Agua Fria National Monument
Approximately 40 miles north of downtown Phoenix, Arizona
40 miles north of central Phoenix, is the 71,000-acre Agua Fria National Monument.
This Arizona National Monument encompasses two mesas and the canyon of the Agua Fria River. (See…we told you it was like an ice-cold beverage.)
Plants, wildlife, and even a slumbering volcano make up this diverse region. The monument ranges from 2,150 feet above sea level along the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. Agua Fria is much more than just a desert and river. It’s actually one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest. Thus the national monument status.
In addition to the rich record of human history, the monument contains outstanding biological resources. The area is the home to coyotes, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, javelina, a variety of small mammals, and songbirds. Eagles and other raptors may also be seen in the monument. Native fish such as the longfin dace, the Gila mountain sucker, the Gila chub, and the speckled dace, exist in the Agua Fria River and its tributaries.
Wupatki National Monument
Rich cultures of the past once thrived in this seemingly inhospitable climate.
Just a short drive Northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona lies a rugged land atop the vast Colorado Plateau. Here you can find what remains of an ancient Puebloan people. Wupatki National Monument protects numerous ancient dwellings of peoples who have long since moved on. Perhaps the main highlight of the Wupatki National Monument is the self-guided tour of the Wupatki Pueblo. As the largest dwelling in the region, it provides a great example of what life might have been like for someone living in such a village.
Be sure to check out the visitor center before you head out on your self-guided tour…and don’t miss out on the blowhole and ball court not too far from the main pueblo structure.
Wupatki National Monument houses several other archeological sites which include: Lomaki Pueblo, Citadel and Nalakihu pueblos, and Wukoki Pueblo. Be sure to spend some time enjoying the nuances of these unique structures. And, as always, visit with care to ensure future visitors are able to equally enjoy these fragile resources.
Hours, Location, and Facilities
More details for planning your visit
Visitor Center: open daily (except Dec 25th); specific hours vary by season
Trails are open during daylight hours
Fees: *Please note Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments are connected by a 35-mile loop road and both monuments are covered by one fee.
- Private Vehicle: $25 for 7-days
- Bicyclist/Pedestrian: $15 for 7-days
- Motorcycle: $20 for 7-days
Other accommodations: No lodging, gas stations, or restaurants are located in either of the monuments. The closest major services are located in Flagstaff.
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Montezuma Castle National Monument
Cliffside safe haven with a killer view
Montezuma Castle National Monument
How about a cliffside location with a river view
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Afraid of heights? You may not have been a great asset to the Sinagua people living in the Verde Valley around 1050 AD. As perhaps one of the most well preserved cliff dwellings in all of North America, Montezuma Castle is truly remarkable. The Sinagua were clearly ahead of their time in terms of engineering, as well as understanding the seasonal flooding in the area. Using this to their advantage, they built their house above the flood plain and nestled into the side of a sheer limestone cliff. In fact, the main structure within Montezuma Castle National Monument is 90 feet off the valley floor and consists of a 5-story, 20 room structure which archaeologists believe to have been built in a day! Okay, much like Rome, it took substantially longer. Like 300 years in the case of this ‘castle’ in the desert. Take a peek in the Visitor Center. Enjoy the short walk down the paved trail to see the ruins. Also, enjoy the lush valley, Beaver Creek, and the displays along the short loop.
Montezuma Well
While you are in the area, don’t miss Montezuma Well. A mere 15 minutes to the North of Montezuma Castle, this literal oasis in the desert has played a major in the history of the area. First, learn about the high levels of CO2, arsenic, and calcium in the water. Then, learn why that is important the native plants and animals in the surrounding area. Lastly, keep an eye out Sonoran Mud Turtle which may also be endemic to this area.
Hours, Location, and Facilities
More details for planning your visit
Visitor Center: open daily 8am – 5pm (except Dec 25th and Jan 1st)
Pets: Dogs are allowed on the park trails, but must be on a leash. And, as always, pick up after your pet.
Fees: $10/adult; Age 15 and younger are free
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Walnut Canyon National Monument
Step into Southwest cultures of the past
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Rich cultures of the past once thrived in this seemingly inhospitable terrain.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is home to some of the most incredible cliff dwellings you’ll ever see.
There are two different routes you can take to soak in the Walnut Canyon experience. For those willing and able to tackle a 1-mile round trip hike, you’ll get up close and personal to these ancient dwellings and see with your own eyes the ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants. You’ll have the chance to not only walk right next to and in the dwellings, but you’ll be able to look across the canyon and see additional dwellings built within the cliff. It’s a remarkable sight that you won’t want to miss.
