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Honanki Heritage Site: Ancient Cliff Dwellings

Discover ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings and rock art at Honanki Heritage Site near Sedona, a window into Arizona's prehistoric past.

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Explore the Honanki Heritage Site, a well-preserved cliff dwelling of the Sinagua people, inhabited from approximately 1150 to 1350 AD. Wander through the ruins, discover ancient rock art, and imagine life in this remote canyon setting near Sedona.

A brief summary to Honanki Heritage Site

Local tips

  • The road to Honanki is rough; a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no water facilities on site.
  • Purchase a Red Rock Pass in advance to save time.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Palatki Heritage Site.
  • Check the weather forecast, as the site may close due to extreme heat or road conditions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Sedona, head west on Arizona 89A for approximately 9.6 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 525/Loy Butte Road. Follow Forest Road 525 for 9.5 miles; the road is unpaved and rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. Just past the Loy Canyon trailhead, bear left to go around private property. The Honanki Heritage Site will be on the right, with parking on the left. Cost: A Red Rock Pass is required for parking. Daily passes are $5, weekly passes are $15, and annual passes are $20. Passes can be purchased at the site via a vending machine or in advance online or at various locations in Sedona.

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Discover more about Honanki Heritage Site

Honanki Heritage Site, located about 15 miles west of Sedona in the Coconino National Forest, offers a glimpse into the lives of the Sinagua people, ancestors of the Hopi. The site, occupied from approximately 1150 to 1350 CE, features remarkable cliff dwellings and rock art. The name 'Honanki' means 'Bear House' in the Hopi language. Archaeologists believe that around 200 people once called Honanki home. The Sinagua were skilled hunters and farmers, cultivating beans, corn, cotton, and squash. They also crafted pottery and left behind intricate rock art, some of which predates their arrival, with later additions from the Yavapai and Apache people. The site features a 0.6-mile self-guided loop trail that leads you through the ruins. Interpretive signs provide insights into the construction of the pueblos and the daily lives of the Sinagua people. Be sure to look for pictographs and petroglyphs along the cliff walls, some dating back as far as 5000 BC. Honanki is one of the largest cliff dwelling sites in the area, containing an estimated 72 rooms. The dwellings were built into the canyon walls, offering natural protection and stunning views. The site is open daily from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking.

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