Picture Canyon In Flagstaff, Arizona Is So Little-Known, You Just Might Have It All To Yourself
By Katie Lawrence|Published April 18, 2023
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
One of the best natural wonders in Arizona has been hiding under many of our noses for over 1,000 years. Picture Canyon in Flagstaff is a beautiful city park with nature trails, a waterfall, and ancient petroglyphs drawn by the Northern Sinagua people a millennium ago. This place is such a hidden gem, you just might have it all to yourself!
How many city parks do you know of that have ancient petroglyphs and a gorgeous waterfall? Probably few, if any - which is what makes Picture Canyon so special.
Located within the city limits of Flagstaff, Picture Canyon Natural & Cultural Preserve is a 478-acre hidden gem that offers multi-use trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and 1,000-year-old Northern Sinagua petroglyphs and ruins.
This is easily some of the most well-preserved rock art in the state, and hardly anyone knows it even exists! Marvel at ancient history, and read the informative signs to walk away with some new knowledge.
The waterfall within the preserve can be viewed from both the Tom Moody Trail and the 0.7-mile Don Weaver Trail, which showcases the lovely cascade from the opposite side of the canyon. Finally, the third trail is a 1.5-mile section of the famed Arizona Trail, which runs all the way from Mexico to Utah.
Designated as both an Arizona Watchable Wildlife Experience Site and a Northern AZ Audubon Site, Picture Canyon's lush, riparian habitat is home to numerous mammal and bird species. Don't forget your binoculars!
Have you ever visited Picture Canyon? If so, do you think it’s one of the best natural wonders in Arizona? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for the ultimate itinerary of things to do on a weekend trip to Flagstaff.
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