Sedona Private National Monuments Tour: Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot, Wupatki, Wukoki & Sunset Crater
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable standing and walking short, uneven paths (0.5–1 mile segments) at altitude up to ~7,000 feet.
Overview
See five Arizona National Monuments in a single, seamless day from Sedona. This private tour ties together Sinagua cliff dwellings, cinder cone lava fields, and high-desert pueblos with expert context and easy walking.
Sedona Private National Monuments Tour: Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot, Wupatki, Wukoki & Sunset Crater
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Morning light tips into Oak Creek Canyon as the road climbs toward the high country, red rock giving way to ponderosa pine. On this private, full-day tour, Arizona’s deep time and human story ride shotgun. The van hums north from Sedona, and the landscape keeps changing—like the desert is eager to show you all its faces in one sweep.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress for changing elevations
You’ll move from Sedona’s warmth to Flagstaff’s higher, cooler air—bring a breathable layer and a windproof outer shell in cooler months.
Sun beats down year-round
There’s minimal shade at Wupatki and Sunset Crater—wear a brimmed hat, SPF 30+, and sunglasses.
Respect protected sites
Stay on marked paths and never climb on walls or touch artifacts—these are active archaeological sites protected by federal law.
Footwear matters on cinder and gravel
Closed-toe walking shoes with good tread handle loose cinders and uneven paths far better than sandals.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pronghorn on the open flats near Wupatki
- Common ravens riding thermals over cinder cones
History
After Sunset Crater’s 1085 eruption, communities including Wupatki grew as people adapted to cinder-enhanced farming and regional trade. Cameron Trading Post has served Navajo and Hopi artisans and travelers since 1916.
Conservation
Stay on designated trails to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil and archaeological features. Removing artifacts or climbing on walls damages irreplaceable heritage and violates federal law.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sedona, Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Wide-brim hat & sunscreen
High UV and limited shade at Wupatki and Sunset Crater make sun protection non-negotiable.
Sturdy walking shoes
Grippy soles handle cinder fields and gravel paths safely.
Light layers (fleece or wind shell)
Spring breezes and elevation changes can swing temperatures quickly.
spring specific
Reusable water bottle (2–3 liters)
Hydration is key in the arid high desert; refill during stops to stay ahead of the heat.
summer specific