Flagstaff, Arizona - Walnut Canyon National Monument
Dwellings sheltered by overhanging cliffs were home to Walnut Canyon's only permanent inhabitants more than 800 years ago. The people are today known as Sinagua (Spanish for "without water"). [Source: Park brochure] There is a Visitor's Center and a $5 entrance fee. The top portion of the main view point is accessible, and the hiking pathway leads to a wonderful close-up view, complete with about 240 steps. This is the panoramic from the Visitor's Center. San Francisco peaks with snow capped tops. There is a "Rim Trail" that has a nice paved pathway and is accessible. The walk to the farthest lookout point is about 1/4 mile. This is from the first lookout point: You can see the hiking path in the center to the left of the large rock formation. A view of the surrounding ponderosa forest. Scattered dead trees add to the view. Arizona wild flowers abound. Seating benches are p...