Expansive, curved canyon featuring trails & stairs past ruins of Sinagua cliff dwellings.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a short detour off I-40 near Flagstaff, and one of the most rewarding half-hour stops in the region if you're willing to work for the view. The canyon itself is a tight, curved gorge cut into limestone, and tucked into its walls are dozens of cliff dwellings built by the Sinagua people roughly 800 years ago. With a 4.8 rating from over 5,400 Google reviews, it's clearly earning its reputation.
The main draw is the Island Trail, a loop that drops down into the canyon and passes directly beside more than 20 dwelling rooms tucked under the rock ledges. The catch: getting down and back up means 736 stairs, and reviewers are consistent that it's a real workout, not a stroll — though benches along the way give you a chance to rest, and railings help on the steeper sections. Rangers are often stationed along the trail to answer questions, and several visitors mention learning as much from a ranger chat as from the trailside signs.
There's also a rim-top trail that stays level and offers views into the canyon and glimpses of dwellings from above, no stairs required. The visitor center has restrooms, water, exhibits on Sinagua life, and a small gift shop that multiple reviewers singled out for friendly staff.
5,524 reviews
2 months ago
An absolute must! We were overwhelmed with not only the views but the history here. Incredible! We did both hikes. Would recommend doing the island hike first as it’s taxing coming back up all those stairs, then following it up with the other trail. The aroma of pine was so pleasant. Such a relaxing hike. No noise but nature. Spoke with Mr Pope (I believe he is a national park ranger) and his knowledge was incredible. Loved his calm disposition.
4 months ago
The site is well kept up. The walk down to see the dwellings closer could be challenging for some. We found the walk very enjoyable. The restrooms were clean and the gift store was very nice. Rangers were also walking the trail and can answer questions. Highly recommend visiting.
4 months ago
This was an interesting place. If you enjoy looking at Native American ruins it is amazing. They have signs that explain how the Natives lived and built their homes. There were also signs giving names of plants and trees . Just be prepared for the hike with water. Walking down to the ruins and back up consists of 736 stairs. Once you get to the ruins the path is flat but on the way back up some of the stairs are steep. Fortunately, they have benches to sit on if you need to rest between stairs. I have a bad knee but I made it down and back up. There are railings on some of the staircases. It is worth going to see. If you are unable to hike down there is a trail along the top where you can view some of the homes built into the side of the mountain. We had a ranger explain a lot to us at one point along the trail
7 months ago
I'd driven past this monument several times, luckily I got to see what makes this place a monument, but also a special place. The visitor center has water fountains and restrooms. There is a small exhibit area where you can learn about the people that once lived here and the artifacts that were left behind by them. There is also a small shop where you can buy snacks and art pieces. Entrance is free if you have an America the Beautiful pass. The best hike is Island Trail because it takes you to where people once lived. Homes were built along the edge of the canyon and the walks that they made were impressive. What is most astounding is seeing not one or two dwellings but many all along the canyon. For a moment I imagined the late afternoon haze that must have hovered there as families prepared their food and cooked. The smell of wood and the sounds of families talking. A really cool place to visit. Keep it a monument please.
3 months ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Walnut Canyon was one of the highlights of our day. The combination of beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and a well-maintained trail made for an unforgettable visit. Walking along the Island Trail and seeing the ancient cliff dwellings built directly into the canyon walls was incredible. The views throughout the canyon are stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop, read the interpretive signs, and learn about the people who once lived here. Be prepared for some stairs. The Island Trail includes approximately 240 steps, and while the hike is relatively short, the climb back up can be a bit challenging, especially on a warm day. The effort is absolutely worth it for the views and the experience. The visitor center staff were very friendly and helpful, and the exhibits provided excellent background information before heading out on the trail. One important tip: the gate closes at 5:00 PM, so plan your visit accordingly and give yourself enough time to explore without rushing. If you enjoy history, archaeology, nature, or photography, Walnut Canyon is a must-visit destination near Flagstaff.