Passage #31 - Walnut Canyon

Location:  Marshall Lake to Interstate 40

Length:  18.2 miles

Southern Trailhead:  Marshall Lake Trailhead - FR 128
- GPS Coordinates:  35.11125° N, 111.54138° W

Northern Trailhead:  Interstate 40 - West of Cosnino Exit
- GPS Coordinates:  35.20249° N, 111.48559° W

Trail Route Description:  From the Marshall Lake Trailhead the trail heads mostly west across flat forest land. It passes through a gate, drops into a small canyon, crosses a road and climbs out the other side. The trail crosses FR 128B and then descends steeply into Lower Walnut Canyon. It passes the Sandy's Canyon Trail junction, turns to the right and goes up the canyon. The trail forks to the right and climbs steeply out of Walnut Canyon at Fisher Point. Once on top it passes the Fisher Point Trail junction and then crosses FR 301. The trail parallels Walnut Canyon and passes another trail junction. After two more junctions the trail descends down into a tributary of Walnut Canyon. It follows the canyon for a short ways and then climbs steeply out of it. From here the trail joins a two-track and then heads north up to FR 303, which is a trailhead. The trail stays north of the Walnut Canyon National Monument until it crosses the entrance road. It then turns to the north and works its way down to Interstate 40.

Difficulty:  Moderate

Season(s):  Spring, Summer and Fall

Water:  There are no reliable water sources on this passage. Water can sometimes be found in Walnut Canyon and there is water in the city of Flagstaff and in Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Notes/Warnings:

• All water along this passage should be purified prior to use.

Resources:

• USGS Topographic Maps: Lower Lake Mary, Flagstaff East and Winona.
• Coconino National Forest - Visitors Guide.
• Coconino National Forest - Recreational Opportunity Guide.
• Coconino National Forest map.
• BLM Information Center maps.

For more information, contact:

• The Passage Steward
• Coconino National Forest, Peaks Ranger District, 5075 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004   (928) 526-0866.
• Walnut Canyon National Monument 6400 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004   (928) 526-3367.
• BLM Information Center, One North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004   (602) 417-9300.

Current Trail Information:
4/2007 - No known problems as of this date.