Here, past meets present. Pueblos and cliff dwellings are so well preserved that 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 everyone: 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.

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Basic Information for Walnut Canyon National Monument
Operating Hours, Seasons
December, January, February: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
March, April, May: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
.June, July, August: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
September, October, November: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

How to Get to Walnut Canyon National Monument

Nearest Airport to Walnut Canyon National Monument - The nearest airport is Flagstaff and Phoenix.

How to Drive to Walnut Canyon National Monument - 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.

Weather & Climate
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.

Accessibility
The Visitor Center is accessible to wheelchairs.

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Camping at Walnut Canyon National Monument
No camping found within monument

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Activities and More Information for Walnut Canyon National Monument
Allow at least 2 hours to see the museum, hike down to the ruins (trail closes at 4:00 p.m.), and to walk the Rim Trail. Ranger talks are offered daily, June through August, at 10:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m. at the Rim Trail Overlook. Guided walks are offered during June, July and August. Schedules vary. Ledge Hikes are usually scheduled Wednesday and Sunday at 10:00 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.

The Island Trail descends 85 feet (56m) into the canyon providing access to 25 cliff dwelling rooms. The trail, a strenuous 9/10 of a mile (1.4km) round trip, is one of the best ways to experience the park. Climbibg the 240 steps back up can tax heart and lungs. Trail closes at 4:00 p.m. daily and 5:00 p.m. in June, July and August. Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile archaeological sites.