Flagstaff Area National Monuments, Coconino County Travel Guide

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Discover ancient dwellings, volcanic landscapes, and ancestral Puebloan sites at Flagstaff's three unique National Monuments. A journey through history and nature awaits.

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Flagstaff Area National Monuments

Explore three distinct national monuments near Flagstaff, Arizona: Walnut Canyon's cliff dwellings, Sunset Crater Volcano's volcanic landscape, and Wupatki's ancestral Puebloan sites. Each offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural and cultural history, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of past inhabitants.

A brief summary to Flagstaff Area National Monuments

6400 US-89, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86004, US
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Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Flagstaff Area National Monuments.

Visit the monuments in different seasons to experience varying weather conditions and landscapes. Summer can be hot, while winter may bring snow and ice.
Purchase a National Parks Pass for access to all three monuments, as well as other federal lands, offering cost savings if you plan to visit multiple parks.
Bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months, as the high-desert environment can be dehydrating.
Check the operating hours and trail conditions before you go, as they may vary depending on the season and weather.
Combine a visit to Sunset Crater and Wupatki in one day via the scenic loop road, but dedicate a separate day for Walnut Canyon due to its different location.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Riordan Mansion State Historic Park

Twin Arrows Trading Post Ruins - Historic Route 66

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Montezuma Well

Explore Flagstaff Area National Monuments on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Flagstaff Area National Monuments, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The Flagstaff Area National Monuments are accessible by car from Flagstaff, Arizona. Walnut Canyon National Monument is located approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Flagstaff. From Flagstaff, travel east on Interstate 40 and take Exit 204, then head south. The visitor center is 3 miles down the road. Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments are accessed via U.S. Highway 89, located 12 miles and 26 miles north of Flagstaff, AZ respectively. The parks are connected by a 35-mile loop road. Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle, which includes entrance to both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. Walnut Canyon National Monument is $15 per person. An annual National Parks Pass can also be purchased for $80.
Shuttle

Shuttle services are available from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Flagstaff via Groome Transportation for approximately $49 per person each way. From Flagstaff, a rental car or taxi is needed to reach the monuments, as there is no public transportation available. Taxi fare from Flagstaff to Wupatki National Monument is approximately $65-$80.

Discover more about Flagstaff Area National Monuments

The Flagstaff Area National Monuments encompass three unique destinations: Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki, each offering a distinct perspective on the history and geology of Northern Arizona. Walnut Canyon National Monument, located a short drive east of Flagstaff, protects ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people. The Island Trail descends into the canyon, providing an up-close view of these remarkably preserved dwellings nestled beneath limestone ledges. The Rim Trail offers panoramic views of the canyon and its geological formations.Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, located north of Flagstaff, showcases the dramatic landscape created by a volcanic eruption around 1085 CE. Visitors can explore lava flows and cinder cones on several short trails, learning about the area's volcanic past and its impact on the surrounding environment. The Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road connects this monument with Wupatki, offering a scenic drive through diverse landscapes.Wupatki National Monument, also north of Flagstaff and connected by the scenic loop road, preserves several ancestral Puebloan sites. The Wupatki Pueblo, a large, multi-story structure, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and adaptability of the people who once called this area home. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the cultures that thrived in this high-desert environment.Together, these three national monuments offer a comprehensive look at the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Flagstaff area, making them a must-see destination for travelers interested in history, archaeology, and geology.