All the dwellings were built by the Anasazi and Sinagua Indians during the 12th and 13th centuries - the habitation of this region was influenced by the eruption of nearby Sunset Volcano during the winter of 1064-5, as the resulting ash and lava made the surrounding land infertile and so the residents of that region moved further afield into desert areas previously considered too dry and barren. In the early 13th century all the settlements were abandoned, as were most other villages in this part of the Southwest, although it is believed that some of the present day Hopi are descended from the former inhabitants of the Wupatki pueblos. The park is located about 30 miles from the city of Flagstaff, also visit the Sunset Volcano area which is very interesting to view. Here are a few of the many pueblos in the park that can be reached easily by car. The last view is from the Citadel ruins and the Painted Desert can be seen in the far background.

[SpecialK]

Nice series of a place I did not get to in my AZ wanderings.

[Sailor]

Thanks for posting these great pics, Bob. As I was growing up, we took two-week, summer vacation trips every year. One of my favorites was a 1958 trip to Arizona; I'm almost certain we visited the Wupatki National Monument. Thanks for the memories.

Jer

[Scottnorwo]

What an interesting place and as always hidden away. like how in the 3rd shot the house and rock blend in together so well

[Aon]

Intriguing place, i wonder what life was like back then. Nice shots!

[slowpez]

Another interesting place you have taken us to Bob. Thanks for sharing them. Can't wait to see where we are going next.

[Bob Harris]

Another interesting place you have taken us to Bob. Thanks for sharing them. Can't wait to see where we are going next.

thanks Susan, we are going to WalMart today...but I won't take any photos. Bob

[Bob Harris]

What an interesting place and as always hidden away. like how in the 3rd shot the house and rock blend in together so well

Hard to tell the way I photographed it, but the pueblo was actually built on top of the sandstone out cropping. A house iwth a view, thanks Bob

[daacon]

Nice series Bob , both the stories and shots. I've been to Arizona a couple of times but never that area thanks for sharing. Really like the 'vastness' of the last shot.