Designated by President Coolidge in 1924 as a National Monument, this 35,000 acre park contains beautiful red rock formations where  Pre-Columbian cultures built extensive pueblo villages.  Much  excavation has been accomplished and  walls of pueblos and  kivas restored,  with an interesting visitor center and interpretive museum.  This area was occupied for 10,000 years.  The eruption of the Sunset Crater Volcano in the mid eleventh century blanketed the area with ash, which caused the people to move.  Later, they discovered the beneficial effects of the volcanic ash on farm lands, and they returned in large numbers.  They built the largest pueblo in the area, with other smaller villages and  pit-houses nearby.   By 1250, their stay at Wupatki came to an end, and they moved on.  Wupatki and Sunset Crater are situated on opposite ends of the the loop drive from which you can access most features of the park.dpom'y miss the amazing lava fields of Sunset Crater Volcano, and visit this visitor center for an educational presentation about volcanos.

Hours Open: Roads and trails, daylight to dark. Visitor center 9:00 to 5:00 daily except Dec. 25.

Time Period Represented: Primary building in 12th century. Abandoned by 1250.

Seasons Open: year round

Visitor Fees: $5 individual.

Visitor center and some trails at Wupatki Pueblo are accessible.

Pets in parking lot only.