Wupatki National Monument comprises nearly 2,700 archeological sites, the vast majority of which are Sinagua and Anasazi dating from c. 100-1250 A.D. The two largest dwellings, built between 1100 and 1250 A.D. are Wupatki-with up to 100 rooms built against and atop a mesa; and Citadel-a 50 room structure that almost completely surrounds a central plaza. The Monument also contains many smaller pueblo ruins, pit houses, reservoirs, petroglyphs and a masonry ball court. By about 1250 A.D., perhaps due to an extensive drought or over-utilization of natural resources, the pueblos were permanently vacated.

Wupatki National Monument is 35 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona, off U.S. 89. The Visitors Center is open 8:00am to 6:00pm in the summer; 8:00am to 5:00pm in the Spring and Fall, and 9:00am to 5:00pm in the winter. Please call 928-679-2365, or visit the park's website for further information.

Credits and Sources:

National Park Service. "Discover Our Shared Heritage American Southwest, A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary: List of Sites." http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/amsw/sitelist.htm.