ANASAZI RUINS ARIZONA CONTINUED
Anasazi Indian Ruins - Arizona
- Wupatki National Monument
Located in an arid high desert region just north of Flagstaff, the monument contains a variety of mesa top ruins which are a blend of Anasazi and Sinaguan culture. The area was occupied after Sunset Crater's peak exploded in 1064-5 C.E. The subsequent ash cover greatly increased soil fertility. The principal pueblo, Wupatki, has features not seen elsewhere in Anasazi country: a huge amphitheater which resembles a great kiva but without any ceremonial structures. Also, a ballcourt which is a Hohokam influence from southern Arizona and originally Mexico. Adjacent Sunset Crater National Monument offers views of numerous volcanic peaks.
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- Walnut Canyon National Monument
Located in a steep and hidden canyon just east of Flagstaff, this settlement was built in the early 1100's by Sinaguan people emigrating from Wupatki and using Anasazi building techniques. The steep hillside has many overhangs, and the resulting alcoves made ideal rooms once the fronts were bricked over. With lush vegetation, water, plentiful game, and arable fields, the inhabitants were thought to have had a prosperous existence here for almost 200 years.
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- Homolovi Ruins State Park Located just off Interstate-40 about an hour east of Flagstaff. This state park protects four very large pueblo sites which might be considered late Anasazi or early Hopi. The area was believed occupied from 1200 to 1400 C.E. The area is very rich in relics, and archaeologists continue to work here in the summer. Also, the park has an excellent campground with hookups. Back to Map
- Petrified Forest National Park
While the focus of the park is the petrified wood, the area is rich in ruin sites as well as rock art. There are several exhibits, the most unusual being the Agate House, a restoration of a small pueblo built entirely with petrified wood! Back to Map
