Walnut Canyon is a very attractive park featuring a series of single-story cliff dwellings built high on a canyon wall. The dwellings were built and occupied by the Sinagua peoples from about 1100 to 1250 AD.
You explore the park by hiking the Island Trail, which is a 1-mile round trip. The trail takes you along the cliff where the dwellings are to get an up close view. The trail also gives nice views down into the canyon where desert cacti grow alongside mountain firs.
To get there, exit I-40 at Exit 204 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Flagstaff. Drive south 3 miles (5 km) to the canyon rim. Warning: Tight turn around for towed vehicles; 40 feet (12 meters) maximum length advisory.
The Basics
Location:
8 miles east of Flagstaff off I-40
Hours:
May 1 - Oct 31: 8am to 5pm Nov 1 - April 30: 9 am to 5 pm
To get there, exit I-40 at Exit 204 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Flagstaff. Drive south 3 miles (5 km) to the canyon rim. Warning: Tight turn around for towed vehicles; 40 feet (12 meters) maximum length advisory.
Climate
Not all of Arizona is warm dry desert. At Walnut Canyon (6690'/2039m above sea level), be prepared for snow in winter, hot sun in summer with afternoon thunderstorms, and, especially in spring, strong gusty winds on the rim and/or in the canyon.
Become a naturalist for a day. Discovery Packs contain binoculars, amagnifying lens, field guides, sketching materials and more, to helpyou explore the monument. There's also a Field Journal with activitiesand places to record your observations. Although designed with familiesin mind, Discovery Packs can be enjoyed by anyone with a sense ofcuriosity.
Discovery Packs are for use in all 3 Flagstaff Area NationalMonuments (Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki). You can borrow one at the visitor center, then return it (at any of the 3 monument visitor centers) at the end of your visit. The Field Journalis yours to keep. There is no charge.
Outdoor Camping
Campgrounds There is no camping in the monument. However, Bonito Campground, operated by the US Forest Service, is located across from the visitor center at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. This campground is generally open from late May through mid-October. There are no hook-ups. For futher information contact the Coconino National Forest at 928-526-0866.
Open All Year Location: Leave I-40 at Exit 204, 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Flagstaff; drive south 3 miles (5 km) to the canyon rim. Warning: Tight turn around for towed vehicles; 40 feet (12 meters) maximum length advisory. Closures:Closed December 25th.
Exhibits: Museum exhibits and artifacts are on display. Interpretive Programs: Ranger talks and guided walks are offered during much of the year. Facilities: Bookstore, restrooms and picnic area. Food, supplies and overnight accommodations are available in Flagstaff.
