Things To Do Near Wupatki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument presents different guided hikes categorized into Discovery Hikes and Crack in Rock hikes, allowing you to access dozens of ancestral Pueblo villages. The former involves short day hikes that last between about two to three and a half hours, typically on some Saturdays from November to March, but Crack in Rock hiking is more strenuous and occurs over two days, enabling you to explore deeper into the Wupatki backcountry. RV travelers can enjoy this monument since it is easily accessed via the northern or southern end of the Loop Road in the area. Besides the historic architecture within Wupatki, you can drive to the neighboring Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument and enjoy a scenic view of the grasslands, meadows, and red rock geology, all from the Loop Road. In addition, RV users can relax and take in the various features at Wupatki since most vehicle entry fees support up to seven-day stays at the site.
Hiking Trails
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Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos Trail
The trail leading to Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos reaches the bottom of the hill just past Nalakihu Pueblo. You can stand at the top of the trail and see the large limestone sinkhole and its surroundings. One of these trips highlights Puebloan dwellings featuring two 900-year-old structures with more than 50 rooms combined. In addition, the breathtaking scenery of the San Francisco Volcanic Field’s cinder hills and the San Francisco Peaks deliver memorable views for visitors.
Location
10-mile drive from the Wupatki Visitor Center, Wupatki National Monument, 6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Length
0.2-mile round trip
Intensity
Easy to Moderate
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Crack-in-Rock Pueblo Trail
Crack-in-Rock Pueblo is a cross-country route at an elevation of around 4,500-4,900 feet that delivers access to the park’s remote areas, including the 12th-century ancestral Puebloan site. This trail requires overnight hiking with the rough desert terrain and uneven surfaces offering a rigorous yet exciting path for visitors. You can enjoy the adventurous and ranger-guided two-day experience and access the isolated and delicate resources such as exquisite rock art not usually open to the public.
Location
Wupatki National Monument, 6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Length
20 mile round-trip
Intensity
Strenuous
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Wupatki Pueblo Trail
This trail features a wheelchair and stroller-friendly surface to present an inclusive experience for all visitors. You can walk along this route to view a 900-year old Puebloan site with more than 100 rooms, a Hohokam Style Ball Court, and an above-ground community room. Moreover, you can see a blowhole at the site where air flows in and out of the ground, and the surrounding landscape offers scenic views of the Painted Desert that ensure no boredom during your trip.
Location
Behind the Wupatki Visitor Center, 25137 N. Wupatki Loop Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Length
0.5-mile round trip
Intensity
Easy to Moderate
Sightseeing
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Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Wupatki is about 13.2 miles away from the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, which you can reach via Loop Lane. You can learn more about the surrounding geology, earthquakes, volcanoes, and volcanic fields at Sunset Crater Volcano’s visitor center. You can also hike around the area and look at the two volcanoes preserved at this monument, including the 1,000-foot-tall cinder cone and the 300-foot Lenox Crater Volcano.
Location
6082 Sunset Crater Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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Wupatki Loop Road
Wupatki National Monument sits along the 73-mile loop road that links the monument to the nearby Sunset Crater Volcano. You can drive along this scenic route and enjoy lovely views of ponderosa pine trees, juniper grasslands, open red rock landscapes, and meadows. It takes about an hour to complete a ride around this road.
Location
25137 N. Wupatki Loop Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Museums
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Visitor Center Wupatki Ruins
This museum is at the Wupatki Visitor Center and features informative guides, enabling you to learn more about the ruins and the former inhabitants of the area. Furthermore, you can get a tour booklet for more information, enhancing your experience when going on a self-guided visit. Besides, the available gift shops within the museum permit you to obtain some stylish and memorable souvenirs for your loved ones.
Location
25137 N. Wupatki Loop Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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Museum of Northern Arizona
The Museum of Northern Arizona hosts the largest collection of archival material and paintings related to Gunnar Widforss globally. Besides the Swedish-American’s watercolor catalog, you can take a look at some Native American exhibits that honor the culture’s past, present, and future generations. You can also view numerous rare and cultural materials and objects at the Archeology Gallery, including sandals and pottery vessels.
Location
3101 N. Ft. Valley Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Western National Parks Association Shop
You can reach this shop at the Wupatki Visitor Center, where you can purchase a selection of snacks. Using the picnic tables next to the center, you can conveniently enjoy some refreshments before and after your trips. You can also get some interpretative publications to commemorate your visit.
Location
25137 N. Wupatki Loop Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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Cameron Trading Post
Cameron Trading Postis a well-known gift shop containing different handcrafted jewelry created from silver, turquoise, and beads. You can also find some Apache baskets and Native American pottery collections. Moreover, you can add a few authentic sand paintings and Navajo etched pottery from this location.
Location
Cameron Trading Post, 466 U.S. 89, Cameron, AZ 86020
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Bayou By You
This fast-casual restaurant provides robust and rustic Cajun and Southern-inspired meals. In addition, Bayou By You has curbside pickup options, enabling you to get your order on the go and avoid delays on a busy trip. You can also enjoy classic American Southern-style dishes in the rustic setting.
Location
6120 E. Sunset Boulevard, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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Taverna Modern Mediterranean
Taverna Modern Mediterranean provides a unique menu inspired by different Mediterranean recipes. In addition, the location includes a happy hour weekly from around 3 to 6 p.m., enabling you to stop by for family-friendly fun and dining. This restaurant’s casual style creates a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere, where you can relax before or after your visit to Wupatki.
Location
2420 S. Woodlands Village Boulevard, Flagstaff, AZ 86001