Walnut Canyon National Monument

NPS photo by Dallas Larsen

Much like the Grand Canyon to the northwest, Walnut Canyon was formed by 60 million years of water flowing first as a gentle creek across the plateau, then etching and carving its way through steep passes. Deep gorges formed in the sandstone, limestone, and other ancient desert rock some 20 miles long and 400 feet deep. The walls of the canyon are smooth in many places from centuries of buffeting winds while fossils of marine life cling to other parts of the steep canyon, left by receding waters of an ancient sea. Later, prehistoric Native people would settle in this high desert region, drawn to the area by the presence of water, a rarity in the dry, arid climate of the Colorado Plateau. These early settlers are originally thought to be from the north, refugees from the fiery eruption of the Sunset Crater Volcano. After the 11th century inferno left their own land uninhabitable, these itinerant farmers moved both north to Wupatki and south to Walnut Canyon, finding the land there more hospitable than the barren volcanic aftermath of their previous farmland. While the new settlements lasted just a few hundred years, visitors today can witness how humans triumph over natural disaster by examining the cliff dwellings and ruins left by these early Arizona peoples.

Arizona's Walnut Canyon.

The Walnut Canyon National Monument is located in the high pine forests south of Flagstaff, AZ, encompassing 3,600 acres, including six miles of the canyon's length. The ledges formed by the winding Walnut Creek left natural alcoves that were perfect for sheltering native peoples from the wind and snow that reaches the Monument's higher elevations. During the area's peak years of development, sometime between 1100 and 1250, over 100 people called Walnut Canyon home, making their living growing crops along the canyon's rim and in crevices along the walls. Walnut Creek, the life blood of the community, continued to flow sporadically down the canyon floor, creating a unique community of cliff dwellers whose homes, gathering places and graves can be still be seen today by visitors to this historic national monument.

Things to See.

Visitors wanting a short, easy stroll through the park can enjoy the self-guided Rim Trail along the canyon's upper edge. You will wander through ponderosa forests as you make your way toward the canyon rim, passing scenic overlooks and the ruins of a pithouse and pueblo. Because of the relatively flat terrain, early settlers grew crops of corn, squash and beans in this part of the canyon and the area continues to provide a colorful display of wildflowers against the rocky backdrop of the steep canyon walls. You can expect to cover the 0.7 mile round-trip stroll in about 30 minutes. While the whole trail is easy to navigate, the beginning part is fully paved and accessible for those with limited mobility.

For those hoping to see the cliff dwellings up close, opt for the more strenuous Island Trail. Just one mile round-trip, this hike descends more than 185 vertical feet. You climb back out of the canyon the same way, so take your time and plan on spending at least an hour during this hike. Although completely paved with several sets of stairs, this trail can be difficult due to the 7,000' elevation. Hikers will be rewarded, however with up close views of 25 cliff dwellings along the route, with even more located just a glance away, across the canyon.

Interpretive Programs.

In addition to the self-guided tours of Walnut Canyon National Monument, the park also offers two ranger-guided hikes during the summer months. The Ledge Hike is a three hour strenuous hike along the canyon's many cliffs and gorges. It is offered the first and last Saturday of each month, beginning at 10:00 a.m. A bit challenging, there is no better way to experience up close and personal the true Walnut Canyon. The Ranger Cabin Walk is an easy, two hour hike offered the first Sunday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Built in 1904 to help protect Walnut Canyon from overzealous site seers, pillagers and vandals, the Ranger Cabin remains a stunning example of early 20th century log architecture set among still pristine ponderosa pines. Reservations are required for both hikes, and can be made by contacting the Visitor Center at (928) 526-3367.

Discover the Cliffs.

Discovery Packs are available at the Walnut Canyon National Monument Visitor Center and offer exciting tools to enhance your experience at the Monument. Inside you will find binoculars for enjoying cross canyon views of the cliff dwellings and a magnifying lens for close up examination of the pottery, stonework and archaeological remains. There are field guides about the plants, flowers and landscape that remain, drawing paper and pencils to capture your visual impressions, and a Field Journal to record all your observations and experiences. Use your Discovery Pack to enhance your visit to the Monument, leaving the buildings and ruins undisturbed for others to visit, study and enjoy for the next 1,000 years.

Available at the Visitor Center, Discovery Packs are designed to be used not only at Walnut Canyon, but also at nearby Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments as well. At the end of your visit, just return the Discovery Pack to the Visitor Center, taking your Field Journal home as a reminder of the exciting things you saw along the way. Families will especially enjoy the Discovery Pack however anyone with a sense of adventure or a curiosity about nature will be pleased as well. There is no charge for borrowing a Discovery Pack.

Getting to Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Walnut Canyon National Monument is located just southeast of Flagstaff, AZ. Exit I-40 at Exit 204, 7.5 (12 km) miles east of Flagstaff. Head south 3 miles to the canyon rim. The parking area is limited in length so use extra caution when towing vehicles. The are no campgrounds in the Monument but Bonito Campground is located across from the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument Visitor Center. Call (928) 526-0866 for campground information.

For More Information.

Walnut Canyon Website

Walnut Canyon National
Monument Visitor Center
(928) 526-3367

Where To Stay.

See Flagstaff Hotels or Flagstaff Bed and Breakfasts.