The Fay Canyon Trail is a true gem in Sedona, perfect for those seeking a short, scenic hike. 💎
This trail winds through a beautiful canyon, where towering red sandstone walls create a stunning backdrop. The lush canopy of oaks offers refreshing shade, making it a great hike year-round.
This easy, mostly flat trail is great for casual hikers and families and pairs well with other nearby hikes, such as Doe Mountain and Boynton Canyon Trail.
The true highlight is the Fay Canyon Arch, a natural arch-shaped rock formation hidden along a side trail. Reaching the arch requires a short but steep scramble over rocky terrain, but the effort is well worth it. 🙌
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to find the Fay Canyon Arch, what to expect on the trail, the best time to visit, and key hiking tips for an unforgettable adventure!
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Fay Canyon Trail to Fay Canyon Arch (trail stats and map)
Fay Canyon Arch Trail Stats
Starting Point: Fay Canyon Trailhead
Length: 1.5 miles (to arch and back) and 2.4 miles (entire trail + arch)
Elevation Gain: 250 to 330 feet
Difficulty: Fay Canyon Trail is easy, and Fay Canyon Arch Trail is moderately challenging
Hiking Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Fay Canyon Arch, red sandstone walls, and a secret overlook 🤫
Fay Canyon Arch Map
Is a Red Rock Pass required?
No, a Red Rock Pass is not required to park at the Fay Canyon Trailhead.
Sometimes things change, so make sure to check the official website for updates regarding which trailheads require a Red Rock Pass.
Fay Canyon Arch Parking and Trailhead
The Fay Canyon Trailhead is located about 20 minutes from Sedona off Boynton Pass Road.
The trailhead has a spacious parking lot, but keep in mind that this is a popular and heavily trafficked hike – spots fill up quickly, especially during peak hours.
With that being said, for a better chance of finding a parking spot, arrive early or later in the day.
Pit toilets are available at the parking area.
You might be a bit lost trying to find the trail once you get to the parking lot. Don’t worry, I got you. It’s located across the street. 🫡
Best Time to Hike the Fay Canyon Trail
The best times to hike the Fay Canyon Trail are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these months, the weather is usually perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
This is also peak season for Sedona so expect busy trails – hiking early or later in the day will help avoid crowds.
✨ READ THIS: 10 Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
🍂 Fall (September – November): This is a popular time to visit Sedona due to ideal weather conditions making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
❄️ Winter (December – February): This season is probably my favorite time to explore Sedona because the crowd-level is at its lowest.
My husband and I have spent two weeks exploring Sedona in January, and almost every day we started our hikes before sunrise. The temperatures were FREEZING! But with proper layers we were comfortable.
If you are lucky, you’ll be rewarded with the stunning sight of Sedona blanketed in snow. We have yet to witness this, but hopefully one day!
🌷 Spring (March – May): This season offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful desert blooms, but trails will be busy as it’s a popular time to visit Sedona.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Visiting Sedona in the summer is not recommended due to extreme heat.
Many of the trails are exposed, and when combined with a challenging hike it can quickly lead to dehydration and heat-related illness.
Most of the Fay Canyon Trail is shaded, but the side trail to the Fay Canyon Arch is exposed.
If you do attempt to hike to the Fay Canyon Arch in summer, start early or later in the day, bring plenty of water, and wear sun-protective clothing.
How to Get to the Fay Canyon Arch: Trail Directions
Fay Canyon Trail
From the Fay Canyon Trailhead, carefully cross the road to begin your hike.
The Fay Canyon Trail is a well-defined, dirt path. You might notice a side trail to the right – don’t go that way.
The main trail is easy to follow, winding through a canopy of oaks with views of stunning red cliffs.
In about 0.6 miles, there will be an unmarked side trail to the right. I recommend downloading the AllTrails offline maps, so you don’t miss the turn.
You can see the arch from the trail – it looks more like a cave from afar. Once you see the location of the arch, it will be easier to reach.
Fay Canyon Arch Trail (social trail)
The social trail crosses a wash and heads straight for the Fay Canyon Arch. Unlike the main trail, this path is narrower, rougher, and less defined, but it’s still fairly easy to follow.
