East Mesa Ranger-Led Hike

View of a pueblo structure and surrounding cinder hills on the East Mesa hike.

NPS

All hikes are full and registration for this season is now closed. 

Wupatki Ranger-Led Hikes take place on Saturdays between November and March. Learn about the archeological sites, petroglyphs, geology, flora, and fauna that make Wupatki National Monument a beautiful and special place. Hikes are 2-3 miles on moderate terrain. Wupatki is typically 10 degrees warmer than Flagstaff. Wear hiking boots and dress in layers. Bring a snack and at least 2 quarts of water.

All hikes meet at the Wupatki Visitor Center at 12:00pm on the day of the hike. Park entrance fees apply but there is no additional fee for the hike.

Please note that hikes have a limited number of spots available (12 for Kaibab House and East Mesa, 8 for Antelope House) and reservations are taken on a first come first served basis.

If participants cancel prior to the hike we will contact those who selected to be on the wait list in the order they signed up.

For questions about this hike please contact [e-mail].
The East Mesa Hike is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the backcountry of Wupatki with a ranger and see excellent examples of Ancestral Puebloan structures, petroglyphs, and artifacts. These sites and the lands they are on are culturally significant to the 13 Traditionally Associated Tribes of Wupatki National Monument, all of whom have ancestral ties to this area.

Details

Duration

2-4 Hours

Each hike group has differing abilities and some may need to be slower paced than others. 

Activity

Off-Trail Permitted Hiking

The hike is moderately strenuous to include uneven terrain over loose cinders and limestone rocks. Hike length is a minimum of 1.5 mi (2.4km) in desert conditions and participants will be exposed to outdoor conditions for the entire hike.

Age(s)

There is no age minimum or maximim for these hikes. Children must either be able to complete the hike on their own or be carried by an adult. 

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

Yes

Normal park entry fees apply (see Fees & Passes - Wupatki National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) but there is no additional cost to attend these experiences.

Location

Wupatki National Monument Visitor Center

Hikers will meet park staff at the Wupatki Visitor Center for check-in, safety, and resource protection information. Hikers will then caravan in personal vehicles to the Citadel parking lot for the start of the hike. 

Reservations

Yes

Reservations are required to attend and are taken on a first come first served bases through the online registration form linked on this page. 

Season

Winter, Spring, Fall

East Mesa Hikes are held between November and March to take advantage of cooler weather and avoid disturbing wildlife during specific breeding or migration times. 

Time of Day

Day

Hikers meet at the Wupatki Visitor Center at 12:00pm and each hike may run as late as 4:00pm. 

Accessibility Information

The hike is moderately strenuous to include uneven terrain over loose cinders and limestone rocks. Hike length is a minimum of 1.5 mi (2.4km) in desert conditions and participants will be exposed to outdoor conditions for the entire hike.