Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument is located just north of Sunset Crater (see previous post).  Wupatki is the area the ruins are located.  The largest pueblo in Wapatki is the Wapatki Pueblo (there are several pueblos in the monument) and was built by the Sinaqua peoples. They had been farming the area for 400 years when the eruption of The Sunset Crater volcano (sometime between 1040 and 1100) forced them out of the area for several generations.  By 1180, there were thousands of Sinaqua back in the area farming.  By 1250, most of the the Sinaqua had abandoned the pueblos and moved on. 

The black 'gravel' around the monument is black ash from the volcano.

Approaching Wukoki Pueblo.

Close-up of part of the front.

The west side.

View from the back.

Wupatki Pueblo.

The large circular structure was believed to be used as a gathering place and/or ceremonies.  It is about 25' to 30' in diameter.


Near the circular structure was a geological blowhole. It is a crevice in the earth that breathes. The opening is about 8" square. It is sensitive to air pressure.  When the air pressure in the crevice is less than the outside air pressure, air is forced into the crevice. When the opposite occurs, air is forced out of the hole.  What is interesting about the air that comes out: it is as cold as air coming out of an air conditioner.  Feels good on a hot day.

Collared lizard - about 10" long.

Citadel Pueblo.  This and the next ruin were about 7 miles west of Wukoki.

Nalakihu Pueblo.

Panorama from the Nalakihu Pueblo.

View from behind the Nalakihu Pueblo.

Prince's Plume - about 18" high.