The arch is just 0.1 to 0.2 miles from the turnoff, but reaching it requires a steep climb over rocky terrain, with plenty of cacti lining the path.
Although the Fay Canyon Trail is great for hikers of all skill levels, the Fay Canyon Arch Trail is not for everyone – know your limits!
Fay Canyon Arch
If you do decide to tackle the side trail, the reward of standing beneath (or on top) the massive, hidden arch makes it well worth the effort.
The up-close view of the arch is absolutely breathtaking, and the distant red rock scenery makes it even more spectacular.
Relax in the shade beneath the arch and take it all in – you’ve earned it!
Climbing to the Top of Fay Canyon Arch
For those feeling adventurous, a side trail to the right of the arch leads to the top.
While some sections are a bit sketchy requiring some rock scrambling, it’s nothing too extreme – but as always, know your limits and use good judgment.
If you’re up for the challenge, the views from the top are absolutely worth it, offering a unique perspective of the canyon below.
Finish the Fay Canyon Trail
After exploring the arch, retrace your steps to rejoin the main trail. If you have time, I recommend completing the rest of the Fay Canyon Trail. The official trail ends at a red Supai sandstone cliff, marked by a sign.
If you want panoramic views of the canyon, and you’re comfortable with climbing, make your way up the giant rocks for a better view.
To return to the parking lot, retrace your steps back down the Fay Canyon Trail. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
✨ Discover more great hikes in Sedona, Arizona!
- Devil’s Bridge – Tackle this short yet exciting hike to the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona! The panoramic views from the top will leave you speechless. And don’t forget to walk across the bridge – if you dare!
- Cathedral Rock – This is a short but steep hike to one of the most magical spots in Sedona. Also, it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset!
- Subway Cave – Take a short detour off the Boynton Canyon Trail to explore one of Sedona’s most popular caves. This adventure offers stunning red rock views, a fun scramble, and a touch of history with ancient Sinagua ruins.
- Birthing Cave – Hike a short distance to a uniquely shaped cave. This spot has a blend of natural beauty and profound cultural significance!
- Soldier Pass Trail – This trail is perfect for families and beginners plus it’s pet-friendly! You’ll encounter remarkable features like Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the intriguing Soldier Pass Cave.
- Fay Canyon Arch – The Fay Canyon Trail is a true gem in Sedona, perfect for those seeking a short, scenic hike. The true highlight is the Fay Canyon Arch, a natural arch-shaped rock formation hidden along a side trail.
- Doe Mountain – This is a short, scenic hike to stunning views that are even more spectacular at sunrise – plus there’s a chance to see hot air balloons!
- Bear Mountain – This is Sedona’s toughest hike, with nearly 2,000 feet of steep elevation gain in just 2.3 miles. The trail offers breathtaking views throughout, showcasing Sedona’s iconic red rock formations and the distant San Francisco Peaks.
- Keyhole Cave – Tackle this off-the-beaten-path hike to one of Sedona’s largest caves, offering an adventurous challenge for experienced hikers.
- Wilson Mountain – If you’re up for a challenging climb with unmatched scenery and fewer crowds, tackle this hike to the tallest peak in Sedona!
Fay Canyon Arch Hiking Tips
1. Start Early: Avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.
2. Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel and help maintain your energy during the hike.
3. Keep Sedona Pristine for Future Generations: Take the Sedona Cares Pledge and follow Leave No Trace principles.
4. Follow the Most-used Social Trail and Avoid Creating New Ones: Social trails are common in Sedona, and many hikes involve following these unmarked paths.
Whenever possible, stick to the most-used trail. Sometimes you might find multiple side trails branching off, so it can be tricky to stay on track.
Try your best to avoid creating new social trails, as they contribute to erosion and damage the fragile desert ecosystem.
5. Summer Safety Tips:
- Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat high-carb and salty snacks to help keep your energy levels up and replenish electrolytes.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Try to hike during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Hiking in Sedona Packing List
👚 Layers of Clothing (top) – Pack a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece mid-layer, an insulated jacket, and an outer shell to protect you from the elements, such as rain and wind. You may not need all these layers, especially in the summer months, but it’s always best to be over-prepared!
