Explore Arizona’s Past at the Stunning Wupatki National Monument

The Wupatki National Monument is one of Arizona’s finest treasures. Located near Flagstaff, AZ, close to Sunset Crater Volcano and with a view of the stunning Painted Desert beyond, this historical site preserves dozens of ancient Puebloan villages. Explore bygone homes, gathering spaces, petroglyphs, and other ruins as you marvel at the ancient history that remains well-preserved here by modern Native Americans who honor Wupatki as sacred ground. 

Wupatki National Monument 

Part of the National Park Service, this historic site was established in 1924 by President Calvin Coolidge to preserve the area once inhabited by Pueblo people. It is rich in Native American archeological buildings and artifacts as well as local animals and plants. The buildings scattered around the more than 35,000 acres here were built beginning around 500 C.E., and many remain beautifully preserved and open for viewing or visits. 

Wupatki Grows and Thrives 

Sometime around the year 1100 C.E., the Sunset Crater erupted and covered the area in volcanic ash. Surprisingly, this was a good thing! The ash improved the area’s agriculture by allowing the soil to much better retain water, which meant more crops would grow, among them cotton and corn. Around 3,000 Native Americans from numerous tribes resettled to Wupatki, making it one of the largest and among the most influential pueblos in the Southwest. 

The Ruins at Wupatki 

The buildings within Wupatki were crafted of stone, adobe mud, and other natural materials. An incredible 800 ruins of these buildings remain. Wupatki Pueblo, one of the largest of these structures, has over 100 rooms, two community rooms, and a ballcourt. At one time between 85-100 people lived in this building alone. It’s fitting that in the Hopi language, Wupatki means “Tall House.” There are five other major and many smaller structures to see as well. 

Plan Your Day 

Begin your visit at the Wupatki Visitor Center. Several exhibits and artifacts are on display to educate adults and kids alike about what life would have been like when Wupatki was a bustling, thriving community. Friendly and knowledgeable park rangers are there to answer questions and help you plan your time at the monument by arranging tours and providing maps and directions. Clean restrooms are also available. 

So Much to See 

Self-guided tours are always available, with signage along the way. Guided tours and hikes can also be arranged. Some guided hikes offer the opportunity to see the Wupatki petroglyphs, rock carvings left behind by the ancient inhabitants. The Wupatki Interpretive Garden grows examples of native plants that would have been farmed by Wupatki’s residents. Be on the lookout for animals such as coyotes, mule deer, jackrabbits, bobcats, and numerous reptiles and birds. 

Make it one of your bucket list items to visit the incredible Wupatki Monument. To explore it and Arizona’s many other amazing outdoor spaces, you’ll need a great vehicle. Visit Oxendale Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to test drive a quality new or used vehicle. You’ll quickly see why Oxendale was awarded the FCA Customer First Award for Excellence! 

Image courtesy of NPS.gov

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