Island Trail

Hikers on the Island Trail. NPS photo by Dallas Larsen.
Hikers on the Island Trail


What's It Like?

It has been more than 700 years since Walnut Canyon echoed with the words and sounds of a vital pueblo community. The Island Trail leads you back in time, and welcomes you into the world of the people archeologists call Sinagua. You'll see 25 cliff dwelling rooms along the trail; more are visible across the canyon. Spectacular canyon scenery and plantlife.

Please stay on the established trail, don't climb on walls, and do not remove or disturb any features.

Distance 1 mile round-trip
Time

1 hour round-trip

Difficulty Strenuous, especially for those not acclimated to 7,000' elevation. The trail descends 185 vertical feet into the canyon, and returns the same way.
Accessibility The trail is paved, but not accessible to wheelchairs, due to steep canyon terrain and many stairs.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on trails, in the backcountry, in buildings, or tied to objects. They are welcome in parking areas on a leash. Summer temperatures may be fatal to pets left in vehicles.
Weather Be prepared for variable and extreme weather conditions: snow in winter, hot sun in summer with afternoon thunderstorms, and, especially in spring, strong gusty winds on the rim and/or in the canyon.

 

View from below the canyon rim. NPS photo by Dallas Larsen
Canyon view

 

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