Palatki Ruins, Sedona
Palatki Ruins
Palatki Ruins
4.5
Full view
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4 within 3 miles
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11 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
797 reviews
Excellent
551
Very good
208
Average
29
Poor
4
Terrible
5
mom2ourboys
Zionsville, IN16 contributions
A surprisingly stirring and beautiful historic site. The cliff dwellings were unrestored, making them very unique. The petroglyphs and cave paintings were awe-inspiring. The tour was amazing and the guides were wonderful. The entire experience was powerful and brought tears to my eyes. If you are in Sedona or Flagstaff-this is the one "must see" in the area.
Please call ahead for a reservation and believe your GPS/Apple Map when it tells you that it will take 30 minutes to go 5 miles. It will be worth it!
Please call ahead for a reservation and believe your GPS/Apple Map when it tells you that it will take 30 minutes to go 5 miles. It will be worth it!
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Crystal C
6 contributions
I am glad we visited this site to see up close some of the historical dwellings and cave drawings. They were a little disorganized the day we visited but I didn’t let that detract from my rating because these are volunteers and they were willing to answer questions and genuinely want to share their knowledge. Just a note that the road to get to this location is a little rough, doable but slower going than normal highway. Also, call before driving to the location as they require reservations and only give guided tours.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
thetollefsons
Seattle, WA23 contributions
Make sure you have reservations before heading out on a long drive on a dirt ride. We were in a SUV and at times I thought we wouldn't make it, but the trip was worth it.
Parking lot: $5.00 to park, have bathrooms and clean drinking water.
The tour was wonderful. Met with the park ranger who led us to the head of the trail where we hiked up to the top of the ruins where another ranger was there to greet us and educated us on the history of the ruins.
Then we hiked down to another trail and another ranger was there to show us the petroglyphs.
Parking lot: $5.00 to park, have bathrooms and clean drinking water.
The tour was wonderful. Met with the park ranger who led us to the head of the trail where we hiked up to the top of the ruins where another ranger was there to greet us and educated us on the history of the ruins.
Then we hiked down to another trail and another ranger was there to show us the petroglyphs.
Written May 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John B
Los Angeles, CA8 contributions
This was only the second among the several visits we have been to Sedona that my wife and I, who usually prefer our own individual hikes, took a Safari jeep tour narrated by Jeff who was extremely knowledgeable. This was the one of the most enjoyable and worthwhile experience that my wife have had to date in Sedona. Our tour guide, Jeff was such an extremely knowledgeable, pleasant and a great guide that we would take similar tours with him again. We learned facts from him that we did not know before and incorporated them in our annotated collages we created of our journeys. I am an avid amateur photographer who photo-documents all our journeys. The pictures I took on this tour were some of the best of the hundreds I have taken on previous Sedona Visits.
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PacoFlp
Silver Spring, MD34 contributions
This National Historic Cultural Site is really impressive and the personalized attention from the park staff and interpretive volunteer make these cliff dwellings/cave drawings come to life. You also get to go inside one of the caves to see where a 20th century inhabitant lived. The cave drawings are literally thousands of years old and tell a fascinating story. Visitors of all ages will enjoy this attraction. We should all thank the National Forest Service for maintaining, preserving, and making this site accessible.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Terri Dorow
Granite Bay, CA52 contributions
Probably best to make a reservation, as this is a mostly guided tour and that way you don't have to wait around. We didn't have one so had to wait almost 20 minutes, though the Visitor Center does have a video and some other displays. The tour took us to two locations- a Sinagua dwelling and then to a grotto full of petroglyphs. Both amazing if you can imagine living the life of a native American in 1200 AD!
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
papadon090
Blossom, TX57 contributions
Couples
The road to the sight was good except for the last 8 miles which was very, very bumpy road. Bad shocks and loose car parts, plus spouses with bad backs definitely stay away. Jeeps, ATV's and tanks would be suggested vehicles. If we would have known the conditions, this site would have not been on our itinerary. Parking lot was good. The Rangers took one look at my wife and said she would not be able to do the dwelling portion of the hike. The first hike consisted of 250 steps, which were boulders at different angles and sized. Thank God I took a provided walking stick for balance. The other hike to the Indian drawings had rocks at the top but was totally up hill. My wife and I walk daily but we were not ready for this sight.
Written March 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BobN06
Avondale, PA525 contributions
Had a hard time making contact by phone for reservations (turns out the lines were down) so drove out to see what was available We were able to get on a tour - probably not available if we were not traveling at the time we did. Tour was fantastic and it was a great orientation to the heritage and history of the site. Park rangers were friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend.
