Safety

Here in a desert environment, you may encounter weather, plants and wildlife that are new to you. You will also visit archeological sites and may even find historic objects as you visit - remember, everything here is protected by federal law and there are substantial fines for disturbance, damage, or removal. You can protect yourself and the sites at Wupatki by following these simple guidelines:

Stay on Trails

Please stay on designated trails to protect yourself and prevent damage to fragile resources. Watch your step. Rocks are sharp, brittle and unstable, cinders can be slippery. Falling on either is an unpleasant experience.

Stay Safe on Roads

Park roads are narrow and winding with soft shoulders. Stop only at designated pullouts, never in the road. Reduced speed limits are enforced for the protection of pedestrians and wildlife - please watch for both. Please stay on designated trails to protect yourself and prevent damage to fragile resources. Watch your step. Rocks are sharp, brittle and unstable, cinders can be slippery. Falling on either is an unpleasant experience.

The 3 W's - Weather, Wildlife, and Wildfires

  • Storms can arise quickly. If you hear thunder or see lightening, take cover in a building or your vehicle. Pay attention to the temperature - summer heat can make temperatures dangerously hot in a vehicle. This is dry country - always carry water with you and drink it before you feel thirsty.
  • All park wildlife is wild - that's why we call it wildlife. Never feed or approach any animal, whether it's a cute squirrel or a colorful snake. If an animal changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close.
  • Fire danger can be high at any time of the year, even in monsoon season. Stay informed on local conditions and fire restrictions (inquire at the Visitor Center), and properly dispose of cigarettes in ashtrays.

 

On the Trail

Please stay on designated trails to protect yourself and prevent damage to fragile resources.

Watch your step. Rocks are sharp, brittle, and unstable. Cinders can be slippery. Falling on either surface is an unpleasant experience.


 

On the Road

Park roads are narrow and winding with soft shoulders. Stop only on designated pullouts. Pay attention to the temperature—summer heat can make closed vehicles dangerously hot.

Reduced speed limits are enforced for the protection of pedestrians and wildlife. Please watch for both.


Last updated: November 2, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6400 U.S. 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Phone:

928-679-2365 or 928-856-1705

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