Rim Trail - Walnut Canyon National Monument

We concluded our May 2015 visit to Walnut Canyon National Monument with a stroll on the Rim Trail. This 0.7 mile round trip paved trail has two overlooks of the canyon. The first overlook is wheelchair accessible without assistance. The trail to the second overlook descends on a 2% grade near the edge of the canyon, so assistance may be required. Although the Rim Trail does not provide the intimate views of the cliff dwellings seen from the Island Trail, it does provide an overview of the size of the community. After experiencing both trails, I would suggest walking the Rim Trail first to get a broad perspective and then hiking the Island Trail to glean more details.

There is very little shade on the Rim Trail and the wind velocity is much higher than down in the canyon. Take and drink water, wear sunscreen and hang on to your hat. In addition, don't expect solitude as school groups and commercial bus tours stop daily.

A side trail heads left toward the picnic area

Broom Snakeweed

First overlook

The Island from the first overlook

Two forests from the first overlook

Another view of the Island from further down the trail

Cliff dwellings on the island, the far canyon wall, and below the visitor center

Cliff dwellings near the neck of the Island

Cliffrose

The second overlook at the end of the trail

Looking back at the Island and the Visitor Center from the end of the trail

Cliff dwellings across the canyon from the trail

A closer view of the Visitor Center and the stairs of the Island Trail

Another view of the Island Trail and some of the cliff dwellings below it

Looking down to the canyon floor

An entry fee of $5 per person (16 and over) is collected at the visitor center and is good for seven consecutive days at all three Flagstaff area National Monuments (Sunset Crater Volcano, Walnut Canyon and Wupatki). Other fee payment options include the Flagstaff Area National Monuments Annual Pass for $25, the America the Beautiful - National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands passes including the Annual Pass ($80), Senior Pass ($10 for lifetime), Access Pass (free with documented disability) and Military Annual Pass (free for active duty personnel).

The park website is http://www.nps.gov/waca/index.htm.