Flagstaff to Page, Arizona

RV Trip on Route 66--California to Arizona (Day 6)

Flagstaff to Page, Arizona-October 10, 2020

This morning we have a long drive awaiting us from Flagstaff to Page, where we will be spending the night. Fortunately, there are plenty along the way for us to see, including two National Monuments quite close to Flagstaff along Hwy 89 and also the beautiful Horseshoe Bend view point south of Page.

From the campground where we stayed the night before, we arrived at the southern entrance of the 395 loop where the two National Monuments are located. It is ideal to visit both since you would not need to back track in order to get back on Hwy 89. Sunset Crater National Monument is closer to the south entrance and Wupatki National Monument is closer to the north entrance of the loop. 

Again, we were able to get in for free because of our "America the Beautiful" National Park Senior Pass. We got that for free a couple of years ago when they offered them to all seniors. What an incredible life-time saving!

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

We stopped at the Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center near the entrance just for pictures without getting inside the building. As always, we are trying not to enter any indoor places during the pandemic.

Then we visited the volcano site.

There are plenty of spacious and easy parking for RV's.

Sunset Crater

There is a short walk that takes visitors closer to the crater but no one can climb up there on the fragile surface. There is also a one-mile hiking trail around the crater but we were not prepared for that.

It was said that the volcano erupted around 1040 to 1100 and the whole event probably lasted for six months to a year.

The forces of the explosion created more than 600 hills and mountains in the area by spitting out molten rocks and cinders that solidified and fell to earth like bombs.

Changing life and transforming land forever.

It looks pretty and serene now...

but imagine the powerful destruction that took place.

Driving a little further up, we came upon this hill where the "Painted Desert Vista" is.

Certainly a wonderful view of the area.

Peace and quiet along the loop road.

Wupatki National Monument

Wupatki National Monument protects the cultural history and ancient dwellings of  Native Americans who lived here many years ago. This 56 square miles of land seems to be dry and rugged but that was how the people survived by planting, trading, and sharing. Several pueblo are opened to visitors to see and they are all very well taken care of.

Soon we arrived at the second National Monument, Wupatki.

Off a smaller road to the east took us to the Wukoki Pueblo.

"Wukoki" means big house in the Indian language, I believe.

Pottery in this area can be a very precious piece of history.

This sign explains in detail of the characteristics of this big house.

The 'big house' off a little distance away from the parking lot.

I believe this building was occupied by at least three families.

Back of the building.

This was what the picture looked like.

The busiest place in the park--Wupatki Visitor Center and where the largest Wupatki Pueblo is situated.

We did not take the long walk down to the pueblo.

Just observing this 100-room structure from the viewing deck near the Visitor Center.

Lastly, we came by the Citadel Pueblo...

and the Lomaki Pueblo which are closer to the north entrance of the loop.

A little hike up to the Lomaki Pueblo.

These pueblos are all different in certain ways and worth a visit.

After the National Monuments we went back on Hwy 89 and continued our drive up north to Page.

There are some amazing sights along this drive. You may check out our video linked below.

Horseshoe Bend

Son wanted to take some sunset photos of Horseshoe Bend on this trip. As we were driving north, it was a little too early for that when we went past Horseshoe Bend, so we went straight to the campground and checked in first. This also gave us some time to rest after the long drive. At 5:30 we left the campground and headed back south to Horseshoe Bend from Page, which is only a 10-minute drive. 

This site is not part of the National Park system so our senior pass did not work here. It was a $10 entrance fee for us, not too bad really. They had a huge parking area reserved for RVs making this an easy stop for us.

Entrance and parking lot of the site.

There is a long walk, possibly more than half a mile, between the parking lot and the viewing area.

Walk, walk, walk...

arrived at the viewing area that was crowded with visitors.

A couple was getting married right there and then.

This is definitely the best time of the day to visit Horseshoe Bend.

These photos really do not do justice.

People taking boat rides to get on the island. I have heard that one can rent a boat at Lake Powell and sail down here.

Dangerous act

What a gorgeous sight to end the day!

It was all dark when we walked back to the parking lot. I was glad that we decided to stay in Page instead of down to the Wahweap Campground near Lake Powell. We just had a short easy drive instead of finding our way in the dark to Wahweap. Stay tune!

YouTube video here

"He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?"   --Romans 8:32