Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide

FAY CANYON AND ARCH

If a short and easy stroll to a neat natural arch through a pretty canyon appeals to you, this is your hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

This hike is located near Sedona, AZ.

From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to exit 298 to HWY 179 West into Sedona. Follow the signs to 89A West. Turn right 3.1 miles after the junction on Dry Creek Road. When you reach the intersection of 152C, turn left and go another 1.6 miles. At Boynton Pass road, turn left and go the final 0.5 miles to a parking area.

RATING

Be Aware of: A fee is required to park.

30 yr old Recommendation: Relaxing and mellow hiking. This is an Easy hike. This hike is a good introduction to the Sedona area and good for beginners.    

DETAILS

Elevation change: about 300 ft

Distance: 1.0 miles round trip.

Time: It took me about an hour.

Time of year: all year

Solitude: This is a popular hike and the parking lot will be crowded. Expect to meet 15-30 people on this hike during a weekend.  

Sedona has recently instituted a "Red Rock Pass", which is a fancy way of saying you need to pay to play. As of April 2004, the fee is $5 per day per vehicle. There are plenty of places in and around Sedona to pay this fee and get the receipt, which you need to put on your vehicle dash to keep from being towed.

This well marked trail heads through a shady canyon to start. After about 0.5 miles on this flat trail, keep your eyes on the canyon right to see the natural arch. A reasonably well marked trail starts off here to the arch. The arch requires a short scramble to climb up on top. Watch your step! 

After admiring the arch, continue up the last 0.5 miles to the end of the canyon. Please respect any ruins or artifacts you see.

After this hike, you'll most likely be looking for another one in the area... I know I was. 

[Fay Arch]

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