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Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide
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If a gradual climb to visit a natural sandstone arch appeals to you, this is your hike. This hike is located near Sedona, AZ. From the Phoenix area, take I-17 North to exit 298 to HWY 179 West into Sedona. At the junction with HWY-89A, follow the signs to 89A West. About 3.2 miles from the junction of HWY-179 and HWY-89A, turn right onto signed Dry Creek Road. Follow this paved road for 2.0 miles. Turn right at the signed intersection with FR152. Drive 4.4 miles to the end of this road and the parking for the Vultee Arch trailhead. Make sure to get a Red Rock parking pass in Sedona before parking or you risk a ticket. Be Aware of: FR152 is a very rough road. High clearance vehicle recommended. 30 yr old Recommendation: The view of the Vultee arch is a worthy goal. This is an easy hike. Elevation change: about 400 ft ascent to good views of Vultee Arch
Distance: 3.4 miles round trip. Time: It took us 1 hours and 30 minutes. Time of year: Late Spring, Summer or Early Fall. Solitude: Good. We saw about 5 other hikers on this trail. Map: Click here for a map Warning: Sedona has recently instituted a "Red Rock Pass", which is a fancy way of saying you need to pay to play. As of May, 2010, 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. After surviving the rough drive along FR152, you'll be ready to stretch your legs. From the East end of the parking area, the start of the Vultee Arch trail is signed and easy to find. The trail itself is also easy to follow to the views of Vultee Arch. This trail starts in the dusty sand typical of this area of Sedona. As you hike further up Sterling Canyon, you'll be surrounded by the red rocks mountains of this area. The trail increases in elevation gradually, eventually gaining more shade from a pine forest. The canyon walls will also begin to close in around you. After 1.6 miles of hiking, you'll reach the signed junction with the Sterling Pass trail. If you look to your left (North wall of the canyon) you'll see Vultee Arch. Stay left at the junction and hike a few hundred more yards to a good place to rest and enjoy views of the arch. There is also a plaque here to mark the passing of Gerald and Sylvia Vultee, who died in a plane crash near this spot. If you would like, there is a scramble route to the top of the arch from this point. When ready, return the way you came.
[On the Vultee Arch trail]
[along the trail to Vultee Arch]
[Vultee Arch (note unidentified hiker on top)] This hike was taken in early May 2010.
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