What Is Wupatki National Monument?
Wupatki National Monument preserves the ancient villages of Wupatki and the Citadel, as well as the prairie that surrounds it!
What Makes It Beautiful?
In my opinion, ancient stone ruins are always beautiful, especially when made of deep red bricks, but there are two spots in this park that really stood out to me. The first is the Wukoki summer residence, a towering mansion built onto a massive boulder. It stands alone in its solitude in the middle of the flatland, and standing in the middle of it really gives the sense of being in the home of spirits!
The second highlight, within the glorious pueblo of Wupatki, is the Blowhole, a natural cavity in the rock that changes its air flow with the barometric pressure, making it seem like it’s breathing! The Hopi say it’s the breath of Yaponcha, the spirit of the wind, who lived in a black crack on the Sunset Crater Volcano! You can sit here, amidst magnificent ancient ruins, and listen to the breath of the wind! It will transport you to marvelous places!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Wupatki National Monument!
- Donate to Wupatki National Monument!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
The main pueblo and visitor center are about 14 miles east of Highway 89 coming in from the north, and 21 miles coming from the south! The exact address is:
25137 N Wupatki Loop Rd
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
Wupatki Pueblo is open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM, though the trails are all open from sunrise until sunset!
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