Walnut Canyon National Monument…
A Descent Into The Past

Walnut Canyon, twenty miles long, 400 feet deep and ¼ mile wide, was formed over a period of 60 million years.

Today, six miles of the canyon’s length are protected within the monument’s 3600 acres.

The monument, located just off I-40 a few miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona, contains the only known remains of the northern Sinagua culture.

These ancient people built their dwellings in rock alcoves, tucked away within the canyon walls, protected from the elements and their enemies alike.

There they flourished for over 200 years.

Directions

Walnut Canyon National Monument is 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona.

From Flagstaff, travel east on I-40 and turn south on Exit 204.  The Visitor Center is at the end of this 3 mile road.

---

Sidebar

The turn-around space in the parking area at the Visitor Center is tight.

A maximum length of 40 feet is recommended for RVs, especially those towing another vehicle.

The National Park Service at Walnut Canyon warns that GPS units in this area often lead people astray. They recommend you do not use them for getting to the Monument.

---

---

Sidebar

Entry to park trails closes one hour before the monument closes.

Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time.

The monument remains on Mountain Standard Time year-round.

---

Entrance Fees

$5.00 per person (good for 7 days)
Children under 16 are admitted free.

Flagstaff Area National Monuments Annual Pass

•    $25.00
•    Admits passport holder and 3 adults (16 years and older) to Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki National Monuments
•    Valid for one year beginning from the month of sale

Simply enter the dates you have in mind, and the server, Hotels Combined, will provide you with a list of the lodging available on the dates you have specified.

This is not a booking agency. It is a search engine to help you find great lodging at great prices.

For Current Weather in Flagstaff, Arizona, Click Here.

Mammals

Of the 69 species of mammals identified within the monument, those which are commonly seen include:

The monument and surrounding lands provide seasonal habitat and movement corridors for elk and mule deer.

 Large mammals, including mountain lions, black bear, and pronghorn antelope also frequent the area.

raptors in the southwestern United States, are residents of Walnut Canyon.Bald eagles, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, routinely spend the winter in the area, and are occasionally observed perching in dead tree snags and feeding on elk carrion within the monument.

Walnut Canyon also harbors nesting pairs of Mexican spotted owls, also listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act

They are allowed in the parking lot only and must be on a leash at all times.

There are several places in Flagstaff which offer boarding and/or pet-sitting services.  Click Here for more information.

---

Sidebar

Summer heat can be intense; pets left in vehicles - even for a short time - can suffer heat stroke and die.

You should allow at least 2 hours to see the visitor center and museum, hike down to the cliff dwellings, and walk the Rim Trail.

---

Activities

Although Walnut Canyon National Monument is comprised of almost 3600 acres, much of the area is undeveloped thus limiting the types of activities within the monument.

Presently, access is limited to established trails, roadways, and developed facilities.

Areas not designated and identified for public activities are closed to unguided entry.
 
Various interpretive programs, including guided hikes to the historic ranger cabin and additional cliff dwellings, are offered as staffing permits

---

Sidebar

Walnut Canyon National Monument has an elevation of 6,690 feet.  People who are not accustomed to this altitude or who have COPD may have difficulty breathing and may suffer high altitude sickness.

Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping.

Going to a lower altitude is the best remedy. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or another over-the-counter pain reliever can be used to treat headaches.

---

History

Sinagua Culture

Archaeologists believe there were people living in the area around Walnut Canyon between 2500 B.C. to A.D. 1, but most are from a prehistoric farming culture that flourished around Flagstaff from about A.D. 600 until 1400.

Archaeologists call them the Sinagua culture, from the Spanish “sin aqua” meaning without water. It is not the name of a tribe or clan of people.

Rather, it is a culture whose members share the same or similar characteristics.

The Sinagua flourished here between A.D. 600 until 1400, living first on the canyon rims where they grew crops of maize, squash and beans.

Around A.D. 1150, they descended down into the canyon and, built the dwellings we see today tucked away in alcoves along the canyon walls.

Present Day Descendants

Their descendants live today in Pueblo villages such as Old Oraibi of the Hopi and Sky City of Acoma whose ceremonial and tribal rituals began with the prehistoric cultures of Walnut Canyon.

References and Resources

Daily Dose
Boston.com
http://www.boston.com/dailydose/2012/06/08/how-avoid-high-altitude-sickness-you-heading-for-the-ountains/JK0YRLreg6PzziPKQlApSO/story.html

National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov/waca/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/waca/parkmgmt/upload/GMP_finalWACA_corr.pdf

Return From Walnut Canyon National Monument To Nearby Attractions

Return To Lake Powell Country and The Grand Circle Home Page