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Walnut Canyon National Monument

Walnut Canyon National Monument preserves some of the Southwest’s earliest history. Located 10 miles Southeast of Flagstaff, these incredible cliff dwellings are shockingly intact and preserved by the park service for anyone to enjoy. The canyon surrounding them in 400 ft. deep and was created by Walnut Creek. This small water source eventually flows into the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The upper layer of this unique canyon is Kaibab limestone which contains cliff dwellings scattered around this ancient rock. Used by the Sinagua cave dwellers in the 12th and 13th centuries, this site has preserved their homes and gives visitors an up-close look at the past. There are two main trails you can go around the monument. First is the Rim Trail. This trail, as it sounds, goes along the rim for .7 miles and passes a partially rebuild pueblo and pit house. There is no further altitude change for this one so if you are still getting used to the higher elevation this would be a good place to start. The second trail is the Island Trail. This one is a loop into the canyon that does change elevation. It is a mile long and there are 273 steps to reach the top again. But if you feel up to it, you will pass over 25 cliff dwellings. Some in almost their entirety. But as a precaution, the National Park Services advises that hikers do not fully enter the cliff dwellings. They ask that visitors don’t enter the marked cliff dwellings to help preserve the dwellings for this and future generations. To protect wildlife, it’s always best to observe wild animals from a distance.

VISITOR INFORMATION

Visitor hours are 9-5 year-round. Closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day. The park closes at 1:00 on Thanksgiving Day.

Entrance Fee:
  • $25 vehicle fee America the Beautiful, Senior Pass and Access Passes are accepted

    • Things To Keep In Mind:
  • Leashed pets are allowed on the Rim Trail, but not inside the visitor center or on the Island Trail.
  • The closest lodging or camping is in Flagstaff
  • Don’t feed the animals!
  • Please do not take anything be it animals, plants, rocks, etc. This is a place for everyone to be able to enjoy the cliff dwellings in their natural environment.

    • Special Offers:
    Ledge Hikes: These are offered on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor day, and the schedule can be found on their website at Interpretive Programs - Walnut Canyon National Monument (U.S. National Park Service). This adventure starts at the Visitor Center and visits numerous cliff dwellings while exploring off-trail. The hike is approximately 2 miles long and takes 4 hours. Water and hiking shoes are required.  Must be in good physical condition and not be afraid of heights.

    Ranger Cabin Hike: The schedule for these walks can also be found on our website Interpretive Programs - Walnut Canyon National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

    (Reservations required for both. Please contact 928-526-3367)

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