Palatki Heritage Site
Off Dry Creek Road, Sedona

Off Dry Creek Road, Sedona

Palatki was first documented by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes of the Smithsonian Institution in 1895 and again in 1911. A comparison to photos taken by Dr. Fewkes in 1895 show surprisingly little change. Archaeologists believe that construction of the Palatki cliff dwellings began about A.D. 1125 and that they were used by the Sinagua until about A.D. 1300. The cliff dwellings have two buildings, the east alcove and the west alcove. The West Alcove has been closed to the public for several years due to their condition. It consisted of about five rooms, including what may be a community room or kiva (ceremonial room). The East Alcove consists of five rooms on the first floor, with three rooms having a second story.

Details:

Location: Off Dry Creek Road, Sedona

Hours: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm daily. Reservations (928-282-3854) are requested.

Cost: A Red Rock Pass or equivalent is required per vehicle.

Directions: From West Sedona take Dry Creek Road and follow the brown directional signs. The road is mostly paved but becomes a rough gravel road. From Cottonwood, take FR 525 north.

Docents: On-site hosts and volunteers offer interpretive information.

Visitor Center: The Visitor Center is located about 100 yards from the parking area in a historic ranch house built in the 1920’s by homesteader Charles Willard.

Gift Shop: There is an Arizona Natural History Association gift shop.

Trail: The trail to the first rock art site is about ¼ mile from the Visitor Center over a moderate incline. The trail to the cliff dwelling is about ¼ mile and includes steep rock steps.

Wheelchair access: No