Things To Do Near Walnut Canyon Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument shows traces left by the Sinagua, a tribe of diverse, resilient, and resourceful people who lived in the location. RV users can take their families for a memorable trip to the monument as it includes free admittance for kids under 15 years of age. The site operates year-round except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, facilitating a convenient drive to the Canyon's attractions at any time for travelers with varying schedules. In addition, you can bring a pet in your RV during your visit since Walnut Canyon National Monument permits animals at the visitor center parking lot and on one of the Canyon's two trails.
Hiking Trails
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Island Trail
This trail allows you to walk to various sections curved into the canyon walls, showing the rooms that formed the Sinagua homes. You can reach up to 25 cliff dwelling structures along the Island Trail, enabling you to travel back in time and vividly recreate the robust Pueblo community. The trail's location also offers a clear view of other similar Native rooms constructed across the Canyon.
Location
6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Length
1 mile round-trip
Intensity
Strenuous
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Rim Trail
The Rim Trail leads you to different attractions within the monument, including two Canyon overlooks from which you can view the cliff and canyon dwellings below. You can also enjoy lovely surroundings as you walk through mixed pinion pine and juniper forest. Additionally, the trail provides access to a partially rebuilt pueblo and pithouse on your tour back from the canyon rim.
Location
6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Length
0.7 miles round-trip
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Arizona Snowbowl
Arizona Snowbowl is a skiing area sitting on the slopes of San Francisco Peaks with the highest elevation at 11,500 feet. You can look at beautiful scenes of the plateau below, distant cinder cones, and the Grand Canyon when standing at the Snowbowl's top. The higher slopes suit intermediate and advanced boarders and skiers while the mid to lower regions cater to intermediate and beginner users.
Location
9300 N Snow Bowl Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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Walnut Canyon Visitor Center
At the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center, you can find two accessibility lifts that enable you to reach the monument's outdoor and indoor areas. In addition, tourists can take in panoramic canyon scenes from the observation points inside the building and on the back patio. The visitor center also has a museum and film to give more information about the Sinagua people.
Location
6400 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
Museums
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Lowell Observatory
You can explore the universe's history at the Lowell Observatory. The family-friendly venue adds a unique and extra-terrestrial experience that you can add to your schedule on your visit to the Walnut Canyon Monument. You can look at various stars, planets, and meteor showers as they glide across the night skies.
Location
1400 W Mars Hill Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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Fort Tuthill Military History Museum
This museum displays Arizona's military artifacts that bring the state's history alive. For example, you can hear songs from the past from the 158th Infantry Regimental Band and see a page honoring the regiment's Bushmasters. The venue also features an exhibition covering the Native Americans in the armed forces, showing the region's cultural and historical diversity.
Location
2446 Fort Tuthill Loop Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Western National Parks Association Store
You can contribute to local advancements in research, education, and community engagement by shopping at the Western National Parks Association Store. The shop offers various apparel, games, books, and authentic Native American jewelry and art. You can also stop by the store to grab a snack for the road.
Location
6400, U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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Kachina Square Shopping Center
Kachina Square Shopping Center has vibrant shops that make it an ideal get-together location for group travelers. You can also have a relaxing meal at different eateries within the mall, including Miz Zips Café, which offers made-from-scratch breakfast pancakes. The stores at the center include children's items, books, clothing, and beauty supplies.
Location
2624 N Steves Boulevard, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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The Crown Railroad Cafe
You can visit the Crown Railroad Cafe for some classic American food served in sizeable portions. If you have kids, you can entertain them with the model train running around a track at the location. The restaurant offers dine-in and curbside pickup operations, allowing you to sit and relax or get an on-the-go order when you're on a tight schedule.
Location
3300 W Historic Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86004
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La Placita Express
La Placita provides takeaway services that provide convenience when following a busy itinerary at Walnut Canyon National Monument. The restaurant features a Mexican menu with all of your south-of-the-border favorites, including burritos, tacos, and quesadillas.
Location
4650 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004