What now is a fairly desolate area used to be the home to thousands of farmers.
Located not far from Grand Canyon National Park and the city of Flagstaff, Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is a great place to learn about some Native American archaeology. This area of the Colorado Plateau is even dryer and hotter than the rest, making it even more fascinating that thousands of Native Americans once called the monument home.
Humans have been around the area for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until after the nearby eruption of Sunset Crater, in the 11th century, that the area became densely populated. The new volcanic soil in the area helped hold in much needed moisture in the soil, which allowed dry farming (no irrigation) in the area. A large agricultural community spread through the area, starting in the 12th century, which constructed large and small pueblos in the area.
Construction materials for pueblos vary per region, some are constructed in adobe or similar material (Casa Grande) or in local stone. The pueblos at Wupatki were built with local stone on top of bedrock, even incorporating the natural bedrock into the building itself.
The people of Wupatki left around 1250. No one knows exactly why.
Before we get to the main pueblo of Wupatki, let’s explore some of the smaller ones.
First stop is the Lumaki and Box Canyon Pueblos. There were two facing each other on either side of this canyon. They were both fairly small. This one only had a couple of rooms.
The opposite pueblo wasn’t much bigger, but it did have gorgeous views of the San Francisco Peaks.
The last pueblo I visited at this location. There is at least five in the general area. This one also sits above a small canyon.
Standing in what was probably a small plaza, with rooms behind and in front of me. This pueblo is in remarkable shape for 900 years old.
The Citadel (on top of the mesa obviously) and Nalakihu (bottom) Pueblos. Not much remains on top of the Citadel.
Next is my favorite Wukoki Pueblo. Wukoki is perched on a cliff on top of a hill, which makes it visible for all around.
It’s amazing that the tower is still standing after all this time. It is at least two stories tall.
Last but not least, the main pueblo of Wupatki, which had more than 100 rooms, complete with community room and ballcourt.
It’s amazing that they incorporated the bedrock cliffs into the structure. They knew their stuff.
I believe this was the community room, but I may be mistaken.
Wupatki Pueblo was the home to around 85-100 people by 1182. It was also the home to the original park rangers here and some Basque sheepherders. Who knew?
I saw a pronghorn by Lumaki. Not the first one I have ever seen in the wild, just the first one I ever got a photo of.
Wapatki National Monument is a great place if you find yourself near Flagstaff, Arizona or the Grand Canyon. It’s even right next to another awesome national monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Check out my next update where I find a bunch of volcanoes in Arizona.
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Check out all my other posts on the great state of Arizona!
