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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
Individual
$5.00 - 7 Days
Fee is per person, good for 7 days at Walnut Canyon National Monument. Free entrance for children under 16. Major credit cards are accepted for all fees.
Local Passport - Flagstaff Area National Monuments
$25 - Annual
Admits passport holder and passengers in private vehicle to Sunset Crater Volcano, Wupatki, and Walnut Canyon National Monuments for 12 months from date of purchase. Major credit cards are accepted.
New - America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes
Effective January 1, 2007, a new series of interagency passes became available for entry to national parks and other federal recreation lands. Click here for full details on the new passes.
Commercial tour fees:
Capacity 1-6
$28 - Day
Capacity 26 or more
$100 - Day
Capacity 7-25
$40 - Day
Details
Commercial tour fees paid here will be honored for same-day entry at Wupatki and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monuments.
Seasons / Hours
Nov - April 9am - 5pm, and May - Oct 8am - 5pm.
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.
Ledge Hikes: First and last Saturday of the month at 10 a.m., 3 hours. This is a 2 mi (3.2km), off-trail challenging hike with steep slopes, loose footing, and brush, to an area otherwise closed to entry. Visit numerous cliff dwellings in an area otherwise closed to entry. Participation is limited to 5 persons. Reservations required. Under 18 not permitted. Call 928-526-3367.
Ranger Cabin Hike: First Sunday of the month at 10 a.m. A two hour, 1.5 mi (2.2km) easy journey through Walnut Canyon's past. Visit a 100 year old Historic Ranger Cabin not open to public entry. Children under 9 are not permitted. Participation is limited to 5 persons. Reservations required. Call 928-526-3367.
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.
The Remarkable Cliff City of Walnut Canyon
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.
Walnut Canyon Road #3
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004
928-526-3367
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