Family vacations in the American Southwest – particularly Arizona -  typically involve visits to the Grand Canyon National Park. And why not? The Grand Canyon is absolutely amazing, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.  There are many, many other awe-inspiring sights in the Southwest, however; these are just three of the smaller US National Monuments in Arizona recommended for family travel. All are a short drive from Flagstaff.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument – The geologic remains of an ancient volcano are on full display here; the piles of sharp black lava rocks and the cinder cone peak are iconic images.  Sunset Crater’s slopes with contrasting colors are interesting (kids think they’re cool), and the sight of a few lonely trees valiantly holding their ground on the slopes is fascinating.  While the peak is off limits, there are a few hikes that range from easy to strenuous. Families should choose the hike, or stroll, that works best for their children. The Lava Flow Trail, for example, is just one mile long, and with very little elevation change along the way.

Wupatki National Monument – The Anasazi settled here first.  Later the Sinagua Indians lived here for a while, before disappearing into unwritten history. No one’s really sure what happened to the Sinagua Indians, but scholars propose that the group was subsumed into the larger Hopi Indian population (also in this part of Arizona). Wupatki National Monument is spread out, and a vacationing family can expect to spend over an hour wandering the grounds. Ruins include small homes – stone walls, at this point – built by the Anasazi in the 1100′s and 1200′s. When the Sunset Volcano erupted some time around 1065, the area there became unlivable and the native peoples moved here. the Wupakti Pueblo is really interesting to kids – and adults- who are fascinated by early American history.

Walnut Canyon National Monument – This is admittedly the author’s favorite smaller US National Monument in Northern Arizona. The canyon can’t compare to the Grand Canyon in size, of course, but it is so much more accessible and easy to circumnavigate, that children won’t feel overwhelmed. There are cliff dwellings here; the Sinagua Indians made lives for themselves in Walnut Canyon, availing themselves of the sparse water supply (Sinagua means “Without Water”) and relative safety and protection from the hot desert sun. The small canyon has paths along one level of cliff dwellings, which tourists can step into and appreciate. Some dwellings are blocked off and clearly marked as unsafe; do not enter these. After the easy hike along the loop path of Walnut Canyon, the rim trail has fantastic views and a couple of off-canyon ruins as well.

A family vacation in Northern Arizona practically demand an exploration of the Grand Canyon National Park, of course. These three small US National Monuments are also absolutely a valuable addition to a trip to the American Southwest, adding to our appreciation of the varied geography and history of the region.