Overview

Hype:

The Island Trail in Walnut Canyon passes 25 cliff dwelling rooms along the trail and offers views of others visible across the canyon. The trail is paved and has many stairs.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 45 minutes

Length: 0.77 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 180 ft

Fees: Park Entrance

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Getting There

Navigate to 35.172162, -111.509364.

Park at the visitor center parking lot then pass through the visitor to the trailhead on the south end.

Route

From the trailhead, follow the paved trail generally south. The trail switchbacks several times with multiple sets of stairs. Benches are available for those short of breath. After about 0.15 miles, there is a trail junction. Take a right turn to walk the canyon loop in a counter-clockwise direction. Along the loop, there are approximately 25 rooms built by the Sinagua people more than 700 years ago. Interpretive signs along the trail provide insights into the sights and surroundings. Once you complete the loop and make it back to the junction, return back to the visitor center.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona

Coordinates: 35.170513, -111.509675

Interactive Guide Map

Download Guide Map

View map fullscreen.

April 7, 2022 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Killian Wagner, Calliope Wagner, Matt Laurendeau, Amanda Laurendeau, Alex Laurendeau, Caleb Laurendeau, Rose Laurendeau, Marci Parker, Shawn Parker, Callie Parker, Wade Parker, Aria Parker,

Story

On our trip to Walnut Canyon, we stopped at the visitor center first and picked up Junior Ranger booklets for the kids. the kids worked on their activites in the visitor center for a while, then we hiked the Island Trail, which was really cool. After that, some of our group was tired and went straight to the picnic area and the rest of us hiked the Rim Trail. On the way back to the picnic area, we discovered a fun pueblo ruin that we weren't expecting. We had a nice lunch then headed on our way. The Laurendeau's and Ondy started on their drive home while the Parkers and Dyes went down to Sedona and the surrounding area.

View map fullscreen

Pictures