Picture Canyon Cultural Preserve

Picture Canyon is a 478-acre preserve off Route 66 just north of downtown Flagstaff that I’d long heard of, but never visited until recently. The online brochure states Picture Canyon serves as critical riparian habitat, a popular recreation area, and home to significant cultural resources. In 2008, the preserve was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

This area’s diversity showcases everything from wetlands with cattails to canyon walls with yuccas. Some of the animals that call it home include elk, deer, coyote, rabbits, bats, owls, turkeys, warblers, flycatchers and many other birds. Flagstaff’s only waterfall can be found here, as well as the greatest concentration of Northern Sinagua petroglyphs in the region.

As I first made my way onto one of the three trails, there was considerable noise from a nearby natural gas compression station, and I was unsure if the hike would be the peaceful respite in the woods I desired. It wasn’t long before the noise and views of industry disappeared, and I found myself in a meadow surrounded by centuries-old trees and a proliferation of purple, yellow, pink, white, and orange wildflowers.

Picture Canyon was named for the hundreds of petroglyphs left by the Northern Sinaguan Natives, who lived here between 700 and 1300 AD. (They also left cliff dwellings and small pueblo houses that were described in a 1920s publication and subsequently destroyed by vandals.) The many rock carvings depict turtles, mammals, birds, archers, and various geometric shapes. I was happy to find some of them, but after the hike, I read more about the area, and I’m surprised at how many of them I missed!

The 5-mile trail system is pet-friendly. I saw several leashed dogs as well as horses being ridden slowly down the trails. For the sake of preservation, the area is not open to camping, campfires, or overnight visitors.

A 1.5 mile segment of the Arizona Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Utah, passes through the preserve. In addition, the Rio de Flag, Flagstaff’s only natural watercourse, runs through, supporting over 130 bird species. This makes it one of the premier bird watching sites in the region.

Much of the trails are exposed, and I’m glad I remembered my cap and sunblock. But if I return to look for more petroglyphs, I will take bug spray. (Flagstaff is not known for being buggy, but this trail was a real exception.)

Picture Canyon is a cultural phenomenon in Northern Arizona. Its history and petroglyphs bring even more interest to the lovely and storied Flagstaff area. And its abundant wildflowers are truly a sight to behold. Just off of old Route 66, it’s a treasure not to be missed.

Cultural Blessings,

Lisa

The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified health care professional before acting on any information presented herein. Any statements about the possible health benefits of any subject discussed have not been evaluated by medical professionals or the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness.