Walnut Canyon National Monument | Flagstaff

History and exercise combined together make for one memorable hike which you can experience by visiting the Walnut Canyon National Monument in Arizona. Just 10 miles southeast of downtown Flagstaff, you will find a unique canyon that was once occupied by the Sinagua, a pre-Columbian cultural group that inhabited the Walnut Canyon from about 1100 to 1250 CE. This canyon has been made available for visitors to explore, learn, and adventure what used to be called home to our ancient ancestors.

From the moment you walk out the Visitor Center’s doors you will be able to look down into the breathtaking canyon below before you start your journey. There are two options for trails. The one I’d recommend doing first is the Island Loop Trail.

The 0.9 mile Island Trail loop will take you down into the winding canyon where you will encounter 25 cliff dwelling rooms constructed by the Sinagua – Spanish for “without water” a tribute to the people who were able to live in such a dry region. The steep hike down is on a fully paved trail and winds through various cliff dwellings with a few rooms along the way you can walk into for a photo op. This trail can be challenging for those who do not regularly exercise with the sheer number of steps to get down and the high elevation (nearly 7,000 feet).

A second trail, known as the Rim Trail, does not take you down into the canyon but simply provides you with views of the canyon. The 0.7 mile trail is entirely paved and almost perfectly flat that overlooks Walnut Canyon. The trail includes a covered pit house, protected beneath an oversized wooden canopy, and the walls from a two-room pueblo.

The thought provoking sights may transport you back in time, prompting you to imagine the people living here on a veritable cliff face. If anything it will give you an appreciation of the lifestyle and challenges presented to the residents in living and surviving in this difficult terrain. More information on the history of the Sinagua people can be found by clicking here .

Although Walnut Canyon National Monument is located in Arizona, don’t be fooled by the dry desert hype. Walnut Canyon has snow in the winter and blazing hot sun in the summer with afternoon thunderstorms. In the spring, strong gusty winds on the rim and/or in the canyon add an additional challenge to the hike. With that being said, prepare for the weather beforehand to fully enjoy this hike.

Unlike most of the surrounding geology, this area is not volcanic. It is wind-blown sandstone layered with weathered limestone, and the boundary between the two types of rock is dramatic.

For a small fee of $5.00 – which grants you 7 days of access to the Walnut Canyon National Monument – you can spend the day or multiple days exploring the majestic cliff dwellings that were once considered home to people.

Start your visit at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center where you can pick up informational brochures, view museum exhibits and artifacts on display, or chat with a ranger before getting started on your hike. Guided walks are also available to get an in depth understanding of the Sinagua people.

Walnut Canyon Tips

Tip 1 : Water is available at the Visitor Center however there is no food service in the monument.

Tip 2 : Pets are not allowed on monument trails or in buildings, so leave your furry critters at home.

Tip 3 : If you have time or are heading to Phoenix, stop by the Montezuma Castle monument to check out another dwelling of the Sinagua people.

Tip 4 : Keep a close eye on your children as there are a few steep drop offs without railings that could be a hazard.

Tip 5 : Be prepared to walk down several sets of stairs (240 steps in total). Guardrails are provided for assistance.

Tip 6 : The walk back up can be strenuous but is not terribly long given the short distance the trail covers.

Difficulty : Moderate

Total Distance : 0.7 miles for the Rim Trail or 0.9 miles for the Island Trail

Trailhead Address : 3 Walnut Canyon Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Another great benefit of the Walnut Canyon National Monument is the fact that it is located close to many other desirable attractions such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona hiking trails, and the town of Flagstaff. It’s a worthwhile stop you won’t want to miss when touring Arizona.