Explore Walnut Canyon caves on hike at Flagstaff
Flagstaff’s Walnut Canyon, which splits the landscape southeast of town, is the work of an ancient river that carved its way through dolomite-rich limestone and sandstone.
The geological wonder is rife with history and recreational opportunities. Think prehistoric Sinagua dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument, that grueling staircase, hikes along the rim and a scenic passage of the Arizona Trail.
As if these attractions weren’t enough, there’s another place tucked into a tributary at the canyon’s western edge that explores its wilder side.
To get to this surprisingly green destination, begin on the popular Sandys Canyon Trail, hike 2 miles through the wide, pine-fringed valley to the equestrian bypass post and veer right toward a hub of signs and activity where the Arizona Trail branches into various options for hiking and riding through or around Flagstaff.
Just around a bend, first glimpses of the petrified sand dunes that characterize the trail stand out in a massive blob of cross-bedded stone. The appearance of the landmark below Fisher Point can be described as having the shape of Star Wars villain Jabba the Hutt and the texture of dinosaur hide.
Because Jabba did his dirty deeds a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away we cannot be sure of when he lived. But we know for sure that Walnut Canyon’s odd See HIKE, Page 2D