Island Trail

An Island Trail cliff dwelling

NPS photo by Dallas Larsen

It has been more than 700 years since Walnut Canyon echoed with the voices and sounds of a robust pueblo community. Today, the Island Trail leads you back in time, and welcomes you into the world of the Native people archeologists call Sinagua. You'll experience 25 cliff dwelling rooms along the trail; and gaze at others visible across the canyon.

Do your part in preserving the park by staying on established trails, not climbing or leaning on dwelling walls, and by not removing or disturbing any features.

Entry to the Island Trail closes at 4:00 p.m. This provides ample time for visitors to explore the trail before the park closes at 5:00 p.m.

To ensure your safety on the trail, please bring water, snacks and wear sturdy hiking shoes. During summer months monsoon thundersorms are common in the afternoon. By beginning the trail in the morning, you are more likely to avoid these thunderstorms.

In winter the Island Trail may be closed as a result of snowy or icy conditions. Please check the alerts section of the website, or call [phone] for up-to-date trail conditions.

Backcountry hiking is not allowed in order to protect fragile archeological and natural features. Hiking is permitted only on designated trails.

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.