Here, past meets present. Pueblos and cliff dwellings are so well preserved that it's hard to believe their builders moved on 700 years ago. Amid lava and cinder one can imagine a landscape still hot to the touch. Welcome to the Flagstaff Area National Monuments!

There is something for everyone: prehistoric cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon, the mountain scenery and geology of Sunset Crater Volcano, and the painted desert landscape and masonry pueblos of Wupatki National Monument.

Less than 800 years ago, a large agricultural community spread across this volcanic plateau. The warm, arid climate and sparse vegetation today make the successes of these pueblo farmers remarkable. Here you'll see stunning artistry in masonry pueblos that emerge from bedrock to stand several stories high.

Basic Information
Operating Hours, Seasons
The park is open year round. The Visitor Center is open daily except Christmas.
The pueblos are open sunrise to sunset. Note: Arizona does not observe daylight savings; it remains on Mountain Standard Time year round.

PLANE - The nearest airport is in Phoenix.

CAR - From Flagstaff, take US 89 north for 12 miles (19km), turn right at sign for Sunset Crater Volcano - Wupatki National Monuments. The Visitor Center is 21 miles (34km) from this junction.

Weather & Climate
Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. Expect windy afternoons spring, summer, and fall. Summer daytime temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Short afternoon thunderstorms are common July through September. Autumn days are warm and mild, winter days are cool with occasional freezing temperatures. Snow can occur but usually doesn't last long.

Accessibility
Not a whole lot.

Camping
No camping within the national monument

Activities and More Information
Allow 2 hours to see five prehistoric pueblos; or, at least 30 minutes to visit the largest - Wupatki Pueblo, located behind the Visitor Center.

Wupatki Pueblo Trail, located at the Visitor Center, is a self-guided tour of the largest pueblo in the park. Don't miss the blowhole, a fascinating geologic feature. The trail is less than 1/2 mile (.8km) round trip.

Lomaki Pueblo Trail is a 1/2 (.8km) easy walk with access toseveral pueblos. Wukoki, Citadel, and Nalakihu Pueblos are accessible by short (.2 mile, .4 km) trails.

Doney Mountain Trail ascends from the picnic area to the top of the cinder cone (.5 mile, .8km) for spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Hiking is restricted to established trails only. The backcountry of Wupatki is closed to hiking to protect fragile archeological sites. Pets are allowed only in parking lots.