The Wupatki National Monument Arizona is about 33 miles northeast of Flagstaff Arizona. It is maintained and operated by the U.S. National Parks Service of the Department of the Interior. The park is in a corner of the Great Basin Desert.
The Monument encompasses 35,254 acres (56 sq. miles) of land with diverse plant and animal species dramatic landscape forged by tectonic and volcanic activity one thousand years ago and several archaeological sites inhabited by diverse indigenous peoples. The park was established in 1924 although it has been expanded since then on several occasions.
The area was inhabited by several indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
The largest archaeological site at the Monument is Wupatki, located behind the visitor center. A half mile round trip explores the Wupatki site where as many as 100 people may have lived by around 1,180. The trail here is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Restrooms, picnic tables and a bookstore can be found at the park's visitor center as well as interactive exhibits on natural history, the park's archaeological sites and the cultures that once thrived here.
The Lomaki and Box Canyon trail also a half mile round trip. While the walk is easy it is not paved. Several Pueblo structures can be seen here.
Short trails also lead to the Wukoki Pueblo (east of the Visitors Center) and the Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos on the western side of the park near the Lomaki and Box Canyon Trail. Individual off trail hiking in the park is prohibited.
Ranger guided 3 mile hikes take place at the Wupatki National Monument Arizona on Saturdays from November through March.
A 16 mile overnight hike is offered on weekends in April and October. There is a charge for this hike as supplies are included. Space is limited to 13 people. Children under 10 are not allowed on this hike.
Discovery Packs are lent out by the visitors center that include binoculars, magnifying glasses, written guides and activities to help families become familiar with the park and to encourage scientific investigation among the young. The park also has materials prepared for field trips from local schools.
Numerous reptiles, birds and mammals live in the harsh dry habitat of the park as well a broad variety of desert plants
Pets are not allowed in the visitor center or park trails. They must be kept leashed and be cleaned up after
Visitors should bring an ample supply of water to drink in this dry climate.
The Wupatki National Monument Arizona closes annually for December 25th. The park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM in May through October and 9 AM to 5 PM from November through April.
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