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Palatki Heritage Site: A Window to the Past

Discover ancient cliff dwellings and rock art at Palatki Heritage Site, a window into the lives of the Sinagua people near Sedona, Arizona.

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Explore the ancient cliff dwellings and rock art of the Sinagua people at Palatki Heritage Site, nestled in the red rock canyons near Sedona, Arizona. This protected site offers a glimpse into the lives of early inhabitants who thrived in this unique landscape between 1150 and 1350 CE.

A brief summary to Palatki Heritage Site

Local tips

  • Reservations are required to visit Palatki Heritage Site and can be made through Recreation.gov.
  • A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Interagency Pass is required for parking.
  • The roads leading to Palatki are rough gravel roads, so drive slowly and carefully.
  • Bring water, as potable water is not available on-site.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain and climbing steps.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    To reach Palatki Heritage Site from Sedona, take State Route 89A west for approximately 5 miles past the last traffic light. Turn right onto Forest Road 525 and continue north for 5 miles. When FR 525 bears left, continue straight onto Forest Road 795 for 2 miles to the Palatki parking lot. Note that FR 525 and FR 795 are rough gravel roads, so drive slowly and carefully. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking, which can be purchased at the site for $5 per day.

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Discover more about Palatki Heritage Site

Palatki Heritage Site, meaning 'Red House' in the Hopi language, is an archaeological treasure located 13 miles northwest of Sedona, Arizona. Managed by the Coconino National Forest, this site features well-preserved cliff dwellings and remarkable rock art created by the Sinagua people, who inhabited the area from approximately 1150 to 1350 CE. The Sinagua, meaning 'without water' in Spanish, were agriculturalists who also hunted and gathered to survive in the arid environment. They constructed cliff dwellings under south-facing overhangs in the red sandstone cliffs for shelter and warmth during the winter months. Palatki was one of the largest Sinagua communities in the Red Rock Country, housing an estimated 60 to 80 people. The site consists of two separate pueblos, suggesting that two family or kin groups may have lived there. Palatki is also home to an extraordinary collection of rock art, including pictographs and petroglyphs created by various cultures over thousands of years. Some of the oldest rock art dates back 3,000 to 6,000 years. The images provide insights into the daily lives, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices of the people who occupied this region. Visiting Palatki requires advance reservations and participation in guided tours limited to a small number of people. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the cliff dwellings and rock art gallery, sharing information about the history, archaeology, and cultural significance of the site. The experience includes navigating uneven stone steps and trails, offering a moderate physical activity.

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