Hike To An Abandoned Village At Wupatki National Monument In Arizona

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.

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.

The guided hikes are only available during certain months of the year.

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.

Rocky surfaces and some hills are to be expected, so wear appropriate shoes, dress comfortably, and don't forget to bring water.

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.

Spanning nearly 20 miles, the hike is undeniably strenuous, but so worth the effort.

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.

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.

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.