Trails – Wupatki National Monument AZ

Description

Wupatki National Monument was established in 1924, following decades of plunder of artifacts by American settlers.  Archaeological excavation and restoration of the main pueblo began in 1933.  In 1939-42, a contingent of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) enrollees (from Mt Elden camp at Flagstaff) began development of the monument for public use, building trails, a ranger residence, a utility building, and water supply system. (NNDPA 2012)

The trails wind go from the visitor center across to the main pueblo, along both sides of the ruins and down to the two ball courts below.  They include extensive stairways, supporting rock walls and metal railings. 

The Wupatki site was built by the Sinagua people, who farmed the area during the 12th century.  An explosion of nearby Sunset Crater in 1064 covered the region with a coating of ash that nourished crops for a century or more. The multi-story buildings contained around 100 rooms. There are two ball courts at the site, which appears to  have been a ceremonial and gathering center for small pueblos around the region, rather than a permanent dwelling.