Pueblos and Volcanos in Flagstaff

The Ancestral Puebloans are best known for their large cliff dwellings such as those found in Mesa Verde, but like most cultures they settled a rather large area. Also known as the Anasazi, from the Navajo word for ‘Ancient Ones,’ they, and similar cultures such as the Sinagua inhabited the greater four corners area, including places that are now surrounded by cities. 

The ancient pueblo people built settlements to farm the washes around what is today Flagstaff, in the shadow of the then-active Sunset Crater volcano. Today these villages are protected by the National Park Service as Wupatki National Monument. The ruins are in various states of repair and are scattered across the semi-arid landscape. The structures date back to the 1100s, yet many remain in good condition and trails lead straight to the ruins. Many were stabilized, making them strong enough to respectfully explore. The ruins started after only a few miles of driving into the park, but the most impressive ruins were Wupatki Pueblo near the visitors center and Wukoki Pueblo, which resembled the more stereotypical pueblos which might be seen at Mesa Verde.

Mom standing near Lomaki Pueblo, an ancient agricultural village in Wupatki National Monument. These ruins date back to the 1100s AD according to the National Park Service  -Steven Kramer, Photo

The other collection of Pueblos is in a park surrounding a remote side canyon outside of town called Walnut Canyon National Monument. The ruins in the park are built into the side of the cliff, and arranged in groups. The park is day use only and the gates lock at four, so our arrival in the late afternoon was risky. The ruins are visible from a round trip that  circles a bend in the creek called the island, from which ruins can be seen, and the trail passes by the doors of several more. The trail is lined with a combination of interpretive signs about what the houses were used for and the ever present question of why they left, as well as  signs about early looting and multiple warnings about the steep trail and the dangers of dehydration. For those worried about dehydration, there are exhibits on the canyon rim as well. These are both fabulous parks for those interested in the history of the pueblo cultures, but this appreciation is essential to enjoy the parks.

For those with more interest in the natural side of things, Walnut canyon has discussions on uses of plants in the area, and appreciation for the geology. However geology can also be demonstrated by an unexpected feature of the four corners area: volcanism. Surrounding the Flagstaff area are a series of volcanoes. One of these, Sunset Crater volcano, is preserved by a national monument of the same name. The monument is largely inaccessible to explores. Climbing was closed to the public in the 1970a following severe damage to the fragile cinder cone volcano. Trails still go along the base of the mountain, and many viewpoints are also available for photography. While it is disappointing that the volcano is inaccessible, their reasons make sense, and before and after shots of the mountain suggest that this decision was wise. -KP

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