Wupatki National Monument
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community.
Photo: NPS / NPS
About Wupatki National Monument
Nestled between the Painted Desert and ponderosa highlands of northern Arizona, Wupatki National Monument is an unlikely landscape for a thriving community. The early 1100's marked a time of cooler and wetter weather, when the ancestors of contemporary Pueblo communities created a bustling center of trade and culture. For indigenous peoples, these sites represent the footprints of their ancestors.
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Driving times from Wupatki National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$25.00This fee covers the occupants of one private vehicle for seven days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$20.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers to both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Entrance - Per Person
$15.00This fee covers entry for one bicyclist or pedestrian for seven days at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$15.00Non-commercial groups are charged the per-person entrance fee of $15 for all persons 16yrs and over, not to exceed the commercial rate for the size of vehicle entering the monument.
Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
FreeEducational groups visiting the monument for a curriculum related visit should apply for an Academic Fee Waiver. If no fee waiver is obtained, educational groups will be charged as non-commercial groups.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$28.00This fee covers the occupants of one commercial sedan for one day at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Commercial Entrance - Van
$40.00This fee covers the occupants of one commercial van for one day at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.00This fee covers the occupants of one commercial bus for one day at both Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$100.00https://www.nps.gov/wupa/planyourvisit/fees.htm
Hours
Park Hours
- Mon
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Tue
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Wed
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Thu
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Fri
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sat
- Sunrise to Sunset
- Sun
- Sunrise to Sunset
Activities
Getting there
Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. You may expect high winds any time of year, summer temperatures above 100ºF (38ºC), afternoon thunderstorms July–September, and occasional snow in winter and early spring. Dress in layers, as Wupatki weather can change quickly at any time of year. For current weather please visit https://www.nps.gov/wupa/planyourvisit/weather.htm
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Wupatki National Monument?
- Entrance to Wupatki National Monument starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Wupatki National Monument?
- Popular activities include Auto and ATV, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Citizen Science, Food.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Wupatki National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (39 min), Walnut Canyon National Monument (1 h 9 min), Montezuma Castle National Monument (1 h 46 min), Grand Canyon National Park (1 h 47 min), Tuzigoot National Monument (1 h 59 min), Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (2 h 10 min).