Walnut Canyon National Monument’s Island Trail is Closed for Trail Work Until February 28, 2013

Date: February 6, 2013
Contact: Cecilia Shields, [phone] x228

FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA - Walnut Canyon National Monument has received funding to reconstruct the popular Island Trail over the next two years. Trail improvements will include: improving the trail surface, improving drainage, eliminating cracks, uneven stairways and widening the trail to increase safety and protect Walnut Canyon's Cliff Dwellings.

The asphalt along the Island Trail is currently being removed in preparation for repaving the trail in the fall of 2013. This phase of the project will temporarily transform the worn out asphalt trail to a gravel based tread that will greatly improve safety of the trail until repaving. A planned helicopter long line operation will used to remove the bagged asphalt and debris from the trail and transport materials into the canyon. The Island Trail will be closed for this work until February 28, 2013. Partial closures may be necessary at various times throughout the project.

"We are excited to be able to make these long needed improvements to the trail. We apologize for any inconvenience to our visitors," said Superintendent Diane Chung.

The Rim Trail at Walnut Canyon will be open and no impacts to this area are expected from this project.

Please check the Walnut Canyon website for information and updates, www.nps.gov/waca or call the visitor center at [phone].

Walnut Canyon National Monument is located 7.5 miles east of downtown Flagstaff via I-40 and can be reached at [phone] and on the web at www.nps.gov/waca. The entrance fee is $5.00/person for visitors 16 and over. America the Beautiful Passes are honored and sold.

-NPS-