Carroll Canyon Trail is a 3.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Sedona, Arizona that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
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Directions from The junction of Routes 89A and 179: take 89A west 1.9 miles west to Shelby Drive on the left. Go .5 miles to a business driveway on the right just past Stanley Steamer Road, with 3 designated trailhead parking places. Trail access is obscure, and goes through a private land easement for a short distance where the trails begin at a kiosk just to the south. Follow the Old Post Trail West from this trailhead for .4 miles. The Old Post turns south and after another .1 mile, the Carroll Canyon Trail begins.
I came here around 9AM on a Saturday to the parking lot which is just past Stanley Steamer Dr on Shelby Dr, 3 parking spots for trails and I took the last one. I combined this with The Ridge for a run, and the views were a bit greener than typical Sedona views. It was still nice though, and not many people were on the trail until I started heading back. Steeper in some parts but not too bad in general!
Nice urban trail in West Sedona that is seldom crowded with some great views of Carroll Canyon.
Correct way to do loop: CARROLL CANYON TRAIL > OLD POST TRAIL We went down Old Post first and then discovered the advised trail direction is the other way. Also we made a wrong turn and continued down Old Post instead of turning onto Carroll Canyon and added an extra mile by having to backtrack. Definitely would recommend going Carroll Canyon to Old Post and be sure not to miss the turn onto Old Post! This was a nice hilly hike with some inclines and declines but nothing too strenuous. There are nice views going down Carroll Canyon. I think it would be a good trail for families but may be difficult for anyone with mobility issues as there are some rocky parts. Only came across (4) groups on the trail. Nice day!
LOVED this trail!! Some rolling incline/decline with great views! Some areas rocky, some smooth. Follow Old Post Trail signs until about halfway in which you will turn left up Carroll. Trail head parking somewhat difficult to find, but 3 spaces are marked in parking lot to right off of Shelby Dr just passed Stanley Steamer Dr.
This trail is taxing. I still recommend the trail but.... Importantly, I had a very close encounter with a 4' long rattlesnake. It had parked itself on a rock as I was bouncing along about 1/2 mile from the end of the trail. I heard the rattle. I went into five alarm auto fear/adrenaline mode. I jumped three feet into the air and saw the serpent coiled up minding his own business. Glad he warned me. I haven't been that scared in a very long time. Heads up.
Perfect area for a trail run to get the blood pumping in the morning. A good rolling hill feel to all the inclines. Not overly trafficked area (mid week) so you really enjoy being out in nature.
Started this trail at 6:30 am, finished close to two hours later. Mainly because I didn’t take everyone’s tip on checking the map. There is a post on the hike where you will see a sign for Oak Post Trail or Carrol Canyon Trail, if you are planning on doing the loop follow the sign for OAK POST. That is the loop! Do not take Carrol Canyon, you might be a half mile in before you check your phone to make sure you are on the path, and will then have to keep going or turn back. (Insert eye roll) Overall the the trail was great, only saw 1 other person, perfect amount of ups and downs, with rock paths and smoother sections, through a well shaded area, At least early in the a.m.
This trail kicked my 63 year old butt mainly because I inadvertently added about a half mile to it by not paying attention to this app and having to backtrack. Take plenty of water and don't get caught in the heat. The trail offers great views and has plenty of slope up and down. Access points are weird but not hard to figure out. I recommend this trail. Fantastic excercise.
Not very exciting but good loop for exercise. Only a few people. Parked on street. Saw a tarantula wasp with its prey on the trail.
This is a favorite for sure. So much to see. The Canyon, courthouse butte, Bell and Cathedral Rock...coffee pot...WOW
Well marked, good views. Did this with Carol Canyon and Old Post to get in six miles. Carol Canton was a nice addition.
Great trail. One big 3+ mile loop. Would be great for trail running. Likely a perfect 5k run/hike. It has some tougher areas, so moderate is a good designation. There seemed to only be 3 or 4 parking spots, I could see this getting busy in the summer. We will be back for sure!
Highly recommend! Dog friendly, limited people, great scenery. Lots of hills to walk up, but trail is clearly marked
Really enjoyed this trail. Not a lot of people so a very quiet hike. Relatively easy. Nice areas to overlook the many peaks. Trails are marked fairly well although I used the All Trail App because it was my first time. I would do this trail again.