Hike the Island Trail, Walnut Canyon
Flagstaff, Arizona
Details
Distance
1 miles
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Mike Quine
Take a hike over 700 years in the making. Equal parts adventure for the feet as the mind. The Island Trail traverses some of America's oldest preserved ruins of a timeless past.
The trail is a short one - stretching only a mile in length. The only semi-strenuous portion of the trail is at the beginning and end where you start by descending a set of stairs in order to reach the trail that loops around the historic cliff dwellings. Since this is a loop trail, the same set of steep stairs will be there waiting for you upon your return.
Once fully descended, the trail begins by looping around the west side (turn right) of the cliff. The mountain appears to be surrounded by a river deep below. This formation is likely what gives the trail is not-so original name - the Island Trail. Anyway, as you march along the trail, be sure to enjoy both the near and far visual splendors. With careful attention you can see unreachable cliff dwellings along the distant cliff-sides. For a less eye-straining splendor, feast your history-hungry minds on the ancient cliff dwellings of a former pueblo community. The crowds will almost certainly be thin enough, buying you time to imagine yourself as a part of this far removed history.
In only one-short mile around the "island" you will find yourself returned to the stairs. Ascend them and be sure to check out the visitor for more history.
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Hike the Island Trail, Walnut Canyon Reviews
We were camping near Flagstaff on a cross-country road trip and decided to stop here for a morning hike. It is paved the whole way and it's beautiful see into the canyon. I wouldn't drive too far out of your way to see it, but it's definitely worth the stop if you're in the area. We did both the rim trail and island trail in about an hour!
4.0
Put this on the list with the others on any trip to Flagstaff. The hike is paved and can be done in a hour or two. Pretty canyon with up close native ruins.
5.0
We stopped here for a quick hike. There are hundreds of ruins in the area but this is the only hike you can get up close to them. Probably would not go too far out of the way for this, but definitely worth it if you're passing through the area. We were in and out of the park in less than an hour.
4.0
This was a neat short hike to do with friends. Not mind blowing but worth it if you want to be outside and get your legs moving and maybe learn something. Bring some water and a coat at least. We thought we'd be fine since it was so short but we got caught in a light snow flurry in November. Pretty cool interpretive displays about the native people and plants in the area.
3.0
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Nearby
Hike the Rim Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument
Camp at Marshall Lake
Hike Fatman's Loop
Frisbee Golf at McPherson's
Hike the Soldier's Trail
Bike along the San Francisco Peaks on Waterline Road
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