The scenic road through Wupatki National Monument and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is one of the greatest Arizona day trips. You’ll get to see some ancient man-made structures and some amazing nature made landscapes. This scenic road trip is just a short half day trip through northern Arizona. Continue reading to find everything you need to plan your Wupatki National Monument road trip.
When to Visit Wuptaki National Monument
Wupatki National Monument is great to visit year round. The high elevations of the area make the temperatures here a bit cooler than the rest of Arizona. So this is a great Arizona day trip even in the summer. If you do visit in the winter, expect cold temperatures and the possibility of snow.
Getting There and Around
Wupatki National Monument is located about a half hour north of Flagstaff, Arizona. You can reach the scenic drive by traveling north on state highway 89.
If you need to fly in to Arizona, you can fly into Flagstaff. However, Phoenix is much cheaper and isn’t that much farther away.
We started our scenic drive at the north end of the Loop Road (Forest Road 545). So that is the direction this itinerary will follow. However, you can do it in reverse as well.
The Wupatki National Monument road trip makes for a great stop on a Grand Canyon road trip as it is just an hour away from Grand Canyon National Park.
What to Budget for the Wupatki National Monument Scenic Road Trip
Entrance to both parks along the Wupatki National Monument road trip cost $25.00/vehicle. If you have an American the Beautiful Parks Pass, that will also get you in.
Additionally, you’ll want to budget enough for a tank of gas to get you to and from Flagstaff and along this scenic drive.
Wupatki National Monument Scenic Drive Itinerary
Driving along the Wupatki National Monument Scenic Loop takes about 2 hours if you make all the stops along the road. Along the drive, you’ll see several Pueblos and an ancient volcano with an old lava flow.
Wupatki National Monument
If you start the drive on the north side of the road, the first stop is at the Box Canyon dwellings and the Lomaki Pueblo. This short half-mile trail will take you to several puebloan dwellings.
Next, stop at the Nalakihu and Citadel Pueblos. The Citadel Pueblo is the coolest ancient dwelling we’ve ever seen. It sits along the top of a hill. Walking to Citadel Pueblo is along a short paved trail that is easy to walk. You are able to enter the pueblo and from inside it you will see the 360 degree views of the surrounding prairie.
**I can’t believe I’m writing thins but as of March 2022, Citadel Pueblo is closed due to “resource concerns”. Leave parks the way you found the people. This is such a bummer and hopefully it will reopen soon.
The next stop in Wupatki National Monument is at the Visitor Center and Wupatki Pueblo. At the Visitor Center you can learn about the history of the area and the different peoples who have lived in the area and what life was like in the pueblos. Additionally, you can walk around the Wupatki Pueblo along a paved trail. This 100-room structure also has a ball court that you can enter. It is really amazing how well preserved the structures are here.
Next, take the 2.5 mile drive to the Wukoki Pueblo. From the parking area you can walk the short paved trail to the 3-story tower. You’re even able to enter parts of the pueblo.
After seeing all the pueblos, you are ready to leave Wupatki National Monument. You’ll pass a few pullouts with views of the Painted Desert before entering the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
First, stop at the Cinder Hills overlook which will give you your first view of Sunset Crater.
Next, stop at the Lave Flow Trail. This easy one mile loop takes you through the lava flow from the most recent volcanic eruption.
This is the last stop on the drive. You can head back in to Flagstaff for a lovely diner meal at one of the cute Route 66 restaurants.
Want to Adjust the Itinerary?
We think the best way to add to this itinerary is to visit the Grand Canyon afterwards. We love the Grand Canyon and this fits into a southwest road trip really well.
Where To Stay Near Wupatki National Monument
There is camping available at the south end of the scenic road at Bonito Campground. Sites are $26/night. If you’d rather stay in a hotel, Flagstaff has plenty. The Grand Canyon National Park also has several lodges.
We hope that this Wupatki National Monument road trip has helped you to plan your little Flagstaff road trip. This is a great day trip in Arizona and makes for a great addition to any southwest vacation. If you have any questions about visiting these two National Parks, leave them in the comments section below.
