Wupatki National Monument visitors might find it hard to believe that ancient people flourished in what has long been a rather dry, desolate, and windswept area. Such was the case, however, as is evidenced by the Native American ruins that are found within this protected area. The most impressive ruins at the Wupatki National Monument are those that were left by the Sinagua people. They include Wupatki Ruin, which is a three-story pueblo that features nearly 100 rooms. The Sinagua people lived in the general region from about 600 to 1400 AD and are believed to have inhabited the more specific Wupatki National Monument area from around 1100 to around 1250 AD. Other cultures that left their mark on what is now the Wupatki National Monument include the Cohonina and Kayenta Anasazi cultures.
The Wupatki National Monument is situated off US 89 in north-central Arizona. The closest major city is Flagstaff, which lies approximately 30 miles to the south. Other major points of interest in the area include the Walnut Canyon National Monument, the Sunset Crater National Monument, and Grand Canyon National Park, just to name a few.
Wupatki National Monument Camping
The Wupatki National Monument is a major Northern Arizona attraction. As such, it comes as no surprise that many travelers look to stay near the protected area. Those who prefer staying in a hotel can find plenty of lodging establishments that are within easy reach of the Wupatki National Monument. The Flagstaff hotels are the most obvious examples. As for those who are interested in Wupatki National Monument camping, there aren’t any campsites located within the monument boundaries. There is, however, a campground across from the visitor center at the nearby Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. This campground is called the Bonito Campground, and is only some 20 miles from Wupatki. Should all of the sites at the Bonito Campground be claimed, there are other campgrounds and campsites in the general Flagstaff area.