Walnut Canyon National Monument was established in 1915 to preserve numerous Prehistoric archaeological sites which are spectacularly located in cliffs and along the rim of Walnut Canyon. The focus of the proclamation was protection from looting and vandalism of the cliff dwelling structures located under the canyon's limestone ledges.
Evidence of human use at Walnut Canyon can be traced back over 2,000 years. Based on ceramic analysis and tree ring dates, most Sinagua sites in the area date from 1100-1225 AD. The progression of cultural change and adaptation of the Sinagua is clearly evident at Walnut Canyon.
General Information
Rates & Fees
Entrance Fee: $5.00 per person (age 16 and under free). Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports are accepted.
Commercial Tour Fees are charged according to vehicle capacity:
Seasons / Hours
- Open year round except closed December 25.
Visitor Center
9:00 am to 5:00 pm -- December, January, February
8:00 am to 5:00 pm -- March, April, May
8:00 am to 6:00 pm -- June, July, August
8:00 am to 5:00 pm -- September, October, November
Facilities/Features
Stores/Museum
The Visitor Center offers a museum, book store, restrooms, overlook and two trails.
Programs & Events
These programs are generally offered June, July and August but are subject to change. Please ask as other programs may be scheduled.
- Daily Ranger Talks: 10 AM and 2 p.m., at the Rim Trail Overlook, 30-45 minutes. Discover the geology, archaeology, or history of Walnut Canyon.
Ledge Hikes: Wednesday and Sunday at 10 AM, 1 hour. This 3/4-mile, off-trail adventure starts at the Visitor Center and ends on the Island Trail. Visit numerous cliff dwellings in an area otherwise closed to entry. Water and hiking shoes required. Participation is limited.
- Ranger Cabin Hike: Saturday at 10 AM. A two-hour, 2-mile journey through Walnut Canyon's past. A challenging hike with steep slopes, loose footing, and brush, to an area otherwise closed to entry. Bring water, wear long pants and hiking shoes, meet at the Visitor Center. Children under 8 are not permitted. Limited to 10 persons. Reservations required for this hike. Call 502-526-3367.
Food/Supplies
There are no food or supplies within the Monument. Picnic areas and vending machines only. Overnight accommodations, food, supplies and gasoline are available in Flagstaff 10 miles west. Flagstaff Visitor Center: 800-842-7293.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms are located at the Visitor Center. Trail accessibility is limited because of terrain. Please contact the park for more information.
Things To Do
Hike one of two trails or stop and take in a program given by park rangers. Allow at least 2 hours to see the museum and ruins.
Hiking / Walking
- The Island Trail: Descends 185 feet into the canyon providing access to 25 cliff dwelling rooms. A strenuous one-mile round trip, it is one of the best ways to experience the park. Climbing the 240 steps back up can tax heart and lungs. Trail closes at 4 :00 PM. daily, 5:00 PM June, July and August.
Rim Trail: A fairly level 3/4-mile round trip provides canyon views and access to other ruins.
Backcountry: The backcountry of Walnut Canyon is closed to hiking to protect fragile archaeological sites.
Camping & Lodging
Lodging
There is no lodging in the Monument. There are hotels and motels in Flagstaff, with something for every taste and price range. For more information and a complete list. Click Here. (Rates, availability and reservation online)
Camping
- There is no camping in the Monument. U.S. Forest Service and private campgrounds are located in and around Flagstaff.
Precautions, Rules, Regulations
It is the visitor's responsibility to know and obey park rules. Regulations are designed for visitors' protection and to protect natural resources.
- All vehicles, including bicycles, must remain on designated roadways. Always use designated parking areas, never stop in the roadway.
- Observe posted speed limits - park roads are not designed for speed. Enjoy the scenery safely. Slow down at dawn and dusk and watch for animals.
- Buckle up. Seat belts are required by law.
- Do not feed wildlife. Avoid contact with rodents. The white-footed deer mouse is a carrier of hantavirus and prairie dogs can carry plague.
- Poisonous snakes and insects are common but not aggressive. Keep a safe distance. This is their home and they are protected.
- All natural resources, animals, plants, and rocks are protected. Look, but do not take.
- Hunting and the possession of firearms is prohibited within the Monument.
- Pets are not allowed in buildings, on trails, or tied to fixed objects. They may be exercised in parking areas on a leash. Summer temperatures may be fatal to pets in closed vehicles.
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