Evidence left behind by ancient peoples can be found all over Arizona, but Walnut Canyon National Monument is an especially well-preserved site. It’s full of ancient cliff dwellings that date back over 700 years and features jaw-dropping panoramic views that deserve a top spot on your outdoor adventure bucket list.

Over 700 years ago, an isolated pueblo community lived high up in Walnut Canyon.
Dan Schmidt/AllTrails
Look closely, and you'll see the ancient cliff dwellings they called home so long ago.
Walnut Canyon has two different trails, Island and Rim, but we'll be focusing on the Island Trail today.
Karen Balabis/AllTrails
A brief yet strenuous adventure, it descends 185 feet into the canyon before returning on the same route.
Clocking in at just one mile round-trip, the hike is a perfect addition to your next Flagstaff day trip.
V Reddy/AllTrails
Its winding pathways lead straight through the archaeological marvels constructed by people with basic tools and limited construction education.

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Brick by brick, the Sinagua people used their innate wisdom and precisely-honed skill to build these intricate lodgings.
Karen Balabis/TripAdvisor
At first glance, it looks as if the entire structure is about to give way, but further inspection reveals a hearty stronghold that is in no danger of collapsing.
Visitors can actually go inside the dwellings and imagine what it would've been like to live there.
Jennifer Southwell/AllTrails
Informative plaques are placed along the trail, providing greater insight as to how the rooms were used, and other details about daily life here.
As you approach the summit, an awe-inspiring woodland landscape expands as far as the eye can see.
Karen Balabis/AllTrails
Pause a moment, close your eyes, and marvel at just how serene the world seems from this high up. No wonder the Sinagua wanted to make their homes here!
Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Google Maps
Make sure to check out the website for the most up-to-date hours, fees, and information.

Visit the monument’s website or Facebook page to learn more.

Have you ever hiked the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument in Arizona? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Let us know how it went, and check out our previous article for another hike that leads straight to an ancient village: There’s A Hike In Arizona That Leads You Straight To An Abandoned Village.

Address: 3 Walnut Canyon Road, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86004

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Walnut Canyon National Monument in Arizona

Tori Jane | March 16, 2021

Where can I go hiking in Arizona?

Arizona is an awesome state with tons of trails to choose from - there are more than 2,000 trails all over the state, so which one you choose really depends on what kind of landscape you like. Are you a desert-dweller? Try hiking Camelback Mountain, which has trails of varying intensity for different skill levels. Hoping for quiet tranquility in the forest? Hike Kachina Trail in Flagstaff during the spring for incredible wildflowers and crisp green aspen. Interested in Geology? Oak Creek Canyon, between Flagstaff and Sedona, offers some incredible hikes for all skill levels and views of red rocks that cannot be beaten. Looking for some ideas? Check this article out and see some of our very favorite hikes in the Copper State.

What are the natural wonders in Arizona?

Arizona is home to plenty of amazing things and breathtaking wonders. For starters, we have the Grand Canyon, which is literally one of the 7 Wonders of the World. The Grand Canyon isn't the only canyon in the state, either - we're home to at least 32 canyons and/or gorges, and each of them is amazing and wonderful in their own ways. Each one can be turned into its own day trip, and when you're done with those, you should definitely check out Sedona for its world-famous red rocks and geologic formations.

What are some things to do outside in Arizona?

A better question would probably be "what isn't there to do in Arizona?" Arizona is a paradise for the outdoorsy types in us all, and offers plenty of outdoor activities including (but not limited to) things like hunting, fishing, camping, spelunking, and all the landscape photography you could ever hope for. It's an amazingly diverse and beautiful state just waiting to be explored. Get outside and look around! You never know what you'll come upon.

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Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona, USA