Wupatki National Monument, Flagstaff

This is a great National Monument. I went here and was immensely satisfied with my experience. I drove into here from the park’s south side, which was quite scenic. The road goes down a hill as it enters the park, so you can see a large, broad, expansive vista of orange ground, which is very scenic. You could see that the terrain in front of you is flat, but there is a sharp, steep decline in the distance. I thought that was the Grand Canyon when I saw it, but I don’t know for sure. After I drove down the hill I went to the park’s visitor center. I parked in front of the visitor center and walked in, where I looked at the park’s exhibits. The visitor center has many exhibits about the history of Native Americans and pueblos in the area. After I looked at the exhibits, I left the visitor center and walked along the park’s sidewalk to the main pueblo in the park (I forgot what it was called). It was very big, orange, and had many rooms. The sidewalk went right by the entire pueblo, so you could easily observe the interior. You’re not able to go into the pueblo. After I looked at the pueblo, I walked to the ball court past the pueblo. I went inside it and it was shaped a large, round, flat circle. After I walked around the ball court, which had a dirt floor, I walked pack to my car and drove to another pueblo. It was smaller, only having a couple of rooms, but I was able to walk inside. I walked inside it and looked around before climbing to the top room. The doorways were very short, so I had to bend down to go through each room. After I finished exploring that pueblo, I got back in my car and left the park, satisfied so with my experience. I gave this National Monument five stars because it has very nice and well preserved pueblos.

What an amazing place! It was so fun to walk around all of the ruins and get to see them up close. The trails had signs with a ton of information which was awesome. I highly suggest visiting if you are in the area.

I thought it was interesting that they told me that they don't get a lot of visitors which I don't understand because they're part of the sunset national crater. If you pay to go see that you may as well go to see Wupatki. Take the loop road around and see the beautiful painted desert in the distance from a panoramic view which is stunning and take pictures because unless you drive all the way back the same way you won't see it again. The pueblos themselves a really neat to see especially given their history and are pretty well preserved. Over all I recommend taking a time to stop through and there are park rangers around if you have questions. Make sure you take water with you as there is very little shade or shelter from the sun.

Very cool dive into the history of native Americans. It's very interesting to see everything in person and be able to walk right up and into some parts! Easy walk from multiple drive-up stopping points and lots of very informative and helpful signs along the way. Definitely recommend starting at the visitors venter and shelling out the $1 for the trail map/more info book.

Very cool place to visit!