The park is open every day of the year except Christmas and
is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except
during June, July and August when they stay open until 6:00 p.m. During the summer months, they also offer free
starlight, ranger-led hikes on Saturday evenings from 7:30-9:30. Space is limited, so call ahead (928-526-3367) Arizona
does not observe Daylight Savings Time, so know that they are on Mountain Time
year round.
Getting There
Walnut Canyon
is located 10 miles east of Flagstaff
(which is 120 miles north of Phoenix)
off of Interstate 40, exit 204. It would make a great family stopover if you
are traveling along I-40, or it could be a side trip if you are going on a Grand
Canyon excursion. Also, nearby Walnut
Canyon are two other National
Monuments: Sunset Crater Volcano and Wupatki. All three are archaeological and
geological sites of interest that are related by history and early culture.
Climate
If you go, realize that Walnut
Canyon is located in the northern
part of the state, so the climate is not the hot desert
of Phoenix and Tucson.
The elevation at the rim is 6,690 feet, so expect snow in the wintertime, but
fairly warm summer temperatures and be prepared for high altitude hiking.
Facilities
There are indoor bathroom facilities near the visitor’s
center, but there are no food concessions, so be prepared and bring your own
water – lots in the summer – and your own picnic food if you want to have
lunch.
FYI
Also, know that Walnut
Canyon is considered to be a sacred
place by the Native American people, so be sure to treat it with respect. Stay
on the trails, take out what you take in and never, ever take anything from the
park – not even a pebble.