My family loves this canyon for many reasons and in particular because as you walk down, you are suddenly visualizing a people that farmed at the top, fished and drew water at the bottom, sought shelter in the caves (which you get to experience), all in a day's work. The only thing is the 225 steps you take are a little strenuous coming up if you are not adept to walking, but only deepens the appreciation for the hard working people who lived in this area. It is truly remarkable. These cave dwellers had the best of both worlds which is my personal favorite part is the amazing view. You start your descent into the canyon on the side that is desert, indicative of much of Arizona. As you turn the corner to start your ascent up, the view becomes fully forested with Ponderosa pines, which is the surprise of the beauties of Arizona, it isn't just a desert.

For those who cannot hike down, there is a walking path that provides an equally lovely and ahhhmazing view of this glorious canyon. Be sure to check out the sky as the hues change throughout your hike.

If you do this in the hot months May-September, take water with you and take your time. This is not an attraction to be done in a hurry, and you will need to supervise your children as there are some narrow parts of the path which require your full attention. Take binoculars! Look for Bald Eagles in the tops of dead trees, and Big Horn Sheep scaling the rocky crags, we've seen both (although not on this trip) in the past.

We should take the Island Trail. This review is for the Rim Trail.

If you have less than two hours, this place can be a good option. Not far away from Flagstaff about 15 mins (one way). Easy and paved, short (0.7 mile) Rim Trail, half hour is probably enough. Great views for the Walnut Canyon (but not as dramatic as the Grand Canyon and Red Rocks in Sedona). Can be a good place for sunrise/sunset, if you stay at Flagstaff. One pueblo ruin on the Rim Trail.

Very educational, you really get the picture how people lived long time ago in a steep canyon. be prepared to walk some stairs.

Figured we'd do this canyon before going to the Grand Canyon. A completely different kind of experience obviously with all the cave dwellings. I found it very interesting. The path was easy and the 200+ stairs weren't that bad. A nice side trip while in Flag.