National Landscapes in Coconino County

While 'National Landscape' is not an official designation in the United States, Coconino County contains federally protected areas like National Monuments that serve a similar purpose. These areas conserve significant natural and cultural resources. This page aggregates routes within three such areas: Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Walnut Canyon National Monument, and Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports. This collection of routes focuses on hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. There are also opportunities for jogging and gravel biking across the varied terrain.

Walnut Canyon National Monument offers routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. The area is known for its 400-foot-deep (122 m) canyon and ancient cliff dwellings. Visitors can explore more than 60 routes, including over 20 hiking trails and 10 mountain bike trails.

The landscape at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is defined by its recent volcanic history. The area features the Sunset Crater cinder cone, vast lava flows, and ponderosa pine forests that are slowly reclaiming the volcanic terrain. The main activity is hiking, with trails that navigate this unique geological setting.

There are more than 60 hiking trails available across the three national monuments. Vermilion Cliffs National Monument offers over 30 hiking routes through its slot canyons and plateaus. Walnut Canyon National Monument provides over 20 trails, some offering views of ancient cliff dwellings.

Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity, particularly in Walnut Canyon National Monument. This area contains over 20 routes suitable for mountain biking and gravel biking. The trails traverse the landscape around the canyon rim.

Road and touring cyclists can find routes primarily around Walnut Canyon National Monument. There are approximately 15 paved routes available for road cycling and bicycle touring in this area. These routes offer a way to experience the high desert landscape on two wheels.

Yes, there are trails suitable for a range of abilities, including beginners and families. For example, the Lava Flow Trail at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument is a one-mile (1.6 km) loop at the base of the volcano. For more options, the guide to easy hikes in Coconino County provides a curated list of accessible trails.

The national monuments in Coconino County are located in a high desert environment, making spring and fall the most temperate seasons for outdoor activities. Summers can be very hot, especially at lower elevations, while winters can bring snow and cold temperatures, particularly around Flagstaff. Always check local conditions before planning an outing.

The landscapes are highly diverse. They range from the colorful slot canyons and plateaus of Vermilion Cliffs to the deep, limestone canyon of Walnut Canyon. Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument features a geologically recent volcanic field with cinder cones and lava flows.