Flagstaff Area National Monuments

The Flagstaff Area National Monuments encompass three distinct parks: Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Sunset Crater Volcano, each offering a unique glimpse into the past and the power of nature. These monuments showcase the rich cultural heritage of the ancestral Puebloan people and the dramatic geological history of the region.Wupatki National Monument preserves several ancestral Puebloan sites, revealing how people adapted to a challenging environment after the eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano around 1085 CE. Explore the Wupatki Pueblo, a once-thriving trade center, and discover other smaller pueblos scattered across the landscape.Walnut Canyon National Monument protects ancient cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people around 1150 CE. Hike along the Island Trail to get an up-close view of these remarkable structures nestled into the canyon walls. The monument also features a visitor center with exhibits and a film about the canyon's history.Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument allows visitors to witness the aftermath of a volcanic eruption that occurred between 1040 and 1100 CE. Walk among the cinder cones and lava flows, and learn about the impact of the eruption on the surrounding landscape and its inhabitants. The visitor center offers exhibits and information about the area's volcanic history.Together, these three national monuments offer a comprehensive look at the human experience and natural drama of prehistoric northern Arizona.