WALNUT CANYON
TRAIL
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| Walnut Canyon Trail |
Flagstaff’s
Walnut Canyon, which splits the landscape southeast of town, is the work of an
ancient river that carved its way through dolomite-rich limestone and sandstone.
The geological wonder is rife with
history and recreational opportunities. Think prehistoric Sinagua dwellings at
Walnut Canyon National Monument, that grueling staircase, hikes along the rim
and a scenic passage of the Arizona Trail. As if these attractions weren’t
enough, there’s another place tucked into a tributary at the canyon’s western
edge that explores its wilder side. To get to this surprisingly green
destination, begin on the popular Sandys Canyon Trail, hike two miles through
the wide, pine-fringed valley to the equestrian bypass post and veer right
heading toward a hub of signs and activity where the Arizona Trail branches
into various options for hiking and riding through or around Flagstaff.
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| Petrified sand dunes on Walnut Canyon Trail |
Just
around a bend, first glimpses of the petrified sand dunes that characterize the
trail stand out in a massive blob of cross-bedded stone. The appearance of the landmark
below Fisher Point can be described as having the shape of Star Wars villain Jabba
the Hutt and the texture of dinosaur hide. Because Jabba did his dirty deeds a
long time ago in a galaxy far, far away we cannot be sure of when he lived, however,
we know for sure that Walnut Canyon’s odd geological features are older than
the dinosaurs of our own little planet. The
sand dunes formed between 299 and 251 million years ago during the Permian Age
when earth’s land masses were coalescing into the super continent of Pangaea.
This was a period of climate extremes and harsh conditions.
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| Cave along Sandys Canyon Trail |
This domain of
reptiles and other species that would later evolve into mammals ended with a
mass extinction of terrestrial and sea species. What happened? Well, theories include
climate change due to volcanic eruptions, methane poisoning and asteroid impacts. Death Star, maybe?
Regardless, the fossil
remains of that time form the backbone of a fascinating hike. From the sign
post hub, hike over to the “Jabba” formation to explore the cave at its base.
At the back of the cavern, look for a slot that lets in a sliver of sunlight.
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| Cave entry on Walnut Canyon Trail |
After checking out the cave, continue east along and unmarked trail to a sign that
marks the beginning of the Walnut Canyon Trail. Beyond the sign, the canyon
tapers into a tunnel of oaks and willows with an understory of Red-osier
dogwood and scratchy brambles. Canyon walls tower 400 feet on both sides as the
thin trail plows through damp aspen woodlands, mossy pines and sun-washed meadows.
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| Jabba the Hutt? |
Along the way, two spur paths lead to caves scoured from striated limestone walls.
The first is just a shallow overhang while the second is a deep shaft with
water seeping from above. Bring a flashlight for this one because it goes back
about 25 dark, dank feet.
The trail goes
on to a point roughly 1.8 miles from the Jabba cave where an overgrown drainage
and an impenetrable nursery of aspen saplings deny further passage.
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| Oaks on Walnut Canyon Trail |
LENGTH: 8 miles
roundtrip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 6820’
– 6580’
GETTING THERE:
From Interstate
17 in Flagstaff, take the Lake Mary Road exit 339 and go 4.5 miles south to the
Sandys Canyon Trailhead turnoff on the left.
INFO: Coconino
National Forest
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