Woman Hiker Viewing an Ancient Cliff Dwelling - stock photo

Flagstaff, Arizona, USA - May 19, 2011: Walnut Canyon was home to the Sinagua, a pre-Columbian culture that lived here in a very arid climate from about 1100 CE to 1250 CE. Sinagua in Spanish literally means "without water". In order to grow their crops, the Sinagua had to become experts at conserving water and dealing with drought. The Sinagua took advantage of natural recesses in the limestone walls of the canyon to build their homes. The Sinagua mysteriously left Walnut Canyon around 1250 CE leaving behind over 80 cliff dwellings. It is not known for certain why they left. To preserve these ancient dwellings, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Walnut Canyon a national monument on November 30, 1915. The monument is currently administered by the National Park Service. On October 15, 1966 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In this picture, a woman hiker is viewing the ancient dwellings. Walnut Canyon National Monument is near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.