Plan Your Trip

Location:
Walnut Canyon National Monument is 10 miles east of downtown Flagstaff.

Driving Directions:
Leave I-40 at Exit 204, 7.5 miles east of Flagstaff; drive south 3 miles to the canyon rim. Warning: Tight turn around for towed vehicles; 40 feet maximum length advisory.

Recreation:
Allow at least 2 hours to see the museum, hike down to the cliff dwellings (Island Trail closes one hour before closing), and walk the Rim Trail.
The Island Trail descends 185 feet into the canyon providing access to 25 cliff dwelling rooms. The trail, a strenuous .9 mile round trip, is one of the best ways to experience the park. Climbing the 240 steps back up can tax heart and lungs. Bring water! Elevation: 6690ft (2039m). Island Trail closes at 4:00pm daily and 5:00pm in June, July and August. Various ranger programs are offered during June, July and August. Schedules vary.

Pets must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not allowed in buildings or on park trails. Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile archeological sites.
Two RANGER-GUIDED backcountry hikes are available Memorial Day to Labor Day. RESERVATION ONLY! 1) Saturdays @ 10am - LEDGE HIKE Three hour hike. Strenuous. 2) Sundays and Thursdays @ 10am - RANGER CABIN WALK Two hour hike. Easy. Call (928) 526-3367 for reservations.

Camping:
Camping is not allowed in the park. Bonito Campground is located across from the Sunset Crater Volcano Visitor Center, 12 miles north of Flagstaff on Hwy 89, and is generally open from March through October, weather dependent. Maximum vehicle size is 35 feet, no hookups. For further information, contact the U.S. Forest Service at 928-527-1474 or visit the Coconino National Forest web site.

Lodging and restaurants can be found in the Flagstaff area.

Facilities:
Many exhibits are on display in the visitor center museum. Other facilities include a bookstore, restrooms and a picnic area. Food, supplies and overnight accommodations are available in Flagstaff.

Required Permits:
No information available.

Safety:
Visitors must not damage or remove plants, animals or archeological objects located within the park. Elevation in the canyon is almost 7,000 feet. Visitors must take care when attempting strenuous activities and drink ample water to avoid dehydration.

Maps and more information:

Walnut Canyon Overview/NPS

Walnut Canyon Fees/NPS

Walnut Canyon Educational Information/NPS

Walnut Canyon Accessibility/NPS

Walnut Canyon For Kids/NPS

Walnut Canyon Nature and Science/NPS

Walnut Canyon Plan Your Visit/NPS

Managing Agency:
National Park Service
Flagstaff Area National Monuments - WACA
6400 N. Hwy 89
Flagstaff, AZ 86004Visitor Information
(928) 526-3367

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