Wupatki Indian Ruins and Sunset Crater, Arizona
Tour of Sunset Volcano and Wupatki National Monument, near Flagstaff
Oct 30, 2009
Today, Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater volcano are protected by the National Park Service; however, Wupatki was originally settled by native American Indian people who farmed and grew plants in this desolate landscape sometime between 1040 and 1100. Today, visitors to Wupatki can still view the ancient Indian ruins and the remnants of a lava covered landscape.
How to Get to Wupatki and Sunset Crater
Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater are located north of Flagstaff, just off US 89 north; Wupatki and Sunset Crater can be combined with a visit to the Grand Canyon, including the north rim. Due to the remoteness of the area, both sites are only accessible by private transportation.
In addition, if driving to Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano from Flagstaff, it should be noted that, although the turning is located on the right 12 miles north off US 89, the actual visitor center for Wupatki is another 21 miles from this point on the Wupatki loop road. However, Sunset Crater visitor center is just 2 miles from the turning.
The Wupatki Loop Road
A visit to Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monument can be combined and completed in a 'round' trip. The road off US 89 north from Flagstaff first winds its way through forest to the Sunset Crater visitor center. At the Sunset Crater visitor center, it is possible to purchase tickets for both sites. After leaving Sunset Crater visitor center, the road continues through blackened lava landscape to view points of the cinder cone of Sunset Crater and distant views of the Painted Desert.
After 21 miles, the Wupatki visitor center is reached, the main site of the Wupatki Native Indian settlement. It is possible to walk around both this site and smaller Native Indian dwelling sites in the area, including Wukoki Pueblo, Lomaki Pueblo, Citadel Pueblo and Nalakihu Pueblo. The road eventually rejoins US 89, 15 miles north from the original turning off US 89.
Things to Know When Visiting Wupatki and Sunset Crater
The following information may be useful to those planning a trip to Wupatki and Sunset Crater:
- the weather at Wupatki and Sunset Crater is often extreme; high winds are probable. In the summer temperatures can be in excess of 100 degrees and in the winter it can be snowing
- Pets must be kept on a leash; however, pets are not allowed in park buildings or on park trails
- Restroom facilities are available at both visitor centers and at some other points in the park
- bring food as there are no restaurant or food facilities within the park; however, picnic tables are located throughout the park
- the loop road to both Sunset Crater and Wupatki is paved but is narrow and winding in places
- fees are currently $5 per person for a combined visit to Sunset Crater and Wupatki; check with the National Park Service for up-to-date rates
- both Sunset Crater and Wupatki are open year round (except December 25) from 9 am – 5 pm (8 am – 5 pm May to October Sunset Crater); check ahead for current weather conditions
- the area is remote so plan ahead with gas, food and lodging; these facilities are not available in the immediate area.
Visiting Wupatki and Sunset Crater
A visit to Wupatki National Monument gives an insight into the ancient world of the Native American Indian people who lived in this region for several hundred years. Today, archaeologists are still uncovering ancient pots and artifacts which have lain hidden beneath the earth. The cinder cone of Sunset Crater Volcano and the surrounding volcanic landscape continue to be preserved by the National Park Service, allowing future generations of visitors to experience this desolate and remote area of northern Arizona.
References:
National Park Service
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