Walnut Canyon

On our final day in Flagstaff, we headed south of town to hike the portion of the Arizona Trail that passes through Walnut Canyon.  This is a pretty easy section of trail that still manages to get the heart rate up as you climb out of the canyon and up onto the rim.  We parked at the trailhead adjacent to the Canyon Vista Campground and followed Sandys Canyon Trail into Walnut Canyon.  The day was growing warm, and as clouds formed over the San Francisco Peaks, we would see no relief, as the sun shone brightly for the duration of our hike.

Clouds form in the direction of the San Francisco Peaks

At the canyon bottom, we picked up the Arizona Trail and followed it north.  This is a very relaxing section of trail; it is lightly traveled with exceptional scenery and no elevation change - a truly enjoyable stroll, indeed.  We originally planned to turn around at the base of Fisher Point, but decided at the last minute to follow the Arizona Trail out of the canyon and up to the top of Fisher Point.  I am so glad we did, as we were rewarded with a spectacular view of the canyon and surrounding landscape from this vista.

Looking north from Walnut Canyon

Fisher Point rises high and out of sight on the left

Peering into the canyon from Fisher Point

We didn't spend a great deal of time atop Fisher Point after hearing a rumble of thunder in the distance.  Now several miles from our car and high on the rim to boot, we moved quickly, pausing only for a picture here and there.  As it turned out, the weather never advanced on us, and we had a pleasantly uneventful hike back.  We were wet - with sweat - by the time we finished, as the relentless sun and our two descents and ascents in and out of canyon conspired to turn what was to be a mild-mannered Sunday outing into a fairly decent workout.

Well worth the effort, this Walnut Canyon hike was the exclamation mark on our weekend stay in Flagstaff.  If you haven't done this hike yet, consider adding it to your list of things to do during your next visit to the area.

Near the Arizona Trail and Sandys Canyon Trail junction

Approaching the trailhead, the San Francisco Peaks come into view