The accessible scenic overlook includes a viewpoint of Walnut Canyon and Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. It is 150 feet from the visitor center, along a paved accessible path. There is a bench located at the overlook for easy viewing of the canyon's features. Informational park signs describe the canyon and its history. This is also a great location for viewing wildlife.
Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings
The cliff dwellings that are visible from the viewpoint were occupied by Native people from 1100 - 1250 CE. These dwellings provided shelter from variable weather conditions. Residents accessed the bottom of Walnut Canyon by traversing fractures in the sandstone. Many of the trails that they created are no longer seen, but these fractures are still visible from this viewpoint.
Geology
Walnut Creek, a small meandering waterway slowly carved out Walnut Canyon. On average, the canyon is 400 feet deep. Two layers of exposed sedimentary rocks can be identified. The top layer is Kaibab Limestone. Softer layers within the limestone wore away faster creating natural alcoves. Native people utilized these alcoves to construct their cliff dwelling homes. Below the limestone is the Coconino Sandstone. This layer was formed when ancient coastal dunes were solidified into stone.
