Walnut Canyon shows off ancient lifestyles
Walnut Canyon is one of northern Arizona’s most fascinating natural wonders. Over its 20-mile course, the 400foot-deep gorge cuts through pinestudded plateaus and eons of Earth’s history.
Located just a few miles southeast of Flagstaff, the chasm’s wavy course was created over millions of years by a complicated series of geological events. The canyon’s tilted layer-cake appearance is partly made up of eroded limestone deposits and the lithified remains of ancient coastal sand dunes.
Although you’d need a Ph.D. to thoroughly understand its geological anatomy, the canyon’s more relatable human element is the focus of a hike along the trails of Walnut Canyon National Monument.
The park was established in 1915 to preserve the cultural artifacts of the Sinagua people who built and occupied cliff dwellings in the canyon’s ledges and shallow caves between 1100-1250. Two educational hikes offer lessons in biodiversity, geology, traditional farming methods and human history.
The Island Trail is steep
The Island Trail begins with a steep, 185-foot descent on a stone staircase with dizzying views. The trail swings around a rock jetty where dozens of stone-and-mortar rooms are built into crags and overhangs. Signs provide information about the structures as well as native plants and animals.
The west or “shady” side of the jetty is smothered in towering Douglas firs, ponderosa pines, mahonia and Arizona walnut trees that thrive in the cooler, wetter microclimate.
Around the bend, the path emerges onto the “sunny” side — an exposed ledge where the plant life reflects drier, warmer conditions. Cactus, yucca and piñon pines cling to chiseled escarpments. From here, views of the visitor center high above, reminds that there’s a strenuous 240-step climb out to get to the next trail.
Back up on the brow of the gorge, the Rim Trail makes an easy half-mile loop to scenic overlooks, a pit house, pueblo and demonstration garden. Once done with the hikes, stop by the visitor center to augment your experience by viewing displays of archaeological finds and a beautiful video about the area’s natural history.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Length: Island Trail, 1-mile round trip. Rim Trail, 0.7 mile round trip.
Rating: Island Trail, difficult. Rim Trail, easy.
Elevation: 6,690-6,505 feet. Getting there: From the Interstate 17/ 40 intersection in Flagstaff, go 7.5 miles east on I-40 to Exit 204, turn right and continue 3 miles to the site. There is an entrance fee.
Note: Temporary closures of the Island Trail may be implemented during fire season when red flag warnings are issued by the National Weather Service.
Admission: $10 per person, free for age 15 and younger.
Details: www.nps.gov/waca. 928-526-3367,