One of the greatest things about living in the Grand Canyon State is that history and nature often converge. You can hike through the high desert to an abandoned Puebloan village, learning about the ancient peoples who once inhabited it with every step, all at the Wupatki National Monument in Arizona. Check it out:

Nestled in the high desert near Flagstaff, Wupatki National Monument sits on a whopping 35,000 acres of land.
Flickr/mattkieffer
It was once the tallest, richest, and most influential pueblo around, with many different groups of native peoples making their homes here throughout history.
Hikes range in length from a couple of hours to several days and are only offered via guided tours. Reservations are required and group size is limited to 12 people.
Flickr/Tony Fernandez
The guided hikes are only available during certain months of the year.
Flickr/mattkieffer
Three separate hikes each feature different aspects of the site, from ancient Puebloan architecture to surprisingly well-preserved petroglyphs.
There are three separate trails, all rated as moderately difficult.
Flickr/mattkieffer
Rocky surfaces and some hills are to be expected, so wear appropriate shoes, dress comfortably, and don't forget to bring water.

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In addition to these three trails, another unforgettable excursion is the Crack-in-Rock hike, held on weekends during April and October. It's an overnight, cross-country backpacking trip that takes participants into areas of the park not open for public access.
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Spanning nearly 20 miles, the hike is undeniably strenuous, but so worth the effort.
Flickr/mattkieffer
Led by both a ranger and expert on Puebloan culture, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who just loves exploring cool places wouldn't dream of passing up.
Reservations for the Crack-in-Rock hike are highly coveted, so a lottery system is used to select who gets to embark on this adventure.
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These hikes are highly limited to prevent damage to the area, so if you want to experience it for yourself you must put your name in ahead of time. Contact the visitor center at 928-679-2365 to enter your name. Check their website - listed at the end of this article - to see when the next Crack-in-Rock hikes are taking place.
With its vast desert night skies and minimal light pollution, the monument is a haven for shutterbugs and stargazers. Nothing quite compares to the utter serenity that standing beneath trillions of twinkling celestial bodies evokes.
Flickr/cedwardbrice

For more information, check out the park’s official website. Be sure to check the park’s open status before you make any plans. You need reservations for guided hikes, and they are in limited availability.

Have you ever hiked to Wupatki National Monument? Are there any other abandoned villages in Arizona accessible via hike? Let us know your favorites!

Here are a few of our favorite trails that lead to ancient ruins: These 12 Trails In Arizona Will Lead You To Extraordinary Ancient Ruins.

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Wupatki National Monument In Arizona

Leah | November 20, 2020

What are the most beautiful hikes in Arizona?

You can do more than just hike to an abandoned place in Arizona. There are tons of trails all over the state, all beautiful in their own way. Some must-see hikes include the Bright Angel Trail, a true way to experience the Grand Canyon. This trail is long and strenuous at over 18 miles down into and back out of the canyon, but the reward is a memorable experience you'll never forget. You can also do the opposite of hiking down into a canyon by hiking up to Arizona's highest peak. Humphrey's Peak has a trail to the very tippy top. Again, this isn't a trail for beginners, but the view and the pride you'll receive at the top is worth every step.

Which state parks should I visit in Arizona?

You can find many unique Arizona hikes all throughout the state's lovely parks. A lesser-known yet totally awesome park to visit for hikers is Picacho Peak State Park. The hikes there should be done either with a guide or by experience hikers since they aren't your typical trails. The Lost Dutchman State Park is similar. The terrain is rugged and certainly one-of-a-kind, making the trails unique challenges that are a joy to experience. Plus, the scenery is gorgeous. A well-loved state park is the Red Rock State Park around Sedona, Arizona. The iconic, vivid red rocks that rise above the greenery are stunning to see in person, whether you take one of the many trails or experience it just by driving through it.

Which hikes in Arizona are short and sweet?

Enjoy some of the easier hiking trails in Arizona that hikers of any experience level can do. The Monolith Garden Trail in Kingman, Arizona has plenty of amazing views along its relatively short 1.8-mile span. If you're in the Coconino National Forest, check out the West Fork Oak Creek Trail. It's 4 miles long and will take you through a creek, along the red rocks of the area, and many other picturesque sights. For a more relaxed trail that can be done in an afternoon stroll, try the Woods Canyon Lake Trail, located near Payson, Arizona. You'll meander along the lakeside with beautiful views of the forest surrounding it for just 3.9 miles.

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Featured Addresses
Wupatki National Monument, 25137 North Wupatki Lane, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, USA