Photo: Fredlyfish4 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Attractions 5,426 ft Bortle 2 Solitude: 90/100 (remote)

The Citadel and Nalakihu Trail This trail is a 4 mile (6.4 km) drive from the northern entrance off Highway 89, or a 10 mile (16 km) drive from the Visitor Center. It offers an intimate experience with an an ancestral site and expansive views of the surrounding San Francisco Peaks and volcanic field. The trail is accessible to the base of the cinder hill with a compacted decomposed granite surface. The parking lot is parallel to the road with an entrance/exit

What to Pack for Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

Given these conditions, here's what to pack for a safe and comfortable visit.

Based on the terrain, climate, and wildlife at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, here's what to bring.

Essential

Water (minimum 2L) — Dehydration impairs judgment and endurance long before you feel thirsty; 2L is the minimum for a moderate day hike.
Navigation (map/GPS/compass) — Phone batteries die, cell service disappears, and trail signs get vandalized; a paper map and compass always work.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen) — UV exposure intensifies at elevation and near reflective surfaces like water and snow; sunburn can happen in under 30 minutes.
First aid kit — Blisters, cuts, and sprains happen on even the easiest trails; basic supplies let you treat problems before they force a retreat.
Extra food — A wrong turn or unexpected storm can extend any outing by hours; extra calories prevent fatigue and poor decision-making.
Headlamp with extra batteries — Trails that seem short in daylight can take twice as long with route-finding or elevation; a headlamp keeps you moving safely after dark.
Fire starter — Hypothermia can set in even during summer at higher elevations; a reliable fire starter provides warmth and a signal for rescuers.
Emergency shelter (space blanket) — A space blanket weighs under two ounces and reflects up to 90% of body heat, buying time in an unplanned overnight.
Knife or multi-tool — From cutting cord to preparing food to improvising gear repairs, a knife is the most versatile tool you can carry.
Extra clothing layer — Mountain weather can shift from sunshine to sleet within an hour; an extra layer prevents dangerous heat loss.

Wildlife Gear

Bear canister — Storing food in a bear canister prevents bears from associating humans with food, which is the leading cause of dangerous bear behavior.
Bear spray — Studies show bear spray stops aggressive bear behavior in over 90% of encounters, outperforming firearms in field effectiveness.
Bear bell — Most bear encounters happen when hikers surprise a bear at close range; a bell provides continuous noise that alerts bears to your presence.
Hiking buddy (avoid solo) — Groups of three or more are almost never involved in serious bear incidents; larger groups make more noise and appear more intimidating.
Noise maker — Clapping, whistling, or using an air horn warns wildlife of your approach, preventing surprise encounters on blind corners.
Gaiters — Snake-proof gaiters provide a physical barrier against venomous bites below the knee, where most strikes occur.
First-aid snakebite kit — While evacuation to a hospital is the priority, a snakebite kit helps you stay calm and follow proper first-aid protocols.

Climate Gear

Layering system (wide temp swings) — Desert and mountain environments can swing 40+ degrees between dawn and midday; layers let you adapt without overheating or freezing.

Terrain Gear

Wide-brim hat — A wide brim shades your face, ears, and neck simultaneously, reducing UV exposure and lowering heat stroke risk.
Sunscreen SPF50+ — Reflected UV from water, sand, and snow can burn exposed skin even on overcast days; SPF50+ blocks 98% of UVB rays.
Extra water (desert) — Desert water sources are unreliable and often seasonal; carry all the water you need rather than counting on finding more.
SPF50 lip balm — Lips lack melanin and burn faster than other skin; cracked, sunburned lips at altitude are painful and slow to heal.

Seasonal Gear

Spring: Camera, Wildflower field guide
Fall: Camera, Binoculars (foliage viewing)
Winter: Microspikes/traction devices

Activities & Best Time to Visit Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

The Desert terrain here lends itself to a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos supports 6 outdoor activities, with hiking being the most popular draw.

Photographers rate this area 65/100, with Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2) and 3 excellent meteor showers being a major draw.

Activities

hiking — Follow marked trails through forests, deserts, or alpine terrain for a deeper connection with nature.
photography — Capture landscapes, wildlife, and changing light across trails, coastlines, and mountain vistas.
picnicking — Spread a blanket, unpack a meal, and enjoy food outdoors surrounded by fresh air and open views.
running — Hit scenic trails or park loops for a workout surrounded by fresh air and open space.
walking — A simple way to explore trails, shorelines, and park paths at your own pace while taking in the scenery.
wildlife_viewing — Observe animals in their natural habitats, from grazing deer to soaring raptors overhead.

