The visitor center at Walnut Canyon National Monument is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and closes at 1:00 PM on Thanksgiving Day.
The entrance fee at Walnut Canyon National Monument is $25 for a vehicle, $15-$25 for individuals or motorcycles, and $45 for an annual pass. Children under 16 are free. Interagency passes are also accepted.
From Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 east, exit at 204, and head south 3 miles to the visitor center, immersing yourself in ancient cliff dwellings and breathtaking canyon vistas.
Parking is available in a lot at the entrance of Walnut Canyon National Monument. It accommodates cars, RVs, and motorcycles. Parking is free, but there is no overnight parking.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Walnut Canyon National Monument, situated 10 miles southeast of Flagstaff, Arizona, is a breathtaking testament to the region’s rich geological and cultural heritage. Carved by the gentle flow of Walnut Creek, this 400-foot deep canyon is a marvel of natural sculpture, its walls a mosaic of Kaibab limestone and ancient cliff dwellings.
As you embark on the Island Trail, a 1-mile loop that descends 185 feet into the canyon, you are enveloped by the eerie silence of a place abandoned 800 years ago. The trail winds past 25 cliff dwelling rooms, remnants of the Sinagua people who once called this canyon home. The air is thick with history, each room a window into the lives of these pre-Columbian inhabitants.
The landscape shifts with the seasons; in spring, the canyon floor awakens with a tapestry of wildflowers, while summer brings a verdant lushness to the desert flora. Autumn paints the rocks with hues of gold and crimson, and winter blankets the area in a serene quiet, perfect for introspective hikes.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the Rim Trail offers a .7-mile stroll along the canyon’s edge, passing a partially rebuilt pueblo and pit house. The monument is also a haven for wildlife, with visitors advised to observe animals from a distance to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Nearby, the charming town of Flagstaff beckons with its artisan shops and local eateries, providing a perfect complement to your exploration of Walnut Canyon. As the sun sets over this ancient landscape, the allure of this national monument becomes unmistakable—a place where nature and history converge in sublime harmony.
- Area (mi²)
- 5.5
- Annual visitors
- 125 000
- Established year
- 1915
Top 3 Facts about Walnut Canyon National Monument
The canyon’s floor is 110 meters lower than the rim, and a 1.4 km long loop trail descends 56 meters into the canyon, passing 25 cliff dwelling rooms constructed by the Sinagua people.
In this biodiverse transition zone, ponderosa pines and junipers thrive on cooler slopes, while pinyon pines and prickly pear cacti dominate arid areas. Home to 400 plant species and 121 bird species, including the threatened Mexican spotted owl, this ecosystem also hosts Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, coyotes, and white-nosed coati. With 69 mammal species and a variety of hawks and falcons, the diverse habitats support a rich tapestry of life.
In this dramatic canyon, a seasonal stream cuts through 400 feet of Kaibab limestone, creating a biological hotspot with hot, dry desert slopes and shaded forests side by side, hosting a diverse array of plants and animals. The canyon’s unique topography supports a patchwork of sun and shadow, with elevation changes that bring together habitats normally separated by thousands of feet.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Ranger-led Tours
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Visit in spring to avoid summer heat. Start at the visitor center, park in the large lot, and hike the Rim or Island Trails. Bring water, hiking shoes, and binoculars. Plan for rest stops and pack meals, as options are limited. Enjoy the cliff dwellings without entering them to preserve the site.
Pack Appropriately
Pack lightweight, UV-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sturdy hiking boots. Bring ample water, extra food, a first aid kit, and a map. For longer stays, include camping gear and layers for cooler evenings. Check the season for specific needs.
Respect Wildlife
Respect the terrain and wildlife by staying on trails, avoiding sensitive habitats, and being mindful of seasonal changes in animal movements and water sources. Keep a safe distance from wildlife, especially rare species like the Mexican spotted owl. Leave nothing behind but footprints.
Stay Informed
Watch for sudden storms, stay on designated trails, and avoid metal handrails. Fill your water bottle and stay hydrated. Contact park authorities at 928-526-3367 for emergencies. Be cautious on steep trails and ledges. Observe fire restrictions and speed limits.
Seasons
Explore ancient cliff dwellings in spring’s mild temperatures (60s-70s°F) and blooming wildflowers. Attend the annual Earth Day events in April, amidst serene canyon vistas and vibrant flora. Ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Summer brings warm temperatures (70s-90s°F) and clear skies, ideal for hiking down 273 steps to explore ancient cliff dwellings. No specific summer events, but trails are open year-round. Be prepared with water and sunscreen.
Experience autumn’s mild temperatures (50s-70s°F) and crisp air. Enjoy the Ledge Hikes through October, offering unique access to ancient cliff dwellings. Ideal time to visit before winter closures.
Winter brings crisp temperatures (near 0°F to 45°F) and significant snowfall (averaging 58 inches). While it can be unpredictable, the serene landscape and fewer crowds make for a unique, tranquil experience from December to February.
Where to stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Walnut Canyon National Monument has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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You should stay in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is about 10 miles west of the monument. Flagstaff is a convenient base with various hotel and camping options and is located near Interstate 40.
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You can bring your dog, but only on the Rim Trail, and it must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center, on the Island Trail, or near the historic cliff dwellings. Make sure to clean up after your pet.
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Overnight parking of occupied vehicles, including RVs, campers, and trailers, is not allowed within the monument boundaries. Camping and overnight parking are prohibited.’gc.maxcdn’gc
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Visit the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center to see the museum, watch a film about the Sinagua people, and get an overview of the canyon. Hike the Rim Trail, a 0.7-mile easy walk along the canyon’s rim, or the more challenging Island Trail, a 1-mile loop with 273 steps that takes you through over 25 cliff dwellings used by the Sinagua people in the 12th and 13th centuries. Observe the cliff dwellings and other historic sites while respecting the preservation guidelines set by the National Park Service.