Check out my favorite tops 👇
- Base layer: REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (warm/mild conditions) and REI Co-op Midweight Long-Sleeve Base Layer (cooler conditions)
- Fleece mid layer: Cotopaxi Teca Fleece Full-Zip Jacket
- Down mid layer: Cotopaxi Fuego Hooded Down Jacket
- Outer shell: In the summer I always pack a light windbreaker, such as the Cotopaxi Teca Crop Windbreaker or the RevolutionRace Unit Light Windbreaker. If cold, windy, and rainy conditions are in the forecast (or there’s a slight possibility), I make sure to pack my Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket.
🩳 Hiking Shorts or Pants – Pack a comfortable, durable, and stretchy pair of hiking shorts or pants. Also think about what conditions you might run into, such as warm or cold temperatures, wind and/or rain, bugs, and overgrown trails.
Check out my favorite hiking bottoms 👇
- Cotopaxi Losdos Zip-Off Pants
- RevolutionRace Breezy Ankle Outdoor Pants
- Baleaf Fleece-Lined Jogger Pants
- RevolutionRace Summit Pocket Tights
- Revolution Race Hike & Dive Shorts
🥾 Hiking Footwear – Bring a good pair of hiking boots or shoes with good traction. If I’m not expecting to hike in too much mud or snow, my go-to hiking shoes are the Altra Lone Peak trail runners. They have a wide-toe box, 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and MaxTrac rubber outsole. Plus, they’re lightweight and so comfy!
🧦 Socks – Moisture-wicking, quick-drying socks are the way to go. My favorite pair of hiking socks are Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks. Always pack an extra pair!
🎒 Day Pack – What you plan to do (sightseeing, hiking, etc.), determines what size pack you’ll need. Here is what I typically bring based on what I’m doing that day 👇
- Short walks and sightseeing: Cotopaxi Kapai 1.5L Del Dia Hip Pack
- Short, easy to moderate day hikes: REI Co-op Flash 22L Pack
- Long, moderate to challenging day hikes: REI Co-op Trail 25L Pack or Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L Pack
🥢 Trekking Poles – Essential for stability, balance, and support when hiking trails, especially on tough, rocky, and uneven terrain. I use REI Co-op Trailmade Trekking Poles and love them!
❄️ Microspikes – Bring a pair of microspikes if you’re visiting in the winter and you’re planning to hike along icy trails. They will give you good traction to avoid slipping! I use Black Diamond Access Spike Traction Device.
🦟 Mosquito/Bug Repellants – In the warmer months, be prepared for annoying gnats, mosquitoes, and flies. Wear long-sleeve clothing, a head net, and use bug spray.
🧤 Extra Warm Layers – If you expect cooler conditions or hiking to higher elevations, make sure to pack extra layers for added warmth, such as gloves, beanie, neck gaiter, and a light jacket.
🗺️ Navigation – Carry a physical topographic map, compass, a satellite messenger (or personal locator beacon), and download offline maps to help you stay on course, find your way in unfamiliar terrain, and call for help if needed.
🔦 Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
💧 Water – Water bottles to carry sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
🍕 Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
😎 Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. Also, polarized sunglasses are important when it’s bright outside and to reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads.
🩹 First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
🥶 Emergency Shelter – Pack an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
🔥 Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency. Along with matches, I also carry a multi-tool carabiner that has a fire starter, utility blade, screwdriver, and bottle opener.
🗡️ Multi-Tool and Repair Kit – A versatile tool/knife and repair kit to handle any task, from preparing food to making repairs.
💩 Waste Disposal Supplies – WAG bags, trowel, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bags – be sure to pack out everything!
Conclusion
Hiking the Fay Canyon Trail is a rewarding experience, offering a perfect mix of scenic beauty and adventure.
With its towering red cliffs, shaded path, and lush desert landscape, it’s an excellent choice for hikers of all skill levels.
For those looking to add a challenge, the climb to Fay Canyon Arch provides a thrilling detour with incredible views.
If this guide inspires you to hike the Fay Canyon Trail and find the Fay Canyon Arch, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!
✨ READ THIS: Best Sunrise Hikes in Sedona with Epic Views
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