Walnut Canyon National Monument

The paths carved into the Arizona cliffs at Walnut Canyon were once a vital source of transport for those inhabiting the cliffside homes. Water and food were trudged into the region, keeping the soil fertile, the citizens fed, and generally allowing life to flourish.

The Sinagua were simple people who lived in this Arizona region about one thousand years ago. When visiting Walnut Canyon, you can hike the same challenging paths and attempt to relate to life in their time. Thorough tours and an informative visitor center provide a detailed glimpse into their lifestyles through imagined stories and actual remains.

The geology and natural life of Walnut Canyon is also worth noting. Large elk can sometimes be seen along the pathways around the dwellings. Here, tall trees stick out of the cliffs also, providing a rare brush with natural coverage in the midst of a desert.