ARIZONA NATIONAL PARKS

Walnut Canyon National Monument

Here, past meets present...Pueblos and cliff dwellings so well preserved it's hard to believe their builders moved on 700 years ago...Amid lava and cinder one can imagine a landscape still hot to the touch. Welcome to the Flagstaff Area National Monuments!

There is something for every one: prehistoric cliff dwellings at Walnut Canyon, the mountain scenery and geology of Sunset Crater Volcano, and the painted desert landscape and masonry pueblos of Wupatki National Monument.

Arizona does not observe daylight savings. You are on Mountain Standard Time. Leave Flagstaff with a full tank of gas and food as there are no services at the monuments.

ACREAGE

Federal: 3,541

VISITATION

150,000

ADDRESS

Superintendent
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon Road #3
Flagstaff, Arizona 86004

TELEPHONE

520/526-3367

OPERATING HOURS AND SEASONS

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - December, January, February
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - March, April, May
8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - June, July, August
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - September, October, November
Closed December 25
REMINDER: ARIZONA IS ON MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME YEAR ROUND

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING

Be prepared for abrupt weather changes in any season. Expect windy conditions most of the year. Spring is usually mild but heavy snowfall can occur. Summer days are warm with temperatures in the eighties. Afternoon thunderstorms likely July to September. Winter days can be cold, snow and ice can cause temporary closure of the Island Trail.

DIRECTIONS

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.

TRANSPORTATION

To Park: By personal vehicle or tour bus. Nearest commercial airport is located in Flagstaff, Arizona.

In Park: Personal Vehicle, biking, hiking.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible restrooms are located at the Visitor Center. Trail accessibility is limited because of terrain. Please contact the park for more information.

FEES

The fee is $3 per person, children 16 and younger are admitted free of charge. Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports are accepted. Commercial tour fees are charged according to vehicle capacity: 1-6: $30, 7-25: $45, 26 or more: $100.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES

There are several picnic areas but no food or services in the monument.

No camping. U.S. Forest Service and private campgrounds are located in and around Flagstaff.

Overnight accommodations, food, supplies, and gasoline are available in Flagstaff (10miles/16km). Flagstaff Visitor Center: 1-800-842-7293.

RESERVATIONS / PERMITS

Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile archaeological sites.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Hike one of our two trails or stop and take in a program given by park rangers.

Allow at least 2 hours to see the museum, hike down to the ruins (trail closes at 4 p.m.), and to walk the Rim Trail.

SPECIAL EVENTS / PROGRAMS

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

The Visitor Center has many exhibits and book sales.

Trails:

The Island Trail descends 185 feet (56 meters) in to the canyon providing access to 25 cliff dwelling rooms. A strenuous 9/10 of a mile (1.4 km) round trip, it is one of the best ways to experience the park. Climbing the 240 steps back up can tax heart and lungs. Trail closes at 4 p.m. daily, 5 p.m. June, July, and August.

A fairly level 3/4mile (1.2km) Rim Trail provides canyon views and access to other ruins.

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

Programs, Activities:

These programs are generally offered June, July, and August but are subject to change. Please ask as other programs may be scheduled.

Daily Ranger Talks: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at the Rim Trail Overlook, 30-45 minutes. Discover the geology, archaeology, or history of Walnut Canyon.

Ledge Hikes: Wednesday and Sunday at 10 a.m., 1 hour. This 3/4 mile (1.2km), off-trail adventure starts at the visitor center and ends on the Island Trail. Visit numerous cliff dwellings in an area otherwise closed to entry. Water and hiking shoes required. Participation is limited.

Ranger Cabin Hike: Saturday at 10 a.m. A two hour, 2 mile (3.2km) journey through Walnut Canyon's past. A challenging hike with steep slopes, loose footing, and brush, to an area otherwise closed to entry. Bring water, wear long pants and hiking shoes, meet at the visitor center. Children under 8 are not permitted. Limited to 10 persons. Reservations required for this hike. Call 502-526-3367.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:

No camping. U.S. Forest Service and private campgrounds are located in and around Flagstaff.

Overnight accommodations, food, supplies, and gasoline are available in Flagstaff (10mi/16km). Flagstaff Visitor Center: 1-800-842-7293.

Food and Supplies:

None inside the monument.

VISITOR IMPACTS

Pets are not allowed in buildings, on trails, or in the backcountry. They may be exercised in parking areas on a leash. Summer temperatures may be fatal to pets in closed vehicles.

The area is subject to flash flooding from late June through early October. Flash floods can leave you stranded in a canyon or on a backcountry road. Please check with the Visitor Center for up-to-date weather and road conditions.

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