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Flagstaff Area National Monuments

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Explore ancient pueblos, dramatic volcanoes, and stunning canyon dwellings near Flagstaff, Arizona. A journey through history and nature awaits!

Explore the ancient history and volcanic landscapes of northern Arizona at the Flagstaff Area National Monuments, encompassing Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Sunset Crater Volcano. Discover well-preserved ancestral Puebloan sites and dramatic volcanic features, all within a short drive of Flagstaff.

A brief summary to Flagstaff Area National Monuments

  • 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
Eve
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 during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  • Purchase the Flagstaff Area National Monuments Pass for access to all three parks for a year.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially when hiking during the summer months.
  • Check the operating hours and trail conditions before you go, as they can vary.
  • Combine your visit with a drive along the scenic Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Flagstaff Area National Monuments are located near Flagstaff, Arizona. From Flagstaff, take US-89 north to reach Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. To get to Walnut Canyon National Monument, take I-40 east to Exit 204. Follow the signs to each monument's visitor center. Entrance fees are $25 per vehicle for Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments (valid for both) and $15 per person for Walnut Canyon National Monument. An annual Flagstaff Area National Monuments Pass is available for $45.

  • Shuttle

    Shuttle services are available from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon, with some companies offering stops at the monuments. Check with local shuttle companies like Groome Transportation for schedules and pricing. A one-way trip from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon costs around $33, plus a $6 park entrance fee. From the Grand Canyon, you would need to arrange separate transportation to the individual monument areas. Note that there is no public transportation to Walnut Canyon.

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are available in Flagstaff, but can be expensive for traveling to the National Monuments. A taxi to Wupatki National Monument from Flagstaff can cost $65-$80 and take over an hour. Rideshares may have similar pricing. Consider this option only if you don't have a car and are willing to pay a premium for the convenience.

Discover more about 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.

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