Summary:
Ready to take a tour of one of the great cultures of the Southwest. Ready to see early dwellings situated in multiple climates in a small area? Ready to find out what kind of shape you're in?

This is a great tour, but if you're not ready for a straight down, straight up hike, you may want to walk along the rim and peer down into the canyon.

For those that are ready to descend the stairs to walk the canyon walls and look into the past of this area, this is one of the best areas to see cliff dwellings I've been too. There are plenty of dwellings, multiple climate zones, and signs that explain the birds, animals, and plants of those zones.

Features:
The Island Trail down into the canyon descends 185 feet and is just under a mile lone. But at an elevation of 6,690 feet coming back up can be a real challenge.

While in the canyon you can view 25 cliff dwellings close up.

The other trail is a nice, even walk and takes you out along the rim, looking into the canyon and at the various cliff dwellings. On your way back you walk by several dwellings.

Area Attractions:
Grand Canyon National Park, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Museum of Northern Arizona, Coconino National Forest, The Arboretum at Flagstaff, Meteor Crater, Homolovi Ruins State Park, Lowell Observatory, Sedona

Directions:
Leave I-40 at Exit 204, 7.5 miles (12 km) east of Flagstaff; drive south 3 miles (5 km) to the canyon rim. Warning: Tight turn around for towed vehicles; 40 feet (12 meters) maximum length advisory.

Local Towns:
Bellemont ,  Flagstaff ,  Sedona