Walnut Canyon National Monument

Overview

Climate/ Map | Description | Things To Do | Camping/ Lodging | Nearby

Walnut canyon

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: $15.00 per person for 7 days. (age 16 and under free). America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass, Senior Lifetime Pass, Senior Annual Pass, Military Pass, Every Kid in a Park 4th Grade Pass, and the Access Pass are accepted.

Seasons / Hours

Open year round except closed December 25.

Visitor Center

Summer: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MST (May to October)
Winter: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm MST (November to April) closed Christmas Day
Island Trail entrance closes at 4:00 pm. Rim Trail entrance closes at 4:30 pm.

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.

Ranger Cabin Hike: Memorial Day through Labor Day, call for schedules. An easy 1.5 mile guided hike to the 1904 log cabin built by the first ranger to protect the cliff dwellings. Reservations aren't required for this program. Call 928-526-3367.

Food/Supplies
There are no food or supplies within the monument. Picnic areas are available. There is water in the Visitor Center. 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 the trails. Allow at least 2 hours to see the museum and ruins.

Cliff Dwelling Rooms Walnut Canyon AZ

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. See 25 cliff dwellings along the way. Climbing the 240 steps back up can tax heart and lungs. Trail closes at 4 :00 PM. daily. Call 928- 526-3367 for current conditions and hours.

Rim Trail: 0.7 mile round trip. Easy trail goes along the canyon rim and through mixed forest. See a pithouse and pueblo plus a garden with the plants cultivated by the Sinagua. Call 928- 526-3367 for current conditions and hours.

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.

Camping

There is no camping in the monument. U.S. Forest Service and private campgrounds are located in and around Flagstaff. Bonito Campground, operated by the US Forest Service, is located across from the visitor center at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

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.
Hunting is prohibited in the monument. Federal law prohibits firearms inside federal facilities and on certain trails in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances.
All natural resources, animals, plants, and rocks are protected. Look, but do not take.
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.