How To Visit Palatki
The Palatki cliff dwelling and rock art site is located near the town of Sedona in north-central Arizona. Currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service as a Fee Demo Project, the site is open to the general public for visits seven days a week 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (no entrance after 3 PM; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). A Red Rock Pass is required for admission, and is on sale at the site. The pass costs $5 for one day, $15 for one week, and $20 for a full year; this pass allows parking anywhere within the Red Rock Country area. Please bring exact change - the Forest Service personnel are generally unable to make change for visitors. Reservations are required, and can be made by calling (928) 282-3854 between 9:30 a.m and 3:00 p.m. 7 days a week. For operating hours and additional information, visit the Gateway Visitor Centers, or call (928)282-3854. A small visitor center and bookstore, run jointly by the Friends Of The Forest and the Arizona Natural History Association, is located a short distance from the parking lot. There are two trails at Palatki, a loop trail that takes you to the Sinagua cliff dwellings, and a second that goes to the rock art alcoves. Neither trail is very difficult, but good walking shoes are recommended. Unfortunately, there is no handicapped access to any of the sites. Rest facilities and water are available. There is another cliff dwelling and rock art site, Honanki ("Bear House") located nearby; ask for directions either at Palatki or at the Gateway Visitor Centers. A number of local jeep tour operators include Honanki (but not Palatki) on some of their excursions.
Before you visit, please read this U.S. Forest Service Archaeological Site Etiquette Guide.
You should allow at least 1-2 hours to see and appreciate the site. The entrance gate is closed about 1/2 hour before the site itself closes.
If there has been rain or snow recently, it is recommended that you contact the Sedona Ranger Station to learn the condition of the roads to Palatki. If the roads are unpassable, Palatki will be closed; signs indicating the closed status will normally be posted at key access points.
To Sedona:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Rt. 179 exit (signed). Follow 179 to the intersection with US 89A (commonly referred to as the "Y").
From Flagstaff, take US 89A south through Oak Creek Canyon into the town of Sedona, and to the "Y" intersection with Rt. 179.
To Palatki From Sedona:
Take 89A south from the "Y" (away from Oak Creek Canyon). About 1/2 mile south of Milemarker 365, at a group of mailboxes, turn right onto a dirt road (Forest Road 525 to Forest Road 795; passable for all cars when dry), and drive 8 miles to Palatki and the parking lot.
Alternatively, those with high-clearance vehicles and/or a sense of adventure can turn right on Dry Creek Road off 89A (south of the "Y", still in the town of Sedona) and follow the signs for Enchantment Resort/Loy Butte. At the road to the Enchantment Resort, turn left onto Boynton Pass Road (FR 152C), and follow the signs for Loy Butte/Palatki (FR 525 to FR 795, turn right and follow to site). This road is generally passable to passenger cars when dry, but it is not regularly maintained by the County and may have some rough and rocky stretches. The compensation for abusing your motor vehicle are wonderful views of the red rock formations that Sedona is so famous for.
To Palatki From Cottonwood:
Take 89A north from Cottonwood. About 1/2 mile north of Milemarker 364, at a group of mailboxes, turn left onto a dirt road (Forest Road 525 to Forest Road 795; passable for all cars when dry), and drive 8 miles to Palatki and the parking lot.
Return To Palatki Home Page