Both History Buffs And Nature Lovers Will Enjoy Hiking To These 6 Ancient Cliff Dwellings In Arizona
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Cliff dwellings in Arizona are an integral part of our state’s rich native American history and there are several that you can actually hike to for a closer look. Admire the handiwork of ancestral cultures and experience a whole new side of the Grand Canyon State on these six incredible adventures that both history buffs and nature lovers will enjoy.
Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona, USA
Located near Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon National Monument preserves a 25-room cliff dwelling left behind by the Sinagua culture. It is estimated that the structure was inhabited from circa 1100 to circa 1250 A.D. Visitors can embark on a mile-long loop trail that leads into the canyon to get an up-close-and-personal look at the dwellings.
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Navajo National Monument, Arizona 564, Shonto, AZ, USA
Navajo National Monument is located in northern Arizona on Navajo Nation territory and features three separate Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings: Keet Seel, Betatakin, and Inscription House. Ranger-led tours to Betatakin and Keet Seel are available, however, the hikes are quite strenuous and only recommended for those with ample backcountry experience. Even if you don't participate in the guided hikes, several overlooks in the park offer incredible views of the structures!
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, USA
One of the oldest national monuments in Arizona dedicated to preserving Native American culture, Montezuma Castle was established in 1906. The monument protects a set of extremely well-preserved Sinagua cliff dwellings that date somewhere between 1100 and 1425 A.D. The primary structure stands at an impressive five stories high, encompasses 20 rooms, and took three centuries to build. A short and easy trail provides unparalleled views of the site and visitors can see additional cliff dwellings at nearby Montezuma Well, a subunit of the park, 11 miles away.
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Tonto National Monument, 26260 AZ-188, Roosevelt, AZ 85545, USA
You get to see two cliff dwellings in one place when you visit Tonto National Monument in Roosevelt! The Salado-style structures were built around 13 years ago, and you can take a guided, 3-mile hike to the Upper Cliff Dwelling between November and April. The tour lasts 3-4 hours and offers a closer look than all of the other spots on the list. You'll also see ancient artifacts such as pottery and woven cloth.
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Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Chinle, AZ, USA
It is impossible to find words that accurately describe the feeling of a visit to Canyon de Chelly National Monument. People have inhabited these lands for nearly 5,000 years, and unlike the other destinations, Navajo families still live and work in the canyon. Several cliff dwellings exist within the monument, the most notable being White House Ruin, Mummy Cave, and Antelope House. All of the dwellings were built and occupied by the Anasazi between 1100 and 1300 A.D. Visitors can either take a ranger-guided hike or a Navajo-led jeep tour into the canyon to see the dwellings up close.
Honanki Heritage Site, 11450 N Loy Butte Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Palatki Heritage Site, 10290 North Forest Service Road #795, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Located near Sedona, the Honanki and Palatki Heritage Sites are sister cliff dwellings that were the largest in the area between 1150 and 1350 A.D. Palatki Heritage Site offers three half-mile trails that showcase the ruins from a variety of perspectives. One of these trails is wheelchair-accessible. The Honanki Heritage Site also has a loop trail of similar length that leads from the parking area straight to the cliff dwelling.
Please note: all guided hikes at Navajo National Monument are currently suspended. Please keep up with the NPS website for the most accurate and updated information.
Have you ever hiked to any of these cliff dwellings in Arizona? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a scenic drive that leads to another ancient ruin in Arizona.
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