We’ve been to Walnut Canyon National Monument in Arizona twice. This area preserves some of the Southwest’s earliest history. These Sinagua cave dwellings from the 12th and 13th century are shockingly intact. The “Island Trail” is a 1-mile loop that descends into the canyon that allows visitors to get up close to over 20 ruins…some in almost their entirety. It will, however, require that you ascend 240 butt-burning steps to the reach the top again.
Although I’ve complained about the hike back up both times, the dwellings and 600ft canyon carved out by Walnut Creek are so pretty, it’s worth it!
Dwellings in the hillside 
More dwellings under shelf
