Wupatki National Monument is one of those places that surprises people who expect northern Arizona to be all pine forest and mountain views.
The monument sits between the Painted Desert (within Petrified Forest National Park) and the ponderosa highlands. Its ancient pueblo ruins rise out of a wide, open, high-desert landscape that feels far bigger and wilder than you might expect.
Wupatki is the kind of stop RV travelers often compare to Machu Picchu because the stone structures and the setting feel dramatic, historic, and a little otherworldly, too.
Getting there
For RVers, the best way to get there is by road from Flagstaff. The National Park Service says to take US-89 north for 12 miles. Then turn right after the sign for Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments. From there, the Wupatki Visitor Center is another 21 miles. The drive usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes from Flagstaff.
Note: The National Park Service warns that GPS can be unreliable in rural Arizona, so it is smart to follow the official route and avoid unpaved side roads.
What you’ll see
The scenery is a huge part of the Wupatki experience. The monument stretches along a 35-mile scenic loop road. Visitors will see open meadows, ponderosa pines, juniper grasslands, views toward the Painted Desert, and the red rock landscape of the Wupatki Basin.
The story behind the ruins is tied to Sunset Crater Volcano, which erupted about 950 years ago and changed life in the region. Ash fall and lava flows disrupted Sinagua settlements, and people moved into what is now Wupatki National Monument. There, they adapted by dry farming and using the new volcanic ash as mulch.
What to do
Once you are there, the ruins are definitely the star of the show. The park’s namesake, Wupatki Pueblo, preserves 104 rooms, a ballcourt, and a natural blowhole.
Other stops along the monument loop include Wukoki Pueblo, where you can see a three-story wall; Lomaki Pueblo, which sits beside a check dam; and the Citadel and Nalakihu pueblos. The Citadel is the only pueblo in the monument built with both basalt and sandstone.
RVers usually enjoy Wupatki as a learn-as-you-go destination rather than a rushed drive-by stop.
Where to stay
Camping inside Wupatki is not allowed. RVers should plan to base their rig nearby and visit the monument as a day trip.
The closest official campground in the area is Bonito Campground. Near Sunset Crater and Wupatki, this campground does not provide hookups. You will find 44 single sites, picnic tables, fire rings, cooking grills, drinking water, flush toilets, and a pet-friendly policy.
Flagstaff KOA Holiday is the best choice if you want more amenities. It offers spacious RV sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a camp store. The store sells propane and firewood and rents bicycles. The camp features a dog park, laundry, clean restrooms, hot showers, and playground space. There is a 75-foot maximum length.
Woody Mountain Campground is another solid base for exploring Wupatki. It offers full-hookup RV sites, an on-site dump and fresh-water fill station, and free parkwide Wi-Fi. RVers will also enjoy the camp’s hot showers, coin laundry, and on-site store. In addition, Woody Mountain hosts a coffee and wine lounge—a perfect stop after walking the campground’s trail through the pines.
You should go!
The Wupatki National Monument is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Pack along water and snacks. The visitor center has water bottle filling stations, and you’ll discover picnic tables scattered all along the scenic drive. Plan plenty of time to enjoy the loop and its many interesting stops.
Have you visited Wupatki National Monument? Tell us about it in the comments below.
MORE ARIZONA TRAVEL:
- Arizona advances toward fourth national park
- Quartzsite, Arizona: 20 reasons why so many RVers love it
- Three offbeat Arizona museums to visit, and where to camp nearby
- Take an RV mini trip to Seligman, Arizona, for the best of Route 66
- Three small towns in Arizona all RVers will enjoy
RVT1260
They really are amazing ruins. The area was a major crossroads for travel from the south. We stayed at Bonito campground and fully explored the area.
Sunset Crater area was also very interesting geologically. BTW…the NPSD ruined the top picture in your story with a handrail.