Island Trail at Walnut Canyon closed due to rockfall

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Two large boulders have fallen across the Island Trail, the most popular visitor attraction at Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Work crews and resource managers have assessed the damage and developed a work plan to remove the boulders, which weigh several tons. Most of the trail will remain open, however visitors will not be able to walk the entire loop. The trail will likely be closed for up to two weeks while crews remove the boulders and repair the trail.

Approximately one-half mile of trail leading up to the closure will remain open. Visitors will be able to travel out to both ends as far as the safety closure, and back, but will be unable to complete the entire loop until after repairs are made.

The rockslide consisted of two boulders, approximately 4-5 feet tall and approximately 2-3 feet wide.

The boulders fell onto the trail on the afternoon of March 7, causing trail blockage at the midway point of the one-mile loop.

The trail was open during the rockfall, and visitors reported the blockage to park staff. No one witnessed the rockfall or was injured. The Island Trail descends into Walnut Canyon in a long series of concrete stair steps, allowing visitors access to a ledge lined with cliff dwellings tucked into deep limestone alcoves in the steep, rugged canyon.

All other areas of the monument, including the visitor center, the Rim Trail, and the picnic area, remain open to the public. Walnut Canyon National Monument was established by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on November 30, 1915, to preserve the ancient cliff dwellings. The Island Trail descends 185 feet (about halfway into the canyon), via 240 steps; it passes 25 cliff dwelling rooms offering glimpses of life at Walnut Canyon 900 years ago.

For more information visit www.nps.gov/waca. Park hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Walnut Canyon National Monument Visitor Center can be reached at (928) 526-3367.

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