Wupatki National Monument
Flagstaff, AZ
Red sandstone pueblos built after the Sunset Crater eruption, the largest with around 100 rooms and a ball court. A paved trail from the visitor center loops through it.
Wupatki National Monument lies northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, along the Park Loop Road, and preserves red-sandstone pueblo ruins. The eruption of Sunset Crater in the 11th century (roughly 1040 to 1100) made the soils more fertile and drew settlers. According to Lonely Planet, about 100 people lived in the pueblo around 1180, with some 2,000 more in the surrounding area. By about 1225 (Wikipedia) or 1250 (Lonely Planet) the inhabitants had left.
About 2,700 structures stand in the monument, but only a few are open to the public. Wupatki Pueblo is the largest; Wikipedia counts more than 100 rooms there and names the northernmost ballcourt known in North America. A short self-guided trail begins behind the visitor center. Lomaki, Citadel and Nalakihu lie north of the visitor center, within half a mile of the loop road. Wukoki, the best-preserved building, is reached by a road of about 2.5 miles (4 km) west of the visitor center.
Your ticket also covers Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Because of construction on Forest Road 545, the connection was temporarily closed in autumn 2026 (as of October 2026); check the current status beforehand.
- Nearest town
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.5200, -111.3713
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- O'Leary Group CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Wupatki National Monument
- Bonito CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Wupatki National Monument · 44 pitches
- Lockett Meadow CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Wupatki National Monument
- Wild camp with bear binCampsite20 mi from Wupatki National Monument
- Greer's Pine Shadows RV ParkMotorhome stopover22 mi from Wupatki National MonumentMotorhomes
- KOA Holiday - FlagstaffMotorhome stopover23 mi from Wupatki National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Wupatki National Monument?
Wupatki National Monument is in Flagstaff, AZ, at GPS 35.5200, -111.3713. It is about 13 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano.
Can you camp near Wupatki National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is O'Leary Group Campground, about 14 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Wupatki National Monument?
Wupatki National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon via volcanoes and Desert View.
What is there to see near Wupatki National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (14 mi), Walnut Canyon National Monument (25 mi), Lowell Observatory (27 mi) and Meteor Crater (39 mi).
When is the best time to visit Wupatki National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)