers visitors the opportunity to hike along trails and experience the unique volcanic landscape.

Another nearby attraction is Walnut Canyon National Monument, which features a series of ancient cliff dwellings. Visitors can hike down into the canyon and explore the well-preserved dwellings, gaining insight into the lives of the Sinagua people who once lived there.

Overall, Wupatki National Monument offers visitors a rich archaeological and cultural experience, with its ancient ruins, scenic landscapes, and nearby attractions. It provides a window into the past and serves as a reminder of the enduring human presence in the region.

Located in northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is nestled within the expansive landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. This remarkable site sits about 40 miles northeast of Flagstaff, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region's rich Native American history. Set atop the vast deserts of the Coconino County, the monument stretches over 35,000 acres, encompassing a stunning array of ancient pueblos, crumbling walls, and intriguing petroglyphs. As part of the high desert region, the climate is characterized by arid conditions, with hot summers and chilly winters. With its picturesque location amidst the scenic grandeur of Arizona's natural wonders, Wupatki National Monument stands as a captivating testament to the civilizations that thrived in this awe-inspiring corner of the state.

Address & Contact

25137 N. Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Rd.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Driving Directions
Phone: 928-679-2365
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Wupatki National Monument would be from April to June, when the average maximum temperatures range from 71°F to 93°F and the average minimum temperatures range from 44°F to 63°F. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation during this time is relatively low, ranging from 0.3 inches to 0.8 inches. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities, making them ideal for visiting the monument.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Wupatki National Monument are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Road Biking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Citizen Science

Topics

Learn about these topics at Wupatki National Monument: Animals Birds Geology Archeology Native American Heritage Wilderness Ruins

Visitor Centers

Wupatki Visitor Center

The Wupatki Visitor Center includes a museum, WNPA park store, park film, and restroom facilities. The building features architecture from the Mission 66 era. Park rangers are present, passes are available for purchase, and Junior Ranger activities are available.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Wupatki Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Wupatki National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Wupatki National Monument

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Flagstaff, AZ

Located in Flagstaff, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Flagstaff, AZ is in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace and Bushmaster Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3501 E Lockett Rd, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff

When you stay at Sonesta ES Suites Flagstaff in Flagstaff, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 5-minute drive of Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace and Sacred Peaks Health Center. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a computer station, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Flagstaff? This aparthotel features 426 square feet (38 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1400 North Country Club Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham East Flagstaff

When you stay at Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham East Flagstaff in Flagstaff, you'll be in a national park, within a 5-minute drive of Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace and Bushmaster Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3601 E Lockett Rd, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Flagstaff

Located in Flagstaff, Super 8 by Wyndham Flagstaff is within a 5-minute drive of Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace and Bushmaster Park. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 3725 Kasper Avenue, Off I-40 Exit 201, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Elden Trails Bed and Breakfast

Located in Flagstaff, Elden Trails Bed and Breakfast is within a 5-minute drive of Sacred Peaks Health Center and Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace. Featured amenities include luggage storage, laundry facilities, and a library. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 6073 Snowflake Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff East

When you stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Flagstaff East in Flagstaff, you'll be in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace and Sacred Peaks Health Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Flagstaff? This hotel has 462 square feet (43 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 990 N Country Club Drive, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Flagstaff Northeast

Located in Flagstaff, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Flagstaff Northeast is in a national park, within a 15-minute drive of Walnut Canyon National Monument and Northern Arizona University. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1000 North Country Club Dr, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Rain Valley Road

Located in Flagstaff, this vacation home is a 3-minute drive from Sacred Peaks Health Center and 5 minutes from Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7275 North Rain Valley Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Silver Saddle Mountain Retreat

Located in Flagstaff, this vacation home is a 4-minute drive from Sacred Peaks Health Center and 6 minutes from Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 5980 Silver Saddle Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link

Fabulous, Fun, Fortress

Located in Flagstaff, this vacation home is in a rural location, within a 15-minute drive of Flagstaff Mall and The Marketplace and Sacred Peaks Health Center. RV/bus/truck parking is available onsite.
Address: 5285 North Copley Road, Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
Web: Link