Palatki Heritage Site Tours
Coconino National Forest Recreation
Site closes in inclement weather for visitor safety; signs indicating the closed status will normally be posted at key access points. Call (928) 203-7500 to check for closures before driving to the site.
This area uses the ticket reservation system to protect it from excessive human impacts and facilitate a positive recreation experience.
PLEASE NOTE that in addition to the ticket, an Interagency or Red Rock Pass is required for each vehicle . A Red Rock Pass may be purchased on site.
To purchase an Interagency Pass:
In person: Find a location to purchase this pass at a federal recreation site.
Online: Buy this pass from the USGS Store.
By phone: Call 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), extension 2. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time.
To purchase a Red Rock Pass:
In person: Where to buy a Red Rock Pass .
Online: Buy a Red Rock Pass from Recreation.gov .
Located northwest of Sedona, Arizona, the Palatki Heritage Site protects is one of the largest cliff dwellings of the Red Rock Country between C.E. 1125-1300. The dwelling stands much as described and photographed by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes, in 1895 from the Smithsonian Institution, who gave them the name of Palatki, Hopi for Red House. In addition to the excellently preserved dwelling, there are ”Rock Images", Pictographs and Petroglyphs indicating that the area has been utilized by multiple cultures for thousands of years. To protect these sites, experienced guides will assist visitors in understanding the people who lived at Palatki. The tour includes a stop at the Cliff Dweelings and the Grotto “Rock Images” site, lasting about 1 hour, with tours starting every half hour.
The roads to Palatki are rough gravel roads. Passable for passenger cars, drivers need to go slowly and carefully.
Operating Hours
September - May
9:30 AM - 3 PM daily except Wednesdays. Last tour starts at 2 PM.
Wednesdays. 9:30 AM - 12 PM. Last tour starts at 11 AM.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
June, July, August
Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
8:30 AM - 12 PM. Last tour starts at 11 AM.
Site closes in inclement weather for visitor safety; signs indicating the closed status will normally be posted at key access points. Call (928) 203-7500 to check for closures before driving to the site.
This area uses the ticket reservation system to protect it from excessive human impacts and facilitate a positive recreation experience.
PLEASE NOTE that in addition to the ticket, an Interagency or Red Rock Pass is required for each vehicle . A Red Rock Pass may be purchased on site.
To purchase an Interagency Pass:
In person: Find a location to purchase this pass at a federal recreation site.
Online: Buy this pass from the USGS Store.
By phone: Call 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), extension 2. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm Mountain Time.
To purchase a Red Rock Pass:
In person: Where to buy a Red Rock Pass .
Online: Buy a Red Rock Pass from Recreation.gov .
Located northwest of Sedona, Arizona, the Palatki Heritage Site protects is one of the largest cliff dwellings of the Red Rock Country between C.E. 1125-1300. The dwelling stands much as described and photographed by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes, in 1895 from the Smithsonian Institution, who gave them the name of Palatki, Hopi for Red House. In addition to the excellently preserved dwelling, there are ”Rock Images", Pictographs and Petroglyphs indicating that the area has been utilized by multiple cultures for thousands of years. To protect these sites, experienced guides will assist visitors in understanding the people who lived at Palatki. The tour includes a stop at the Cliff Dweelings and the Grotto “Rock Images” site, lasting about 1 hour, with tours starting every half hour.
The roads to Palatki are rough gravel roads. Passable for passenger cars, drivers need to go slowly and carefully.
Operating Hours
September - May
9:30 AM - 3 PM daily except Wednesdays. Last tour starts at 2 PM.
Wednesdays. 9:30 AM - 12 PM. Last tour starts at 11 AM.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
June, July, August
Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.
8:30 AM - 12 PM. Last tour starts at 11 AM.
Need to Know
- Ticketed Reservation
- This area uses the ticket reservation system to protect it from excessive human impacts and facilitate a positive recreation experience.
- Children under the age of 2 do not need a ticket.
- Pass Required
In addition to the ticket, a Federal Interagency Pass or Red Rock Pass is required for each vehicle. A Red Rock Pass may be purchased on site.
To purchase an Interagency Pass:
In person: Find a location to purchase this pass at a federal recreation site .
Online: Buy this pass from the USGS Store.
By phone: Call 888-ASK USGS (1-888-275-8747), extension 2. Hours of operation are 8 am to 4 pm MT.
To purchase a Red Rock Pass:
In person: Where to buy a Red Rock Pass.
Online: Buy a Red Rock Pass from Recreation.gov .
- Site Access
The roads to Palatki are rough gravel roads. Passable for passenger cars, drivers need to go slowly and carefully. If traveling from Sedona, plan on leaving at least 1 1/4 hours prior to your reservation time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your reservation time to ensure tours remain in schedule.
After rain and snow, Palatki Heritage Site may be closed; signs indicating the closed status will normally be posted at key access points. Call 928-282-3849 to check for closures before driving to the site.
- Weather
Site closes in inclement weather for visitor safety; signs indicating the closed status will normally be posted at key access points.
- Limitations
Tours include 60 uneven fairly strenuous steps. Please be aware of your limitations and opt out appropriately.
- Guidelines
Visitors are expected to follow the Archaeological Site Etiquette Guide while on site.
- Entering the Area
Please have a printed copy of your timed ticket or your confirmation email QR code on a cell phone device available to be viewed at the Visitor Center. Cell phone service is limited at the site.
- Commercial Use
The Palatki site is not open to commercial use.
- Pets
No pets allowed beyond the parking lot.
- Restrooms
There is an accessible vault toilet in the parking lot.
- Groups
For larger and educational groups please contact the Heritage Site Manager for arrangements (928-203-7516).
Booking Windows
Tickets are released 120 days in advanced on a rolling daily release.
Changes and Cancellations
Should the site close for weather, forest closures or other reasons the ticket fee will be refunded.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
10290 NORTH FOREST SERVICE ROAD #795 Sedona AZ 86336
Phone Number
(928) 282-3854
Available Tours and Tickets
- Guided Tour of the Grotto and Dwelling Areas
- Guided Tour of the Grotto and Dwelling Areas with Extended Tour.
