Explore Arizona’s Wupatki National Monument

Between The Grand Canyon and Flagstaff sits some of Arizona’s most accessible and impressive Indian pueblos.   Although the landscape is anything but inviting, that didn’t deter tribes of people from settling in the area. In fact, it became a major trading hub.  During the 1100’s, it is believed that thousands of people lived within a day’s walk of what is now Wupatki National Monument.

The highlight of the park is Wupatki Pueblo.   Archeologists believe that as many as 85 – 100 people called the pueblo home.   When built, it stood three stories high in some places.  Timbers were used for the roof while lower levels were constructed with mud, stone, and grass.    This 100 room pueblo wasn’t just for living in.   Storage rooms for crops, a tower, ceremonial ball court, kiva, and community room were also built.  Perhaps one of the most unique features is the blowhole – where cool area still blows out today.

Visitors can thoroughly explore the outer features of the Wupatki Pueblo.  An easy ½ mile, paved loop gives visitors a glimpse into the past and an appreciation for the construction and planning of this expansive pueblo.

The park has five other pueblos to explore too.   They are much smaller, but just as accessible and impressive in their own right.   Our favorite of the five is Wukoki Pueblo - it’s an easy walk (less than a ½ mile round trip) with expansive views of the Arizona desert.

The beauty of Wupatki National Monument is that it is so easy to explore.  You don’t need fancy hiking shoes or have to be in fantastic shape to see the pueblos.   All you need is a little sense of adventure and some ice cold water to shield you from that blazing Arizona desert sun!

For more information, please visit http://www.nps.gov/wupa/

Looking for more vacation ideas?  Then, visit our website, greatamericanvacationideas.com , for complete travel guides to destinations around the country!