+--------+---------------------+-----------+--------------------------+
| ![     | **National Park     |           | Flagstaff Area National  |
| ](medi | Service**           |           | Monuments                |
| a/imag |                     |           |                          |
| e1.png | ## U.S. Departm     |           | 6400 North Highway 89    |
| ){widt | ent of the Interior |           |                          |
| h="0.7 |                     |           | Flagstaff, AZ 86004      |
| 770833 |                     |           |                          |
| 333333 |                     |           | 928-526-1157 phone       |
| 333in" |                     |           |                          |
| h      |                     |           | 928-526-4259 fax         |
| eight= |                     |           |                          |
| "0.993 |                     |           |                          |
| 75in"} |                     |           |                          |
+--------+---------------------+-----------+--------------------------+

**Flagstaff Area National Monuments**

News Release

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** -- **December 10, 2007**

#### Bob Van Belle, (928) 526-1157 (x275)

####  (928) 853-5825 (Cell)

**Major Rockfalls Close Popular Island Trail At Walnut Canyon National
Monument**

**FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA** -- A series of at least two major rockfalls have
damaged or destroyed large sections of the Island Trail, the most
popular visitor attractions at Walnut Canyon National Monument. The
heavily damaged trail has been closed indefinitely.

The first rockslide was minor, and occurred sometime during the evening
of November 30^th^, causing trail blockage along the lower section of
the trail. A second rockfall occurred during the morning of Saturday,
December 8^th^. This rockslide was far more extensive and destructive in
nature, smashing large sections of concrete stairway, steel handrails,
and a bench. Although the trail was open during the December 8^th^
rockfall, no visitors were injured.

The Island Trail descends into Walnut Canyon in a long series of
concrete stair steps, allowing visitors access to a ledge lined with
cliff dwellings tucked into deep limestone alcoves in the steep, rugged
canyon.

Park staff are assessing the full extent of the damage, and are in the
initial stages of developing preliminary options for reopening the
trail. Truck-sized blocks of unstable limestone hang precariously over
sections of the heavily-traveled trail. The largest are estimated to
weigh hundreds of tons. These blocks need to be removed, stabilized, or
a new trail will need to be rerouted around them. The trail will likely
be closed for months.

All other areas of the monument, including the visitor center, the Rim
Trail, and the picnic area, remain open to the public. Entry to the
monument will be free to the public during the Island Trail closure, and
no entry fees will be charged.

WACA was established by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on
November 30, 1915, to preserve the prehistoric ruins of ancient cliff
dwellings. The Island Trail descends 185 feet (about halfway into the
canyon), via 240 steps; it passes 25 cliff dwelling rooms offering
glimpses of life at Walnut Canyon 900 years ago.

> -NPS-
>
> EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA™
>
> The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the
> American people so that all may experience our heritage.