Situated among the tall pines of northern Arizona, Walnut Canyon is a gorge 20 miles long, 1/4 mile wide, and 400 feet deep.  Evidence found here indicates that  Archaic people  visited here tens of thousands of years ago.  Around 1100 AD, people called the Sinagua (meaning without water) congregated here, grew corn, beans, and squash on the flat land above the canyon rim, and began building shelters in the limestone alcoves on the walls of the canyon.  They lived here for 150 years before migrating away.  Today the evidence of their habitation is preserved  in this 3600 acre park  established in 1915.  Enjoy the visitor center and museum, then take an easy  hike around the canyon rim, or a more strenuous hike on an established trail down in to the canyon to observe about 25 rooms of  the cliff dwellings up close and personal.     Ranger led  hikes available Memorial Day through Labor Day,  with a strenuous 4 hour Ledge Hike offered the first and last Saturday of each month at 9:00AM, and a easy 2 hour Ranger Cabin  walk at 9:00 AM several days a week . RESERVATONS REQUIRED,  call  928.526.3367.  For a more in-depth understanding of the Sinagua culture, visit the Elden Pueblo Ruins east of Flagstaff in Highway 89 after your Walnut Canyon experience.

Located 3 miles S. of I-40, Exit 204 S.

Hours Open: Nov. - Apr. 9:00-5:00; May-Oct. 8:00-5:00

Time Period Represented: 1100 AD through 1250 AD

Seasons Open: Year round, Closed 12/25

Visitor Fees: $5 per adult, good for 7 days; under 16 free; Flagstaff area pass $25 good for 1 year; covers Wupatki and Sunset Crater; and Walnut Canyon;

Visitor center and overlook are accessible

No pets in visitor center or on trails