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Wupatki National Monument: Ancient Puebloan Crossroads

Discover ancient pueblos and a rich cultural history at Wupatki National Monument, a unique archaeological site in the heart of Arizona's high desert.

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Explore the well-preserved ruins of Wupatki National Monument, a cultural crossroads where ancestral Puebloans thrived nearly 900 years ago. Discover ancient pueblos, a ball court, and unique geological features in a stunning high-desert landscape.

A brief summary to Wupatki National Monument

Local tips

  • Visit the Wupatki Pueblo Trail, a 0.5-mile loop that takes you through the largest and most significant cultural sites.
  • Check out the natural blowhole at the Wupatki Pueblo, which many Indigenous groups see as a connection between worlds and was used to predict weather changes.
  • Drive the scenic 35-mile loop road connecting Wupatki National Monument with Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument for stunning views.
  • The Wupatki Visitor Center is open daily from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and features exhibits about the ancestral Puebloan people.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Wupatki National Monument, start from Flagstaff, Arizona. Take US-89 North for approximately 34 miles. Turn right onto Sunset Crater-Wupatki Loop Road (FR-545) and follow the signs to the Wupatki Visitor Center, which is about 21 miles from the junction. The drive from Flagstaff takes about 45-60 minutes. Note that GPS may be unreliable in this area, so follow road signs. Alternatively, from Page/Cameron, drive south on US-89 for 20 miles and turn left at the sign for Wupatki National Monument. The entrance fee for private vehicles is $25, which covers entry for seven days to both Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments.

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Discover more about Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument, located in northern Arizona, preserves the ruins of ancient pueblos built by the Sinagua, Anasazi, and Cohonina people who inhabited this area between 1100 and 1225 CE. The monument spans over 35,000 acres and contains over 800 archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into the lives and cultures of these early inhabitants. The monument's centerpiece is the Wupatki Pueblo, a multi-story structure containing over 100 rooms, a community room, and a ball court, the northernmost example of its kind. This suggests Wupatki was not just a residential area but a hub where diverse communities gathered for games, ceremonies, and cultural exchange. Other notable sites within the monument include Wukoki Pueblo, Citadel Pueblo, Lomaki Pueblo, and Nalakihu Pueblo, each showcasing unique architectural styles and offering insights into the daily lives of the people who lived here. The eruption of Sunset Crater Volcano around 1085 CE enriched the soil, attracting various groups to the area and transforming it into a multicultural center with an estimated population of 2,000. The inhabitants of Wupatki were skilled farmers, utilizing rainwater harvesting techniques to cultivate crops such as maize and squash in the arid environment. Despite their resourcefulness, the area was abandoned by the late 13th century due to drought and resource depletion. Today, Wupatki National Monument serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability of Native cultures in the American Southwest. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins, learn about the history and culture of the ancestral Puebloans at the visitor center, and hike the trails that wind through this remarkable landscape.

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