Wupatki National Monument

The Wupatki National Monument is a wondrous landscape whose unique attractions make it a popular destination in Arizona. Its proximity to Flagstaff makes it an easy choice for a day’s getaway.

From historical pueblos to the red-rock cliffs, Wupatki does not disappoint.

Wupatki National Monument, Facts, Hikes, Camping, Map, Hours, Arizona

One of the highlights of a visit to the Wupatki National Monument is the numerous settlement sites across the monument. These settlements offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Ancient Pueblo People, and more specifically, the Sinagua and Cohonina Tribes. In fact, the monument’s name is a native Hopi word that translates to ‘Tall House,’ referring to the multi-storied pueblos that the people of the Sinagua tribe built.

The ‘Tall House’ is made up of more than 100 rooms, in addition to a ball court and community space. This dwelling is, by far, the largest of its kind from the time it was built. Strolling around the settlement, visitors also get the chance to see the additional structures that were discovered – most notably, the two structures that resemble kivas. Kivas were dwelling spaces that were set aside for ceremonial and religious purposes.

Visitors will also notice that the dwellings at the Wupatki National Monument all bear a unique red coloration, which is attributed to the use of sandstone blocks sourced from the area. These blocks were then joined together using mortar, and might explain their longevity thousands of years later.

The Wupatki National Monument is also home to the Wukoki Ruins. Wukoki, which translates to the ‘Big House,’ sits atop a giant rock. History shows that the settlement may have housed three families. The Citadel Ruin is also worth visiting. These ruins are yet to be excavated but are a delightful place to explore as they indicate the different ways in which rocks were used to construct the pueblos.

For outdoor lovers looking forward to an easy hike, there is a trail that leads to the Lomaki Ruins. Translated to mean the ‘Beautiful House,’ the ruins offer spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.

The Wupatki National Monument is accessible using Route 89 near Flagstaff. Other nearby attractions include the Tuzigoot and Walnut Canyon National Monuments.