Coconino's National Monuments
Local residents had a surprise 1,000 years ago. A volcano erupted in their backyard. Drive and hike through Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument with multicolored cinder cones, ice caves, and lava tubes. The loop drive continues through the pueblo ruins of Wupatki National Monument. Look at the multistory, stone-crafted ruins and understand the value of a room with a view in 500 AD. Ball courts, plazas, and ceremonial kivas indicate the rich culture of the early peoples.
For more examples of the ancestors of the modern Puebloans, Walnut Canyon National Monument, 7 miles east of Flagstaff, offers a glimpse into daily life 700 years ago with canyon overlooks, a pithouse, and pueblo ruins, and hiking trails.