
East Mesa Ranger-Led Hike
Wupatki National Monument
The East Mesa Hike is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the backcountry of Wupatki with a ranger and see excellent examples of Ancestral Puebloan structures, petroglyphs, and artifacts.
No ranger-led hikes for 2026 are planned at this time. Wupatki Ranger-Led Hikes take place on Saturdays between November and March. Learn about the archeological sites, petroglyphs, geology, flora, and fauna that make Wupatki National Monument a beautiful and special place. Hikes are 2-3 miles on moderate terrain. Wupatki is typically 10 degrees warmer than Flagstaff. Wear hiking boots and dress in layers. Bring a snack and at least 2 quarts of water. All hikes meet at the Wupatki Visitor Center at 12:00pm on the day of the hike. Park entrance fees apply but there is no additional fee for the hike. Please note that hikes have a limited number of spots available (12 for Kaibab House and East Mesa, 8 for Antelope House) and reservations are taken on a first come first served basis. If participants cancel prior to the hike we will contact those who selected to be on the wait list in the order they signed up. For questions about this hike please contact FLAG_Ranger_Hikes@nps.gov. The East Mesa Hike is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the backcountry of Wupatki with a ranger and see excellent examples of Ancestral Puebloan structures, petroglyphs, and artifacts. These sites and the lands they are on are culturally significant to the 13 Traditionally Associated Tribes of Wupatki National Monument, all of whom have ancestral ties to this area.
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Details
2-4 Hours
Each hike group has differing abilities and some may need to be slower paced than others.
Normal park entry fees apply (see Fees & Passes - Wupatki National Monument (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) but there is no additional cost to attend these experiences.
Yes
Winter, Spring, Fall
Day
The hike is moderately strenuous to include uneven terrain over loose cinders and limestone rocks. Hike length is a minimum of 1.5 mi (2.4km) in desert conditions and participants will be exposed to outdoor conditions for the entire hike.
No
Yes — Reservations are required to attend and are taken on a first come first served bases through the online registration form linked on this page.
There is no age minimum or maximim for these hikes. Children must either be able to complete the hike on their own or be carried by an adult.
Wupatki National Monument Visitor Center
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