Written January 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mas Chips
Herndon, VA25 contributions
Family
Fantastic volunteer lead tour of a heritage site containing petroglyphs, cliff dwelling structures, and beautiful scenery. Easy for older children. We followed the reviews and called the ranger station to make the required reservation. Make sure you show up on time or the tour will leave without you and you cannot go on your own. Leave for extra time to get there as 8 miles of the road there is not paved (mostly dirt and gravel). We made it in our minivan but drove slow to avoid getting a flat. Kids raved about the trip afterwards Wonderful time by the whole family.
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marilynn K
4 contributions
Solo
The guides & staff were wonderful. They gave welcoming greetings & were very helpful & knowledgeable. All questions were answered thoughtfully, even though our group was a bit behind.
I would recommend taking the time to do both tours - - petroglyphs & the ruins.
Worth the visit & beautiful country.
I would recommend taking the time to do both tours - - petroglyphs & the ruins.
Worth the visit & beautiful country.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carrie B
Mobile, AL7 contributions
How long does the tour last?
M-Csala
Myrtle Beach, SC177 contributions
You climb up two trails to see two different areas. A lot depends on if the people climbing (easy, with large rocks as steps) go slower or not. Also depends on how many details the guide shares, and the Q & A time afterwards. Between about 40-50 minutes I’d say. But the slow drive out takes the most time, and has spectacular views. Allow 4 hours altogether!
Laura R
Olathe, KS149 contributions
Is this open now? When I call to make a reservation, says it is closed due to pandemic-even though the website does not state that.
Cliff K
Des Moines, IA564 contributions
I would call the chamber of commerce in Sedona but if their number says it's closed it's probably closed
Podie
Sedona, AZ345 contributions
There is a photo in this review of a young man showing his collection of Native American artifacts - pottery sherds, corn cobs, etc. It is ILLEGAL to take these items from Palatki! Aren't visitors made aware of these rules?
CHope8
Sedona, AZ41 contributions
Yes it is definitely illegal to remove any type of artifact from a historical site. At Palatki the docents have a silver case that holds various artifacts for use during their presentation. Maybe this is what the photo is of.
Is there much walking involved in the tour
M-Csala
Myrtle Beach, SC177 contributions
I would not say a lot. I’m not very active, but I made the two short climbing trails without much difficulty. Each trail about 1/4 mile up and back. We - and they - highly recommend use of hiking poles or sticks.
Malia L
Sedona, AZ10 contributions
It looks like directions say to take that Forest Service Road 525 from SR 89A to get there, but I've been on that road for about 3 miles and it's terrible. I've also seen directions to Palatki when I was at the Fay Canyon trailhead off of Dry Creek Road from Sedona. But I've never been farther than that, so has anybody been there that way? (I called for reservations but had to leave a message and I will ask them when I hear back - just thought I'd ask if anybody has gone that way.)
julienne44
Sedona, AZ61 contributions
Yes, you can reach Palatki from Dry Creek Road/Fay Canyon. A little less dirt road but still about 5 miles of dirt road. Signage on that way is better. It is also more scenic that wat.
Can handicapped people take the tour of the ruins
OSUfanHouston
Hudson, OH556 contributions
Depends on the mobility issue, wheelchairs and walkers would be difficult due to terrain, with the proper companion other challenges could be met. i would discuss the challenge with the Pink Jeep Tour Company, largest in the area and very knowledgeable.
Carol M
Sedona, AZ
How do you become a docente volunteer for the Palatki Ruins?
travelercb212
Prescott, AZ254 contributions
I asked while I was there. You need to go through the national park service.
Cjmc
Kenora5 contributions
The last time we were there,2 years ago, part of the ruins were off limits. is this still in effect?
Bowhuntress
Decorah, IA99 contributions
Be sure to call ahead. They got a little testy with me when we showed up after calling three times with no one answering. It was a very memorable learning experience, highly recommend it! The tour guides are so informative and friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Palatki Ruins
- Hotels near Palatki Ruins:
- (2.89 mi) Mii amo
- (6.22 mi) Adobe Grand Villas
- (2.72 mi) Enchantment Resort
- (6.27 mi) The Inn at Thunder Mountain
- (6.23 mi) Alma de Sedona Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Palatki Ruins:
- (2.75 mi) View 180
- (6.18 mi) Casa Sedona Restaurant
- (6.65 mi) Golden Goose American Grill
- (6.74 mi) Cafe Jose Restaurant
- (2.74 mi) Che Ah Chi