Sedona’s Palatki Heritage Site – Step Into Ancient Arizona

For a peek of exactly what life was like in the red rocks formation of Sedona throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, no need to look any further then the The Palatki Heritage Site and its sister site, Honanki. These were the largest cliff dwellings of Red Rock Country between AD 1150 – 1350.

There are 3 hiking trails at Palatki Heritage Site, one hiking path that takes you to the ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings, another one that takes you to a view of other ancient home cliff dwellings and a 3rd that goes to the alcoves that shelter the painted rock art and symbols. Many native cultures inhabited the Verde Valley and these cliff dwellings, including the Hopi Indians. The hiking trek to these routes are around 1/4 mile each. Round trip is a mile and a half, but is relatively simple with a hike, however not many are wheelchair accessible.

If you do go to see to the Palatki Heritage Site, you would be permitted to see close up the individual painted rock artwork. The area next to the cliff dwellings are limited to 10 visitors at one time. So be prepared to wait in lines if a lot of people decide to do this hike. If you do go, this gives an individual the experience of a lifetime!

Palatki Heritage Site Visiting Times and Information

You will need to get a Red Rock Pass and it is strongly encouraged that you reserve your reservation when you go. To access the Palatki Heritage Site, follow Highway 89A west of the “Y” cross-way, then make a right on Forest Road 525. The Palatki Heritage Site  is open every day from 9:30 am to 3pm and appointments are necessary. To visit online and find out more information on the Palatki Heritage Site, visit the US Department of Forestry’s Palatki Heritage Site.