WALNUT CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT
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...