Wupatki National Monument

An architect today might win an award for designing Wukoki Pueblo. The corners, angles, and lines of masonry are meticulous. Standing at its base, the eye is drawn skyward to a height that inspires awe in ancient craftsmanship.

The original grandeur of Wukoki is evident today. There were three stories in what seems to be a tower. A total of six or seven rooms may have been home to two or three families. An open area adjacent to the tower was a plaza used for daily activities, pottery making, basket weaving and other chores. The plaza was enclosed by a semicircular parapet wall.

While visiting the pueblos, stay off walls, do not remove or disturb any features, and stay on established trails. These sites are vital to our studies of the past and are protected by Federal law. Please join us in our efforts to protect these prehistoric sites as well as the plant and animal life in the park.

What Can You See?	The San Francisco Peaks, the Painted Desert and many cinder cones.
Distance	Less than 1/2-mile round-trip
Time	30-minutes round-trip
Difficulty	Easy
Accessibility	The trail is uneven with rocks in places.
Pets	Pets are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, in buildings, or tied to objects. They are welcome in parking areas on a leash. Summer temperatures may be fatal to pets left in vehicles.
Weather	Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. Expect windy afternoons. Summer daytime temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. Short afternoon thunderstorms are common July through September. Autumn and spring days are warm and mild while winter days are cool with occasional snow & freezing temperatures.