General information about the National Monument
The National Monument protects numerous cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people, who lived here from about 1100 to 1250. Sinagua is the Spanish word for "without water," a tribute to the fact that the Sinagua people were able to live in such an arid region. As a result, they became experts at managing water during periods of drought. Walnut Canyon was declared a national monument by President Woodrow Wilson on November 30, 1915, to preserve the ancient rock structures.
Number of visitors
Best time to visit: Spring and fall.
Our visits:
So far 1 visit: June 2023
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 25$/vehicle valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open daily from 9am - 5pm except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Island Trail
Description: The Island Trail leads down numerous steps from the Visitor Center into Walnut Canyon. At the bottom, the trail circles a mountain that lies like an "island" in the canyon and passes 25 Sinagua cliff dwellings. Along the way there are many very interesting interpretive panels that give the visitor an understanding of life during the time of the settlement.
Trail length: 1mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: 197ft
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Difficulty level: easy but exhausting because of the vertical meters and many steps
Our rating: We liked the trail very much. Especially the many interesting information that you get on the way on the boards were very helpful to put yourself in the time of the Sinagua. If you are not afraid to climb up and down the many stairs, you should not miss this trail.
Rim Trail
Description: The Rim Trail, as the name suggests, leads along the rim to two viewpoints. From both you have a great view into the canyon and can discover many more of the cliff dwellings that are located throughout the canyon.
Trail length: 0.7mi roundtrip
Altitude difference: –
Time needed: 1 hour
Difficulty level: easy
Our rating: The trail is short, paved and flat. There is no reason not to visit the trail when visiting Walnut Canyon. Especially for those who can't walk the Island Trail, the Rim Trail offers a nice alternative to discover the canyon from above.
