Fay Canyon Trail

Fay Canyon is the hike to choose when you want to be surrounded by red rock without a hard climb. It is about 2.1 miles round trip, with only around 144 feet of elevation gain from a trailhead at 4,590 feet, and the Forest Service rates it easy; most people walk it in about an hour. The trailhead is in the Boynton Canyon area west of Sedona: take Dry Creek Road north about three miles to the Boynton Canyon intersection, turn left, and the Fay Canyon parking area is about half a mile on, on the left. Cross the road to reach the trail. The path heads into a narrow canyon lined with cliffs of red and buff sandstone, winding through junipers, pinyons, manzanita and, in places, oaks and cypress that give welcome patches of shade. The canyon walls close in as you go, and the official trail ends where the canyon is blocked by a high wall of red Supai sandstone, a dramatic and peaceful spot to sit before heading back. The canyon is part of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, so mountain bikes and other mechanized vehicles are not allowed, and the atmosphere is calm. Fay Canyon also hides one of Sedona's lesser-known natural arches. It sits high on the canyon's right-hand wall in the first part of the hike and is reached by an unofficial, unsigned side path; it is hard to spot because it blends into the cliff behind it, and many hikers walk right past without noticing. The scramble up is steep and rocky.

Who it suits. Fay Canyon is ideal for families with young children, for older travelers, for anyone feeling the elevation on their first day, and for photographers who want canyon walls and morning light without a long approach. It also makes a perfect add-on for strong hikers who have just finished nearby Boynton Canyon or Doe Mountain and want an easy cool-down. Because the trail is short and flat, it is easy to turn around at any point, and the trail is well defined for most of its length. In summer, start early: the canyon is hot and dry by midday, and the shade is patchy. In winter, the low sun leaves parts of the canyon in shadow and the air is crisp, so bring a layer.

The arch, honestly. The Fay Canyon Arch is a popular side trip, but it is not part of the official trail, the route is informal and steep, and footing on loose rock can be poor. If you go, take care, turn back if it feels beyond your comfort level, and never climb on the arch itself. You may also notice the remains of small Sinagua structures in alcoves in this area; like all archaeological sites on the forest, they are protected, and you should look but not enter or touch. For most visitors, the main canyon walk is the real reward.

Logistics and pairings. The parking area is modest and fills on busy weekends, so arrive early or late. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass is generally required for parking at Sedona trailheads, so check the posted signs. Fay Canyon is not on the Sedona Shuttle, but it shares a road with Boynton Canyon and Enchantment Resort, and it is a short drive from the Amitabha Stupa and West Sedona's restaurants. It is far from Oak Creek and unaffected by the creek's flooding, although, as anywhere in Sedona, you should avoid canyon bottoms and washes during heavy rain. For stargazers, Visit Sedona recommends the Fay Canyon area for spotting shooting stars on clear nights.