The first eruptions of Sunset Crater (AD 1040–1100) enriched the surrounding soil, luring ancestors of today's Hopi, Zuni and Navajo to the rich agriculture land. By AD 1180, it was home to roughly 100 people, and 2000 more peppered the immediate area. By 1250, however, their pueblos stood abandoned. About 2700 of these structures lie within Wupatki National Monument, though only a few are open to the public.
A short self-guided tour of the largest dwelling, Wupatki Pueblo, begins behind the visitor center. Lomaki, Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos sit within a half-mile of the loop road just north of the visitor center, and a 2.5-mile road veers west from the center to Wukoki Pueblo, the best preserved of the buildings.
On weekends in April and October rangers lead visitors on a 16-mile round-trip overnight backpacking tour ($75; supply your own food and gear) of Crack-in-Rock Pueblo and nearby petroglyphs. Chosen by lottery, only 12 people may join each tour; lottery applications are accepted via the website or in writing until August 31 (for October trips) and February 28 (for April trips).
