Wupatki

(nr Antelope Hills AZ)
Visited Wupatki National Monument which includes six sites of pueblo ruins from about 1100 to 1250. The largest of these is Wupatki, behind the Visitor Center, and has a paved trail with a pamphlet explaining the ruins.

Ruins of native village

Wupatki with Grand Kiva

Besides Wupatki, there were other pueblo ruins; Wukoki, Citadal, Nalakihu, Lomaki and Box Canyon. These others were not as elaborate, but had their own character. At each, you could walk in and around the structures.

Remains of adobe walls

Rooms of the pueblo

Ruins of native pueblo

Wukoki Pueblo

Driving to each pueblo site was easy on paved roads and adequate parking. The various ruins were similar in construction materials, but different in their settings and arrangements.

Ruins set on a hill

The Citadel

They all seemed to have in common a water source, an area to garden, were built on a high point where they could see anyone approaching, and be easier to defend. All were important features.

Ruins next to a ravine

Lomaki Pueblo

Stone structures on rim of canyon

Box Canyon

After a full day of exploring, I boondocked overnight for free a quarter mile off the highway just outside the monument.

Camp: Coconino NF dispersed
Scene: Mountains, mesas, desert, ruins

6 Responses to Wupatki

  1. Gary Campbell May 12, 2014 at 3:53 am #

    Hi, As a native New Mexican I have been enjoying your travels through NM and now Arizona. I visited Wupatki last summer. It is a great place to visit.
    Gary

    • Pleinguy May 12, 2014 at 4:30 pm #

      Thanks for following along. It’s a special place for sure.

  2. J. RICHARD SECOR May 12, 2014 at 1:00 pm #

    We found this area to be of great interest and educationally informative. .

    • Pleinguy May 12, 2014 at 4:33 pm #

      Agreed. I’m fascinated by the history and how these people lived.

  3. Diana May 13, 2014 at 2:41 am #

    I went to Wapatki a few years ago and was pleasantly surprised – great ruins. Love your photos.

    • Pleinguy May 13, 2014 at 2:58 am #

      It’s a very interesting place. Glad I went to see it. I appreciate the comment about the pix.

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