Walnut Canyon National Monument

We had seen the signs for Walnut Canyon National Monument on our way into Prescott. Since we are partial to National Monuments (as they are generally excellent sites) we decided to stop on our way back.

View of the canyon.

Zoom in on cliff houses in the canyon.

Ruins along the trail.

More cliff houses in another part of the canyon. The Native Americans went to the top to farm and the valley for water via paths that switched back and forth.

Trail around the center island in the canyon.

More ruins. Apparently artifact hunters blew out the walls with dynamite to let more light in so they could find things more easily.

There were cliff houses on the island in the canyon but also across the canyon.

Researchers think the inhabitants moved locations to keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

This was a great stop!