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Wupatki Ruins NM
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Wupatki ruins are just north of Sunset Crater, both making up the national monument. Wupatki is interesting for its building construction on top of almost random and artistically shaped rocks, and apparent connection to meso-american cultures (ball court and largest collection of macaws in north america). It's best visited in the spring or fall (heat).
PICTURE 1 - Wupatki Pueblo These ruins are next to the visitor center, and are almost four stories tall. It's a little misleading, because beneath several of the levels are large rocks that seem to be 'planned' that way! Wapatki NM


PICTURE 2 - Room-Blocks This is a closer view, where you can see the quality of wall construction (not Chaco-quality but still dressed fairly well), and the thickness of the walls. If you lived near 'the top', you'd have to climb up there each day, carrying up your water, food, and pottery. Wapatki NM


PICTURE 3 - Rear-View This is the same house-block but from the rear. Notice the use of the large rocks on the right and left, and the narrow 'canyon' between room-blocks in the center. When it was occupied, it must really been impressive (plus sounds of macaws!). Wapatki NM


PICTURE 4 - Large Kiva This is one of several large kivas in the park, and is specific to the anasazi (ancient ones). Notice the 'seat' that follows the circular wall. There would have been a substantial roof over-top, likely with cribbed logs, and a 'sepiku' hole in the floor for the entrance to the underground. Wapatki NM


PICTURE 5 - Ballcourt These are unusual in Northern Arizona, being more common further south to ruins in central/southern Arizona, and meso-america. Archeologists surmise the likely game by the ruins shape. Nearby is a 'blow hole' from limestone caverns below ... nice and cool! Wapatki NM


PICTURE 6 - Citadel Pueblo This is about 10m further west, close to US89. The actual ruins are on top of a high lava section, as well as more near the base. Fields were 'stepped' in the middle-ground, likely using spring-water from a sink hole on the other side. Nearby are additional ruins, each seemingly contructed for a good view or an artistic location! Wapatki NM


PICTURE 7 - Citadel on Top Now, we're on top, in the pueblo itself. San Francisco Peaks are 20m away, in the right background (Flagstaff). The darkened area in the middle-left is a large sinkhole, where limestone caverns collapsed. The top layer is lava from the volcanos about 10m away (top left). The Citadel pueblo hasn't been re-constructed, though you can surmise the kiva in the central area. Wapatki NM
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