Best months: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Terrain: Desert — Desert terrain features sparse vegetation, exposed soils, and wide temperature swings between day and night.

Wildlife Safety at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

While the wildlife here is part of the experience, some species require caution and preparation.

With a danger score of 45/10, Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos has a few wildlife hazards worth preparing for.

Danger rating: 45/100 (based on terrain difficulty, wildlife presence, weather exposure, and remoteness) high

Bears present
Mountain lions
Venomous snakes
Remote (150mi from city)

Altitude risk: mild

UV risk: extreme (Mid latitude (36N), Elevated (5,426ft), Desert (exposed))

Photo score: 65/100

Exceptional dark sky (Bortle 1-2)
3 excellent meteor showers
Fall foliage
Spring wildflowers

Bears

This is Black Bear country. Encounters are uncommon but possible, especially during .

Black Bear

A stocky bear with rounded ears, a straight facial profile, and short curved claws built for climbing.

Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers and keep a clean campsite.

Store food properly - use bear boxes or hang food bags
Keep a clean camp - no food scraps
Make noise while hiking
Never approach cubs - mother is nearby
Back away slowly if you encounter a bear

Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes here include Western Diamondback, Mojave, Sidewinder. They're most active during warm months.

Western Diamondback

A heavy-bodied rattlesnake with bold diamond-shaped blotches along the back and a black-and-white banded tail ending in a rattle.

Seek emergency medical care immediately and keep the bitten limb immobilized at heart level.

Mojave

A large rattlesnake with diamond-like dorsal blotches and a banded tail similar to the Western Diamondback.

Call emergency services immediately and limit movement to slow venom spread.

Sidewinder

A small pale rattlesnake with horn-like scales above each eye and a sidewinding mode of travel.

Seek immediate medical attention and immobilize the affected limb.

Watch where you step and place hands
Stay on trails
Wear boots and long pants in snake country
Do not reach under rocks or logs
If bitten: stay calm, immobilize limb, seek medical help immediately
Do NOT: cut wound, suck venom, apply tourniquet, ice, or alcohol

Nature & Wildlife at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

The Desert terrain here supports a rich ecosystem worth noticing as you explore.

Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos sits within a Desert ecosystem home to 8 documented mammal species and 30 bird species.

Trees (3)

Southwestern Ponderosa Pine — Southwestern Ponderosa Pine is a large, long-needled conifer adapted to dry, high-elevation forests.
Gambel Oak — Gambel oak is a small to medium deciduous tree with deeply lobed leaves that resemble classic oak shapes.
white fir — White fir is a tall evergreen with soft, bluish-green needles that curve upward from the twig.

Wildflowers (2)

Arizona mariposa lily — White to pale pink petals with deep purple markings.
Stansbury's Cliffrose — Evergreen shrub with finely divided gray-green leaves.

Other Plants (5)

Echinocereus bakeri
great mullein
quaking aspen
alligator juniper
western blue flag

Mammals (8)

Abert's Squirrel — A gray tree squirrel with distinctive long ear tufts in winter.
Mule Deer — A large deer with oversized mule-like ears and a black-tipped tail.
Gunnison's Prairie Dog — A stout, burrowing rodent with tan to brown fur and short tail.
Wapiti — Also known as elk, this large deer has a tan body with dark neck and pale rump patch.
Rock Squirrel — A large ground squirrel with mottled gray-brown fur and bushy tail.

Birds (30)

Red-winged Blackbird — Male black with red and yellow shoulder patch
House Sparrow — Male with gray crown and black bib
European Starling — Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheen
Eurasian Collared-Dove — Pale gray-beige body
Dark-eyed Junco — Slate-gray form with white belly

Reptiles (5)

Plateau Fence Lizard — A medium lizard with spiny scales and gray to brown coloration.
Greater Short-horned Lizard — A stout-bodied lizard with short horns on the back of the head.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake — A slender snake with longitudinal yellow or cream stripes over a dark brown, gray, or greenish body.
Gopher Snake — A large tan or yellowish snake with dark brown blotches along the back.
Ornate Tree Lizard — A small spiny lizard with gray to brown coloration and subtle patterning.

