A Canyon Country Guide to Anasazi Indian Ruins in Arizona/New Mexico

Introduction

One of the most popular and fascinating features of the southwest's Canyon Country is the remains of the prehistoric Anasazi Indian civilization. The Anasazi thrived in the region for nearly 1,000 years leaving evidence of their extraordinary masonry talents everywhere. The zenith of the Anasazi culture was reached in Chaco Canyon during the years 900-1100 C.E. The gigantic pueblos of Chaco rival the other great works of the ancient world, such as those of the Mayas and Incas. By the year 1300, the Anasazi had abandoned the entire region, generally moving into the Rio Grande Valley of northern New Mexico. This departure has long been one of the southwest's great mysteries and has been the subject of intense research and speculation for generations.

Map of Anasazi Indian Ruins

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This page provides a guide to the major Anasazi-related sites in Arizona and New Mexico that are accessible to the public. Each site is unique both in the nature of the structures and the physical locale. All are extremely scenic. In Part 2, we cover the major Anasazi-related sites in Colorado and Utah.

Anasazi Indian Ruins Guide:  Arizona/New Mexico (Part 1) | Colorado/Utah (Part 2)

Anasazi Indian Ruins - Arizona

1. Wupatki National Monument

   Located in an arid high desert region just north of Flagstaff, the monument contains a variety of mesa top ruins which are a blend of Anasazi and Sinaguan culture. The area was occupied after Sunset Crater's peak exploded in 1064-5 C.E. The subsequent ash cover greatly increased soil fertility. The principal pueblo, Wupatki, has features not seen elsewhere in Anasazi country: a huge amphitheater which resembles a great kiva but without any ceremonial structures. Also, a ballcourt which is a Hohokam influence from southern Arizona and originally Mexico. Adjacent Sunset Crater National Monument offers views of numerous volcanic peaks.
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2. Walnut Canyon National Monument

   Located in a steep and hidden canyon just east of Flagstaff, this settlement was built in the early 1100's by Sinaguan people emigrating from Wupatki and using Anasazi building techniques. The steep hillside has many overhangs, and the resulting alcoves made ideal rooms once the fronts were bricked over. With lush vegetation, water, plentiful game, and arable fields, the inhabitants were thought to have had a prosperous existence here for almost 200 years.
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3. Homolovi Ruins State Park

   Located just off Interstate-40 about an hour east of Flagstaff. This state park protects four very large pueblo sites which might be considered late Anasazi or early Hopi. The area was believed occupied from 1200 to 1400 C.E. The area is very rich in relics, and archaeologists continue to work here in the summer. Also, the park has an excellent campground with hookups. Back to Map

4. Petrified Forest National Park

   While the focus of the park is the petrified wood, the area is rich in ruin sites as well as rock art. There are several exhibits, the most unusual being the Agate House, a restoration of a small pueblo built entirely with petrified wood! Back to Map

5. Canyon de Chelly National Monument

   One of the most scenic canyons in the southwest, Canyon de Chelly has sustained and sheltered humans for more than two thousand years. The Rio de Chelly is a perennial stream which usually floods in the spring creating a very lush canyon bottom. Today, it is cultivated by Navajo farmers. The canyon was occupied by Anasazi from 1050-1300 C.E. Remains of their magnificent cliff dwellings are found throughout the canyon, the most famous being the White House Ruins. Also, many Anasazi and Navajo rock art panels. Interesting tours are provided by Navajo guides in converted six-wheel-drive World War II trucks. Back to Map

   
   
6. Navajo National Monument

   The monument preserves the heritage of the Kayenta Anasazi in two of the finest known cliff dwellings. Betatakin is known for its beautiful setting in a huge alcove in a lush, watered canyon. Keet Seel is the best preserved of all cliff dwellings. The section most protected by the cave overhang is completely intact, including the roofs. You will see how it looked when the inhabitants lived here. Visitation is by ranger-led tour only, and is extremely restricted. Also, Keet Seel requires an eight mile hike each way. A must-see for all Anasazi aficionados. Back to Map

7. Hopi Reservation

   The Hopi people believe they are descended from the Anasazi. Their ancient mesa top village of Old Oraibi rivals Acoma as the oldest (continuously inhabited) town in the country. Be aware that the Hopi people are reclusive, and there are numerous restrictions on visitors (including a ban on photography). Please respect their privacy. Contact the Hopi Cultural Center at Second Mesa, Arizona, if you are interested in visiting the reservation. Back to Map

Anasazi Indian Ruins - New Mexico

8. El Morro National Monument

   The ruins of the village, Atsinna, sit atop El Morro mesa. The site was occupied by ancestors of the Zuni people during the 13th century. The permanent oasis has been a focal point of life for millenia. Relics of ancient Paleo and Archaic hunters are found throughout the area. El Morro Rock has been a signing post starting with prehistoric Indians, Spanish conquistadors, 19th century American pioneers, and even modern day grafitti artists (illegally). A beautiful oasis rich in history. (Click on the photo right to enlarge. You will see a Spanish signature dated 1717 above the ancient petroglyph, near the top.) Back to Map

9. The Acoma Pueblo

   The Acoma Pueblo, or "Sky City", is a short distance east on Interstate-40. Located on a steep, isolated mesa, Acoma has been continuously inhabited for nearly 800 years and is one of the oldest (continuously inhabited) towns in North America. It is fascinating to see an ancient looking pueblo with modern windows and doors. The Catholic church, dating from the 1600's, is beautiful. Guided tours only, restrictions on photography. Local residents often will be selling their unique and famous pottery nearby. Acoma Pueblo - The Sky City Back to Map

   
   
10. Chaco Culture National Historic Park

    Chaco Canyon was the cultural and religious center of the Anasazi civilization for hundreds of years. At its peak in the tenth century, the canyon contained gigantic pueblos with hundreds of rooms, giant kivas including the great Casa Rinconada, sophisticated agricultural systems, as well as scientific structures related to mathematics and astronomy. There was also an amazing system of roads (which can still be detected from space) and "outliers" (suburbs). For the serious student of prehistoric Indian culture, Chaco is the "must-see" place. The environment is very stark high desert. Access is by many miles of dirt road and is easier from the north. The only accommodation is a campground. Back to Map

11. Aztec Ruins National Monument

    This large pueblo (about 500 rooms) was a major outlier of Chaco Canyon. The ancient road to Chaco is still discernible. As at Chaco Canyon evidence of two occupations is visible (different building techniques). After the Chacoan people abandoned the area in the 12th century, the pueblo was reoccupied by Mesa Verde people migrating southward during the 13th century. The west wing of the pueblo has been fully restored, and the walk-through gives you a feel for pueblo life. Also, the great kiva has been fully restored, including its top, and offers a unique experience. The environment is lush and riparian, adjacent to the perennial Animas River.
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Anasazi Indian Ruins Guide:  Arizona/New Mexico (Part 1) | Colorado/Utah (Part 2) | <Back to Map> | <Top of Page>