Helicopter could limit visitors at Flagstaff-area monument

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – A helicopter delivering material to widen a trail at a national monument near Flagstaff could lead to temporary closures.

Weather conditions kept the helicopter from flying Thursday at Walnut Canyon National Monument when it was scheduled to deliver rock and other material below the rim.

Visitors could be kept out Friday during helicopter operations, if the weather co-operates.

Walnut Canyon is about 10 miles (16 kilometres) southeast of Flagstaff.

Crews plan to widen the Island Trail that’s about 185 feet (56 metres) below the canyon rim. The trail is 1 mile (1.6 kilometres) round-trip and takes visitors past more than two dozen ancient cliff dwellings.

About 300 people visit the monument during the weekdays this time of year.