State Parks and National Parks

Amid limestone and sandstone cliffs, ancestral Puebloan dwellings dating back about 900 years are remarkably preserved at the 3,541-acre Walnut Canyon.

Two trails allow visitors to explore this ancient Native American community and the rich natural environment that supported it.

The Island Trail descends 185 feet into the canyon providing access to 25 cliff dwelling rooms. A strenuous .9-mile round trip, it is one of the best ways to experience the park.

A fairly level 0.75-mile Rim Trail provides canyon views, access to other ruins, and a glimpse of farmlands that were once cultivated for corn, beans and squash.

The backcountry of Walnut Canyon is closed to hiking to protect fragile archaeological sites.

No pets are allowed on any trails.

To get to the monument, from I-40 take Exit 204, 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff; drive south 3 miles to the canyon rim.