Walnut Canyon National Monument
Window peeping invited
Deep in this moist, narrow canyon, ancient inhabitants built their walled homes in shallow alcoves. Then 700 years ago the people moved and left pottery and other artifacts behind.
The strenuous Island Trail drops 185 feet (240 steps) from the rim in .5 mile to a 25-room structure. the path is paved but not wheelchair accessible. The easy .7-mile roundtrip Rim Trail, paved and accessible part way, leads to canyon overlooks, a pithouse, and pueblo ruins. Located 7 miles east of Flagstaff off IH-40, exit 204, south for 3 miles.
www.nps.gov
Price: $
Free with America the Beautiful passport.
Hours: Nov.-May 9 a.m.-5 p.m; June-Oct. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Closed Xmas.