Footprints of the Past

Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler and wetter weather, when the ancestors of contemporary Pueblo communities created a bustling center of trade and culture. For indigenous peoples, these sites represent the footprints of their ancestors.

A large red sandstone pueblo with mostly sunny skies and mountains in the background.
Wupatki Pueblo

The park's namesake pueblo preserves 104 rooms, a ballcourt, and a natural blowhole feature.

A sandstone pueblo next to a small canyon against a clear blue sky
Lomaki and Box Canyon

Called "beautiful house", Lomaki Pueblo sits next to a check dam that demonstrates the importance of water in a dry landscape.

A close-up view of a towering red sandstone pueblo built atop a large matching rock.
Wukoki Pueblo

A ground-up view of the three-story wall at Wukoki Pueblo.

A small red sandstone pueblo sits below hilltop remains which include some black basalt.
The Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos

Nalakihu Pueblo sits in front of the Citadel. Once two stories high, the Citadel is the only pueblo to use basalt as well as sandstone.

Last updated: May 16, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6400 U.S. 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Phone:

928-679-2365

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