The Wupatki National Monument in Flagstaff houses around 800 pueblos which date back to the times of the Anasazi and Sinagua Indians, who settled here in the 12th and 13th Centuries. This site, which was once also the ancient burial ground of the Hopis, may now seem abandoned... but it is filled with the myriad tales and legends of the ancient Indians it was once home to.
The National Monument which is located near the San Francisco Peaks is made up of several ruins. The pueblos bear a rich red hue which is derived from the local Moenkopi Sandstone. These pueblos were abandoned in the early 13th Century when the eruption of the Sunset Volcano made the land infertile, forcing the inhabitants to look for new homes. There are also several trails which lead from the Wupatki Pueblo to the other four main ruins in this region. Of these, the Lomaki Pueblo which is built on the edge of the canyon has a marvelous view of the San Francisco Mountains.
You can visit these fascinating pueblos at an admission fee of $3. The site offers plenty of scenic trails which make for an interesting hiking adventure. You can also picnic atop a cinder cone... or enjoy the breathtaking view from atop the Doney Mountain Trail. It is recommended that you carry a water bottle as temperatures here tend to rise during the day. The self-guided tour leads you through this ancient and fascinating site and begins at the Visitor Center where you can also view a number of intriguing exhibits and also avail of the restrooms.
A visit to the Wupatki National Monument is bound to leave you enthralled as you travel nearly 800 years back in history. For further information, you can refer to the website http://www.nps.gov/wupa or call 928 679 2365.
The Wupatki National Monument
6400 North Highway 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004-2759
