Walnut Canyon National Monument
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| Walnut Canyon National Monument | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape) | |
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| Location | Coconino County, Arizona, USA |
| Nearest city | Flagstaff, Arizona |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 3,541 acres (14.33 km²) |
| Established | November 30, 1915 |
| Visitors | 128,275 (in 2005) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a United States National Monument located about 10 mi southeast of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona just off Interstate 40. The canyon rim lies at 6690 ft; the canyon floor 350 ft lower. A 0.9 mi long loop trail descends 185 ft into the canyon passing 25 cliff dwelling rooms constructed by the Sinagua people.
Most of the cliff dwelling rooms are situated near the loop trail, typically slightly above the trail and immediately outside the loop itself. A typical room might have been the dwelling of a single family, and might measure approximately two meters high by six meters long by three meters deep.
There are many more dwellings to be seen up close if you take the time to explore the canyon just east of the Monument. Entrance via The Arizona Trail works best, no ropes necessary, just scrambling. Do not enter the canyon in the Monument as it is illegal and you will be severely punished. Remember to take only pictures and leave these sites undisturbed.
Walnut Canyon was proclaimed a national monument on November 30, 1915. It was transferred from the USDA Forest Service to the National Park Service on August 10, 1933. As with all historic areas administered by the National Park Service, the national monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
[edit] External links
- Official NPS website: Walnut Canyon National Monument
- American Southwest, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary
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