Amphibians (2)

American Bullfrog
Arizona Tree Frog

Insects (10)

Convergent Lady Beetle
Gray Buckeye
Carolina Grasshopper
White-lined Sphinx
Spotted Pine Sawyer

Fungi (1)

lobster mushroom

Other Wildlife (2)

Common Pill Woodlouse
Virile Crayfish

Nature Bingo at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

Can you spot them all? Check off each species as you find it on your visit.

Wildlife Challenge

Common Raven (bird)
Abert's Squirrel (mammal)
Plateau Fence Lizard (reptile)
American Bullfrog (amphibian)
Southwestern Ponderosa Pine (plant)

Botany Challenge

Achnatherum Pinetorum
Aquilegia Coerulea Var. Pinetorum
Arabis Holboellii Var. Pinetorum
Asclepias Engelmanniana
Echinocereus Engelmannii
Almutaster

Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument Climate & Sun

For detailed planning, here's the climate data for this area.

The climate at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos averages 55.8°F annually, with Arid conditions.

Climate type: Arid

Annual avg temp: 55.8°F

Annual precipitation: 8.8 in

With an average annual temperature of 55.8°F and 8.8 inches of precipitation, Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos has mild, arid conditions. Summer highs average around 77°F, while winter lows drop to 36°F.

Best months to visit: Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct.

Winter 36°

0.7"

Spring 54°

0.5"

Summer 77°

1.3"

Fall 57°

0.8"

Month	Avg Temp	Precip
Jan	36°F	0.7 in
Feb	40°F	0.6 in
Mar	47°F	0.7 in
Apr	54°F	0.5 in
May	62°F	0.4 in
Jun	73°F	0.2 in
Jul	77°F	1.3 in
Aug	75°F	1.5 in
Sep	68°F	1.1 in
Oct	57°F	0.8 in
Nov	44°F	0.4 in
Dec	35°F	0.6 in

Daylight & Sun Times

Daylight ranges from 9.8 hours in winter to 14.5 hours in summer — a difference of 4.7 hours.

Summer: 5:09 AM – 7:42 PM

Winter: 7:27 AM – 5:14 PM

Winter Solstice: Sunrise 7:27 AM, Sunset 5:14 PM Golden hour from 4:34 PM

Summer Solstice: Sunrise 5:09 AM, Sunset 7:42 PM Golden hour from 7:04 PM

Spring Equinox: Sunrise 6:38 AM, Sunset 6:32 PM Golden hour from 5:58 PM

Fall Equinox: Sunrise 6:07 AM, Sunset 6:34 PM Golden hour from 6:01 PM

Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument Trip Planning & Access

Planning your trip to Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos — here's the practical information you'll need.

The nearest major city to Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos is Phoenix, about 150 miles away.

Nearest city: Phoenix (150 mi)

Estimated fuel cost: $37.58 (28 mpg, $3.5/gallon)

Carbon footprint: 121.5 kg CO2 (round trip by car)

Visitor Friendliness

This location rates likely_allowed for dogs, excellent for families, and highly_suitable for elderly visitors.

Dogs: likely_allowed — No restrictions found
Families: excellent
Elderly: highly_suitable (Paved surface)
Strollers: excellent (100/100)
Beginners: Good starting point (Moderate difficulty (+5))
Accessibility: Generally accessible to most visitors (90/100)

Places Near Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

There's more to explore in this part of Arizona.

There are 10 outdoor destinations within easy reach of Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos.

Nearby Trails

Lomaki Pueblo Trail, Wupatki National Monument 0.73 mi
Box Canyon Dwellings Trail, Wupatki National Monument 0.87 mi
Doney Trail, Wupatki National Monument 4.4 mi

Nearby Campgrounds

O'leary Campground, Coconino 13.92 mi
Usfs O'leary Group Campground, Coconino 13.92 mi
Bonito Campground (az), Coconino 14.14 mi
Bonito Campground, Coconino 14.17 mi
Oleary Group Site, Coconino 14.57 mi

Nearby Attractions

Stargazing & Night Sky at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

Once you're geared up and settled in, the night sky here offers its own rewards.

The skies above Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos register a Bortle class 2, making this a Typical truly dark site location for stargazing.

Bortle 2 Typical truly dark site

Constellations

From Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, you can trace Ursa Minor, Cassiopeia, Cepheus across the sky on clear nights.

