Walnut Canyon National Monument
Flagstaff, AZ
Sinagua cliff dwellings built into limestone ledges of a forested canyon east of Flagstaff. The Island Trail descends 56 m by stairs past 25 rooms; exit 204 from I-40.
Walnut Canyon National Monument lies east of Flagstaff, Arizona, about 8 miles (13 km) away according to Lonely Planet and about 10 miles (16 km) according to Wikipedia; access is via exit 204 of I-40. In a forested canyon the Sinagua built cliff dwellings into the steep walls of a small limestone butte. They left in the 13th century; the reasons are not certain.
The Island Trail is about a mile (1.6 km) long and drops roughly 185 feet (56 m) over more than 200 stairs. Along the way you pass 25 rooms built under natural overhangs. Wikipedia gives 45 to 60 minutes for the walk.
If you shy away from the stairs, take the shorter, wheelchair-accessible Rim Trail, with views of the dwellings from across the canyon. Trail access closes in the afternoon, so check times beforehand. Wupatki National Monument and Lowell Observatory are nearby.
- Nearest town
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 35.1717, -111.5093
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- KOA Holiday - FlagstaffMotorhome stopover6 mi from Walnut Canyon National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Lakeview CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Walnut Canyon National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Kit Carson RV ParkMotorhome stopover10 mi from Walnut Canyon National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Woody Mountain CampgroundMotorhome stopover10 mi from Walnut Canyon National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Fort Tuthill County CampgroundCampsite11 mi from Walnut Canyon National MonumentTentsCaravansToilets
- Pine Flat CampgroundCampsite17 mi from Walnut Canyon National Monument · 56 pitchesTentsCaravans
All campsites in Arizona · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Walnut Canyon National Monument?
Walnut Canyon National Monument is in Flagstaff, AZ, at GPS 35.1717, -111.5093. It is about 14 mi from Sunset Crater Volcano.
Can you camp near Walnut Canyon National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Marshall Lake Dispersed Camping, about 5 mi away; within 25 mi there are 27 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Walnut Canyon National Monument?
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon via volcanoes and Desert View.
What is there to see near Walnut Canyon National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: Lowell Observatory (9 mi), Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (14 mi), Oak Creek Canyon Vista (18 mi) and Slide Rock State Park (21 mi).
When is the best time to visit Walnut Canyon National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)