Walnut Canyon National Monument Arizona is just over 10 miles from Flagstaff, Arizona off of I-40's exit 204. It is maintained and operated by the U.S. National Parks Service of the Interior Department. This park is one of three such monuments in Flagstaff. 3,600 acres are protected by this park.
The Walnut Creek has dug this Canyon in the course of some 60 million years. The Canyon stretches for 20 miles and has a depth of 400 feet. It is about a quarter of a mile wide from side to side. The limestone ledges in the higher walls contain ancient marine fossils embedded in the rock.
A visit to the park allows for scenic views and wildlife exploration as well as an exploration of how the Sinagua people lived here until around 700 years ago.
The Island Trail visits 25 cliff dwelling shelters while more can be seen from the other side of the canyon's walls. This trail is 1 mile long and closes in winter when snow removal is made necessary by increment weather. The 185 stairs in and out of the canyon to access this trail makes it inaccessible to wheelchairs.
A shorter trail at the Canyon rim passes through 2 scenic overview sites of the Canyon and through the forest. A pueblo dwelling is also seen on this trail. Entry to this trail ends at 4:30 PM. This trail is accessible at least until arriving at the first overlook location.
Artifacts found here date the Sinagua presence as starting around 600 A.D. and lasting till around 1400. It is in the 1100's that the limestone was carved into the living spaces that remained behind.
Walnut Canyon National Monument Arizona guided hikes occur twice daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. These hikes require reservations. Other longer hikes are held on the first Sunday and the first and last Saturday of each month, beginning at 10 AM.
Discovery Packs are lent out by the visitors center that include binoculars, magnifying glasses, written guides and activities to help families become familiar with the park and to encourage scientific investigation among the young. The park also has materials prepared for field trips from local schools.
The National Monument was established in 1915. Since 1904 the Canyon had already been protected within the San Francisco Mountain Reserve, later changed to the Coconino National Forest.
Walnut Canyon was named for the Arizona Walnut tree that was once abundant along the Canyon floor.
Pets are not allowed in the visitor center or on park trails.
Visitors should have plenty of water.
Walnut Canyon National Monument Arizona closes annually for December 25th. The park is open from 8 AM to 5 PM in May through October and 9 AM to 5 PM from November through April. Access to enter the park trail is closed at 4 PM.
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