Three Fun Hiking Trails - Sedona Arizona

(Sedona, Arizona) 56 degrees, clear blue skies most of the time

Before the snow storm arrived we spent three days hiking some spectacular trails in Sedona.  There are so many to choose from in this area.  We'd recommend purchasing a hiking guide to help you decide the right one for you. 

West Fork Oak Creek Trail

We decided to go back to one of our favorites. This is probably the most popular trail in Sedona.  It's important to arrive in the morning or you may wait a long time for a parking spot.  It cost $9/car to park. The trail is  marked for about three miles and you can extend further if you want.  You return the same way you came in.  It's a relatively easy trail except that you have to ford the stream several times. 

Oak Creek

This is the first place you have to cross.  After the first one, it got a lot easier.  John was such a trooper.  He'd first help me across and then go back and get Jimmy.  

 

Jimmy gets a free ride across

The trail runs along the creek side and what is so amazing are the huge canyon walls that soar above you.  Spring has not quite arrived yet.  It can be even more spectacular once all the trees have their leaves.  

 

 

This German hiker had it all figured out.  Check out his hiking Boots!

As you go further in the canyon walls get higher and higher.  It's really beautiful and awe inspiring.  

 

 

 

 

Bell Rock Pathway & Courthouse Butte Trail

This was my favorite hike.  This trail is about 4 1/2 - 5 miles round trip depending on where you park.  It goes around two huge rock formations and Spaceship Rock.  It was a little too long of a hike for Jimmy.  He was one tired puppy at the end.  For that matter, we where all dragging at the end but it was worth the effort.  

Bell Rock

The trail is an easy, well marked, and there is very little change in elevation.  Bell Rock is another popular vortex area.  Bikes can also ride on the Bell Rock loop only.  

Courthouse  Butte

 

Spaceship Rock

These pictures do not show very well how large the formations were.  Courthouse Butte is massive.  There are lots of shady spots to stop along the way.  A bench would have been really appreciated, but the rocks were ok.  Be sure to take lots of water.

 

Fay Canyon Trail and Arch

This is a lovely 3 1/2 mile trail if you include the arch  The trail head is located on Boynton Pass Road.  If you are unable to hike it is worth just driving out on this road.  The views are spectacular, however, be aware the road is rough.  What's particularly nice about this trail is it very cool and shady due to the tall canyons on both sides.  Jimmy loved it.  

Beginning of trail head Fay Canyon

Notice what looks like a cave in the wall

About 1/2 mile down the trail there are these markers designating a seperate trail for the arch.  It an unimproved trail (emphsis on unimproved).  I found it too difficult to continue but John was able to go out to the arch.  It really looks like a cave until you are almost under it.  John said it was a rugged climb but very cool to see. 

Markers showing the separate trail to the arch

Inside Arch

John thought this looked like a babies rattle

At the end the trail divides and you can climb up and get some spectacular views of the area. Jimmy and I watched John climb. 

T

 

You return back the same way.   This was a great trail and the ride home on Boynton Road was beautiful.   

View along Boynton Pass Road

There are so many trails we would like to hike.  I guess we'll just have to go back again...and again.