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Cultural Heritage Hikes at Walnut Canyon National Monument View from a "shady side" dwelling Walnut Canyon is one of Northern Arizona�s most fascinating natural wonders.   Over its 20-mile course, the 400-foot-deep gorge cuts through pine-studded plateaus and eons of Earth�s history.   Sinagua cliff dwellings 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.   Edible mahonia (barberry) also has medicinal qualities. 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.   240 stairs descend to the Island Trail The park was established in 1915 to protect and preserve the cultural artifa...

FLAGSTAFF'S FAY CANYON Fay Canyon Not to be confused with the Fay Canyon Trail in Sedona, Flagstaff�s version is a totally different experience. The meandering trail that follows the course of a gully that feeds into majestic Walnut Canyon southeast of town is a mellow, woodsy walk.   Located just east of the heavily-traveled Sandy�s Canyon trail off Lake Mary Road, the Fay Canyon route is a quieter trek with similar qualities.   Creeping Barberry The unsigned route is a little tricky to follow. Hike up Forest Road 9477B to the 0.3-mile point, veer left at a gate and pick up a single track heading north.   For reference, there�s a sign warning of heavy horse traffic a few yards down the trail.   A ravine bisects Fay Canyon Within a short distance, the trail makes a sharp turn to the right and begins a downhill plunge on long switchbacks.   This piney segment decends on an easy grade to emerge in at the head of the canyon.   Over the next two miles, the gorg...

WALNUT CANYON TRAIL Walnut Canyon Trail Flagstaff�s Walnut Canyon, which splits the landscape southeast of town, is the work of an ancient river that carved its way through dolomite-rich limestone and sandstone.   The geological wonder is rife with history and recreational opportunities. Think prehistoric Sinagua dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument, that grueling staircase, hikes along the rim and a scenic passage of the Arizona Trail. As if these attractions weren�t enough, there�s another place tucked into a tributary at the canyon�s western edge that explores its wilder side. To get to this surprisingly green destination, begin on the popular Sandys Canyon Trail, hike two miles through the wide, pine-fringed valley to the equestrian bypass post and veer right heading toward a hub of signs and activity where the Arizona Trail branches into various options for hiking and riding through or around Flagstaff. Petrified sand dunes on Walnut Canyon Trail Just around a bend, fi...