Walnut Canyon National Monument
Also see nearby:
Meteor Crater, Winslow
Exploring some of the cliff dwellings in Walnut Canyon
Just a few miles east of Flagstaff,
Walnut Canyon National Monument is truly a wonderful way to spend the
afternoon! On all sides of this meandering canyon are hundreds of cliff
dwellings! The Sinagua people lived here from 800 to about 1300 AD.
"Walnut Canyon homes were generally situated on cliff
sides facing south and east to take advantage of warmth and sunlight. A few
sites faced north and west; these may have been occupied during the warmer
months. Although the cliff dwellings are the most visible ruins in the park,
other archeological sites such as pithouses and free-standing pueblos dot
the canyon rims. Archeologists believe that it was the Sinagua women who
built the homes. The dwellings were made from shallow caves eroded out of
the limestone cliffs by water and wind. To form walls, builders gathered
limestone rocks, shaped them roughly, then cemented them together with a
gold-colored clay found in deposits elsewhere in the canyon. Wooden beams
reinforce the doorways. finally, the walls were plastered with clay inside
and out." - From the guide book.
The most interesting thing about these people is how they "disappeared". Or
maybe they just merged with the nearby Hopi tribes? It really is unknown to
this day. There are many sites in the southwest that were abandoned at the
same time. Was it weather, water, war? We may never know. On average,
scientists believe, 300-500 people lived here at a time. Walnut Canyon is
filled with pinyon, cactus and yucca - this sustained the tribe. They had
terraced portions of the cliffs and planted corn and squash.
The Sinagua saved water in pots to use for irrigation. Also, during this
time, there was a lot more rain in Arizona then we see now. The ceilings
in the caves are still black from smoke. Finger and hand prints can
still be seen in the mortar - fascinating!
Canyon Wren
Walnut Canyon is home to the
Canyon Wren - look for one during your visit.
To visit the ruins, you must walk down 285 steps, and
then take a mile walk through the canyon. The views are fantastic - the
ruins are in the steepest and most narrow portion of Walnut Canyon.
After visiting the ruins, you must walk back up 285 steps - at
7,000 feet elevation. A good work-out!
Walnut Canyon
The ruins at Walnut Canyon
NOTES: There is RV parking at the
Walnut Canyon National Monument. You may have to
circle the parking lot a few times to secure a spot, but you should be able to
find parking. Flush toilets available at the Visitor Center, plus a drinking
fountain, gift shop and mail drop. (No water or restrooms down in the canyon.) Plan on at least 90 minutes down in the canyon, but try to spend more
time. Don't forget your camera!
Dogs are not allowed in the buildings or on any trails. The
bathrooms and visitor center are handicap-accessible, but there is no
access to the canyon unless you can walk. No strollers either.
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument is located approximately 7.5 miles
(12km) east of Flagstaff on Interstate 40, exit 204.
TO SEE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS & LEARN MORE:
Read our 2002 postcard |
Read our 2008 postcard