Wupatki National Monument, nestled in northern Arizona near Flagstaff, is a captivating archaeological site that preserves the ruins of ancient Native American settlements. Established in 1924, this national monument encompasses over 35,000 acres of high desert landscape and is administered by the National Park Service.
The main attraction of Wupatki National Monument is its collection of well-preserved pueblo ruins, which date back to the 12th and 13th centuries and were built by the Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi.
The largest and most prominent ruin in the monument is the Wupatki Pueblo, a multi-story stone structure that once served as a thriving community center and trade hub for the surrounding area.
Visitors can explore the ruins of Wupatki Pueblo and other nearby sites on self-guided walking tours, learning about the history, culture, and daily life of the ancient inhabitants. The park's namesake pueblo preserves 104 rooms, a ballcourt, and a natural blowhole feature.
Other notable sites within the monument include Lomaki Pueblo, called "beautiful house," which sits next to a check dam that demonstrates the importance of water in a dry landscape, and Wukoki Pueblo, a three-story wall structure. The Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos are also part of the monument, with the Citadel being the only pueblo to use basalt as well as sandstone.
Wupatki National Monument offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the resilience and ingenuity of the ancient Pueblo people who once called this area home.
Directions -
Near By Places
Explore More: Tourist Attractions
Hole 'N' The Rock, Arizona, USA
Casino Apache, Arizona, USA
Liberty Science Center, Arizona, USA
Delaware Seashore State Park, Arizona, USA
Lincoln, Arizona, USA
Brandywine Creek State Park, Arizona, USA
Pump House Indoor WaterPark, Arizona, USA
The Broad, Arizona, USA
Total Views - 20