Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon National Monument is just 10 miles south-east of downtown Flagstaff, and just 7 miles from where I live. I can bike there along old Route 66.

The 350ft deep canyon is home to 25 cliff dwellings constructed by the Sinagua people some time between 1125 and 1250 AD.

Walnut creek, which shaped the canyon, has been somewhat tamed Lake Mary was dammed to the south-west.

The geology of the canyon is a mixture of Kaibab limestone overlying Coconino Sandstone, in which there are some lovely preserved sand dunes and cross-bedding:

and you get some nice views of the mountains to the north!