Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin May 21st. Igniting or using fires fueled by combustible materials, that create an open flame, is strictly prohibited. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or developed site. For details on fire restrictions, visit https://wildlandfire.az.gov/fire-restrictions
Full details →+1 more active alerts
Expert Verdict & Insider Tips
If you are planning a trip to Arizona, visiting Walnut Canyon National Monument should definitely be on your list. This beautiful national monument is perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you have just a few hours or a whole weekend, there is plenty to explore.
About Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon National Monument is a national monument located in Arizona. Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions. You may expect high winds any time of year, summer temperatures above 95ºF (35ºC), afternoon storms July–September, and heavy snow from fall to spring. Dress in layers, as weather at Walnut Canyon can change quickly at any time of year.
Walnut Canyon National Monument is located approximately 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Flagstaff. From Interstate 40, take Exit 204, and turn south. The Walnut Canyon Visitor Center is located at the end of this 3-mile (5 km) road.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
General entry to Entrance - Education/Academic Groups is free. General admission passes are not required.
🥾 Things to Do
Walnut Canyon National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Front-Country Hiking, and 4 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Walnut Canyon
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Walnut Canyon
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Walnut Canyon before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Walnut Canyon. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Altitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Walnut Canyon. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples have lived and traveled throughout Walnut Canyon’s dynamic landscape. Vibrant communities built their homes in the cliffs and farmed along the canyon’s rim. Today the park preserves this landscape, and the ancestral homes in and around the canyon.
Seasonal Visitor Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Walnut Canyon
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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