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Walnut Canyon National Monument

May 24, 2021

Established as a National Monument in 1915, Walnut Canyon protects approximately 80 cliff dwellings used from 600 to 1400 AD by a group of Ancestral Puebloans named the Sinagua by archaeologists.

Visitors to Walnut Canyon National Monument can see many of these cliff dwellings from either an ADA-accessible viewpoint of the canyon or by way of two trails, the Rim Trail or the Island Trail, one of the main highlights and attractions at the park.

How Long Is the Walnut Canyon Hike?

If you’d like to hike either trail at Walnut Canyon, it’s recommended to allow about 1 hour. 

The Rim Trail is a flat and relatively easy 0.7-mile round-trip trail that offers two overlook points. Slightly longer, the Island Trail is a 0.9-mile round-trip trail that descends several sets of stairs into the canyon where you can walk up close and among some of the cliff dwellings.

Rim Trail: 0.7 miles | easy and flat | loop

Island Trail: 0.9 miles | moderately strenuous | loop

How Many Steps Does Walnut Canyon Have?

To hike Island Trail, you’ll need to climb 736 steps, and there is no elevator option. If you’re up to the strenuous nature of this hike, it’s absolutely worth it as you’ll be able to see the ruins up close and read several historical markers along the way. Some of the trail is in shade, but it’s recommended that you bring water with you on this hike.

How Much Does it Cost to Get into Walnut Canyon?

We recommend you check the latest fee information in advance, but at the time of our visit, the general admission price was $15 per person 16 years or older.

How far is Walnut Canyon from Flagstaff?

Walnut Canyon National Monument is 11 miles or about a 20-min drive from downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. 

If you’re considering Walnut Canyon as a side trip from the Grand Canyon South Rim, the distance is approximately 90-100 miles depending on the route and should take you an average of 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach the park.

Where Did Walnut Canyon Get Its Name?

Walnut Canyon is named after the Black Walnut trees that grow out of soil lodged within the canyon walls. The walnuts from the trees helped feed the Sinagua people who lived here.

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