Walnut Canyon - The Sinagua cliff dwellings

The Sinagua cliff dwellings remained relatively undisturbed until the late 19th Century when the newly built railroad allowed souvenir hunters access to the region. Most of the ruins at Walnut Canyon and elsewhere in the region were heavily damaged by collectors digging and even blasting ruins in search of pots and other treasures. National support to preserve these heritage sites resulted in the establishment of Walnut Canyon National Monument in 1915. The National Park Service has made great efforts to preserve and restore (where possible) some of the cliff dwellings and make them accessible to the public.