Island Trail and Walnut Canyon Loop

Over 700 years ago, the walls of Walnut Canyon echoed with the activity of a large pueblo community. These people thrived in this stunning canyon, and although their community is gone, the remnants of their dwellings are still here. This hike leads you along a trail lined with 25 structures. You can see their rooms, their homes, and their walls, still standing within the canyon walls. The Walnut Canyon National Monument of Arizona is a fascinating lesson in the original human history of this part of northern Arizona. This loop adds a short stretch of trail along the canyon and to a separate ruin, so it’s a nice one to choose if you want a little more distance than the Island Trail alone offers.

The Walnut Canyon National Monument occasionally limits its hours, so plan to complete your hike between 9 AM and 4:30 PM. There are restroom facilities and a park store as well as a visitor center, which is often closed for a half-hour over lunch.

Since this area is very important historically, it’s up to all of us to preserve it for future generations of adventurers. Stay on the trails and do not touch or lean on the dwelling structures. Keep your kids off the structures and don’t disturb any features. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

At the trailhead, you’ll hike out towards the island in the canyon. There are stone steps to help you get down and across to the island. Take your time examining the dwellings and reading the interpretive signage. Some of the structures that remain are impressively preserved. The loop travels clockwise around the small island. Back off the island, take a right on Rim Trail and then backtrack up to the 2-room ruin. From here, the route returns to the trailhead.