Walnut Canyon National Monument

Flagstaff’s Walnut Canyon National Monument has long been one of our favorite places to visit during the hot summer months. For starters, there’s ample shade here. The paved walking paths are also relatively easy to navigate – making it a pleasant stroll during the scorching summer months. We’ll never forget the first time we checked out this site. From Flagstaff’s signature green trees, expansive blue skies and the historic cliff dwellings, Walnut Canyon is a must see destination in Northern Arizona. The canyon is 400 feet deep, 20 miles long and 0.25 mile wide. President Woodrow Wilson established this as a national monument in 1915. The National Park Service took it over in 1934 and has managed it ever since. There’s evidence that humans have occupied the canyon thousands of years ago. The Indigenous Sinagua peoples resided in the canyon.

Flagstaff’s Walnut Canyon National Monument sits on 3,529 acres total, and the Sinagua people once resided there.

The Rim Trail is a roughly 0.7-mile out-and back trail that starts just past the visitor center and serves up gorgeous views of Walnut Canyon from up above. The Rim Trail takes hikers through a mixed juniper and pinon fine forests. Two outlooks showcase gorgeous views. If you’re short on time, this trail is just perfect. Want more of an adventure? Then start your journey on the one-mile Island Trail that offers up views of 25 cliff dwellings. One of the only really tough things about this trail is the over 700 steps here. The stairs go down at the beginning and up at the end. Be prepared for a heart-pumping climb when you’re headed back up to the visitor center, but the loop trail is easy to follow. During those tough summer months that seem to last for so long, we crave a trail that’s easy to navigate. This one is just perfect for getting in some good exercise and taking in great scenery.

Hikers can enjoy two trails: the 0.7-mile round trip Rim Trail and 0.9 mile round trip Island Trail.

Enjoy your time traversing the canyon. Pause to check out the views of the historic homes of the Sinagua natives. Few things last for thousands of years, but these have. It’s marvelous. The wide open skies paired with the mountains and vibrant green trees are classic Flagstaff scenery that we’ll always cherish. Some of the cliff dwellings are located across from the trail. It’s important to practice leave no trace principles here. The dwellings are historic and are not to be disturbed. After all, you’re looking at someone’s one-time home, and it deserves to be treated with respect. Head back to your car, and remember the modern comforts that most of us tend to take for granted.