Ursa Minor — Home to Polaris, the North Star, Ursa Minor forms a small dipper shape that circles the northern sky year-round.
Cassiopeia — Easily recognized by its bright W-shaped pattern, Cassiopeia stands out in northern skies.
Cepheus — Cepheus appears as a faint house-shaped pattern near Polaris in the northern sky.

Meteor Showers

Time your visit around December 13-14 for the Geminids, the strongest meteor shower visible from this latitude.

Geminids — peaks December 13-14 (excellent)
One of the most reliable and active showers of the year; best viewed after 10 PM when Gemini rises higher in the sky.
Quadrantids — peaks January 3-4 (excellent)
This brief but intense shower peaks before dawn; early morning hours offer the best chance to see multiple meteors.
Perseids — peaks August 11-13 (excellent)
A summer favorite with warm nighttime viewing; look northeast after 10 PM.
Eta Aquariids — peaks May 5-6 (good)
Best seen before dawn in the southeastern sky as Aquarius rises.
Delta Aquariids — peaks July 28-29 (fair)
Best viewed after midnight when Aquarius is higher in the southern sky.

Planets

Planets visible to the naked eye from this location:

Venus — The brightest planet, often called the Morning or Evening Star
Jupiter — The largest planet, bright and steady in the night sky
Saturn — Famous for its rings, visible as a golden steady light
Mars — The Red Planet, recognizable by its reddish-orange hue

Equipment Guide

Naked eye: Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Mercury (with care)
Binoculars: Jupiter moons, Uranus, Saturn rings (barely)
Small telescope: Saturn rings, Jupiter bands, Mars surface features, Neptune

Viewing Tips

Check planets rise/set times for your specific date
Planets appear along the ecliptic (zodiac path)
Planets don't twinkle like stars - steady light
Venus and Jupiter are unmistakable - brightest objects after Moon
Use a stargazing app to confirm planet positions
Best viewing: when planet is highest in sky (transit)

Best Viewing Months

Evening: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Morning: Jul, Aug, Sep

Seasonal Highlights at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

The sky isn't the only thing that changes with the seasons at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos.

The seasons shape the experience at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos — here's what each one brings.

Spring Wildflowers

Peak bloom: March - April

Check local park websites for bloom reports

Fall Foliage

Peak color: September 15 – October 10

Best trees for color: Aspen, Cottonwood, Scrub Oak

At 5403ft elevation, expect peak 1-2 weeks earlier

Bird Migration

Spring peak: April - May

Fall peak: September - October

Best spots: Wetlands, coastlines, mountain ridges

Indigenous Land at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument

This area sits on land with a deep human history that predates modern recreation.

Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos sits on the traditional lands of Hopitutskwa, Pueblos, Havasu Baaja (Havasupai).

Territories

Languages

Indigenous languages connected to this territory include Dilzhę́’é (North), Hopilavayi.

Data from Native Land Digital

Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument Geology & Natural History

Beyond the trails and wildlife, Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos sits within a landscape shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Here's what researchers and surveys have documented about this area.

Bedrock Geology

Rock Type: Holocene to middle Pliocene basaltic rocks
Lithology: Major:{basalt}, Minor:{andesite,dacite,rhyolite}
Age: Cenozoic

Fossils

Fossil Occurrences: 39
Unique Species: 37
Oldest: 274.4 million years ago

Mineral Deposits

Deposit Sites: 15
Richness: Moderate
Minerals Found: Sand and Gravel, Construction, Volcanic Materials, Pumice, Uranium, Perlite

Endangered Species

Species at Risk: 1478
ESA Endangered: 29
ESA Threatened: 16
Conservation Score: 100/100

Wildfire History

This area has a relatively low wildfire risk, but always follow posted fire regulations.

Recorded Fires: 58
Largest Fire: Hochderffer (17,471.6 acres)
Most Recent: 9999
Fire Risk: Extreme

Caves & Karst Features

Feature Types: Volcanic rocks with potential for pseudokarst features
Karst Score: 30

Watershed

Watershed: Rimmy Jim Tank
Water Quality (Good): 0%
Impaired: 0%

Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos, Wupatki National Monument Safety & Conditions

Before heading out, check these real-time safety resources for current conditions.

Check current conditions at Citadel and Nalakihu Pueblos before heading out using these official sources.

Flood zone: Not in a flood zone

Nearest weather station: WUPATKI NM, AZ US (6.42 mi)