The most easily accessible of the hundreds of different prehistoric settlements all over the southwestern United States, Walnut Canyon National Monument (daily 8 am–4 pm, 7 am–5 pm in summer; $4; 928/526-3367) is also one of the prettiest places imaginable, with piñon pines and junipers clinging to the canyon walls, and walnut trees filling the canyon floor. On the edge of the canyon, a small visitors center gives the historical background, but the real interest lies below, on a short but very steep path that winds through cliff dwellings tucked into overhangs and ledges 400 feet above the canyon floor.
The entrance to the monument, which contains some 300 identified archaeological sites, lies seven miles east of Flagstaff, accessible from I-40 exit 204.
