Best trails in Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, Arizona

Semi-shaded by trees and towering canyon walls make this the perfect seven mile Sedona hike if you want to beat the heat. Trekking up Oak Creek's west fork offers one of the best hiking experiences in Sedona, an area already known as a hiker's paradise. The steep canyon walls and the shade of trees make this a perfect trail if you're looking to avoid the heat of the Arizona sun. Trace the creek upstream along pleasant sandy trails and thirteen separate stream crossings and enjoy the imposing views of the canyon walls towering above you. Unless the waters are high, the crossings are relatively easy, and the elevation gain on this trail is slight. The trail ends where the canyon walls close in on you and there's nowhere else to go without getting your feet wet. Enjoy the great views, make the most of the photo opportunities and marvel at how the water has etched away at the rock over the millennia. If you're suitably equipped, you can continue to wade upstream for another quarter of a mile or so. The pebbly creek bed can be a little hard on bare feet, but it might be tolerable to you - also be careful of the smoother rock surfaces underfoot which are particularly slippery. Eleven miles north of Sedona, the trailhead at the Call of the Canyon day-use area has limited parking availability, which may be an inconvenience to some, but early arrivals will enjoy a relatively uncrowded trail. Show more

Boynton Canyon is one of the most popular trails close to Sedona. If searching for trails in the red rocks, then this will be a perfect hike for users. The trail is great for hiking, running, and it is said to have energy centers and energy vortexes, along with featuring great views, plenty of Native American history, and pretty walks throughout the canyon floor. This often shady, and cooler section into Boynton is a favorite. Users recommend returning to the area, as autumn’s withered yellow leaves make this area extremely beautiful in contrast to the canyon walls. Users also recommend adding other small trails to points along this route, along with using the open slanted rest area at the end of the trail to enjoy the scenery. Since the summer and shoulder seasons do come with extreme weather, it is recommended to arrive very early to the parking lot to ensure availability and nicer temperatures. Along with the Bell Rock Vortex being one of the most popular vortex points in Sedona, Boynton Canyon is popular for both locals and visitors in other ways. Users can also research the Holy Cross, Box Canyons, Jeep Tours, and much more in the surrounding area. Show more

Please note that trailhead on map is not where the trail begins. The trailhead here is a parking area for all non 4x4 high clearance vehicles. Many cars cannot make it up the steep, dirt road, so most people park at the bottom of the road and walk. That means the first mile and the initial 300 ft elevation gain are just in the walk to the trailhead. Please see waypoint/continue driving or walking up road to find actual trailhead.Show more

Please always pick up after yourselves and treat this place with respect, as beautiful caves like these can be particularly sensitive to human activity. Show more