As a word of caution, be sure to go prepared. There are lots of stairs and it does get hot in the summer months so be sure to pack some water and a snack. The ancient inhabitants didn’t have the luxury of fruit snacks and a Camelbak but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take advantage of those luxuries.
If you’re not able to go on a mile hike or do lots of stairs, don’t worry at all. The Rim Trail will still provide a great experience with views of a pinion pine forest, partially rebuilt pithouse, and ancient pueblos. This 0.7 round-trip stroll is worth every minute of your time. The scenic overlooks provide views of a gorgeous canyon as well as the ancient cliff dwellings.
Hours, Location, and Facilities
More details for planning your visit
Additional trip-planning information:
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Hours of operation- 9 AM- 4:30 PM (check nps.gov for holiday hours of operation)
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Entrance Fee- $15 per person
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Pets- Leashed pets are allowed on the Rim trail but not allowed in the visitors center or the Island trail. Please clean up after your pets.
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The Wave
Making all sporting events jealous of the participation in the Wave
Surfing in the desert. Arizona’s only Wave is made of stone, but it’s still gnarly bro.
Mother nature is usually pretty cagey about her creative process. She wants us to believe all the earth’s features are just coincidental products of natural processes.
But she tipped her hand when she made the Wave, just across the Arizona border from Utah. It’s a little too down-the-middle, beauty-wise, with its baroque bands of red, pink, yellow and white Navajo sandstone arcing precipitously up, down and around ancient stone chutes. A little over-designed if she’s trying to maintain an air of indifference.
Agua Fria National Monument
Approximately 40 miles north of downtown Phoenix, Arizona
71,000-acre Agua Fria National Monument is approximately 40 miles north of central Phoenix.
This Arizona National Monument encompasses two mesas, and the canyon of the Agua Fria River. (See…we told you it was like an ice cold beverage.)
The monument ranges from 2,150 feet above sea level along the Agua Fria Canyon to about 4,600 feet in the northern hills. Plants, wildlife and even a slumbering volcano make up this diverse region. Agua Fria is much more than just a desert and river. It’s actually one of the most significant systems of prehistoric sites in the American Southwest.
In addition to the rich record of human history, the monument contains outstanding biological resources. The area is the home to coyotes, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, javelina, a variety of small mammals and songbirds. Eagles and other raptors may also be seen. Native fish such as the longfin dace, the Gila mountain sucker, the Gila chub, and the speckled dace, exist in the Agua Fria River and its tributaries.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument
Seriously!?! Is it Shea or Shelly? Come visit, leave with much more than a pronunciation lesson
Under the authorization of President Herbert Hoover, Canyon de Chelly was established as a National Monument to preserve the incredible history of an area which has been occupied by humans for over 4,000 years. Canyon de Chelly is jointly managed in a partnership between the Navajo Nation and the National Park Service. Below is a quick list of what you can do and see when you encounter this area whic has captivaed small communities for millenia.
Noteworthy/Instagram-worthy:
Don’t miss Spider Rock. This distinct natural feature stands as sentinal at the intersection of Canyon de Chelly and Monument Canyon. The taller of these two towers rises up from the canyon floor to a height of 750 feet.
Things to Do:
- Welcome Center – Watch the orientation video to set your expectations.
- Scenic Drives – Why choose between the 2 scenic drives (North RIm Drive and South Rim Drive) when you can just do them both. You will need to allow 2 hours per rim to really take in the wonders of the 10 overlooks scattered thourghout the drives.
- Hiking – No need to make decisions, there is only one hike starting at White House Overlook. The trail does drop 600 feet into the canyon and you should probably plan 2 hours for this adventure.
- Ranger-led Programs – When you check in at the Welcome Center, ask about current ranger-led activities
- Canyon Tours – Authorized, local Navajo guides can take you on a tour of the canyon by hiking, horseback, or vehicle.
- Camping – There are a few first-come, first-serve campsites available at Cottonwood Campground. Give Navajo Parks and Recreation Department (928-674-2106) for more details.
For nearly 5,000 years, people have lived in these canyons – longer than anyone has lived uninterrupted anywhere on the Colorado Plateau.
Hours, Location, and Facilities
More details for planning your visit
Visitor Center: open daily (except Dec 25th); specific hours vary by season
Trails are open during daylight hours
Fees: Free to visit with a National Parks Pass
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