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Fay Canyon Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.3 (23)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. Sedona
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“A nice hike to Fay Canyon Arch and a view of the canyon. ”

John Maurizi
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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.6

KM

Out and Back

4,774' 1,455 m

High

4,583' 1,397 m

Low

191' 58 m

Up

191' 58 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

10%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildlife

Many archaeological sites exist in Boynton Canyon. Please do not disturb dwellings by touching them or leaning on them. And do not touch rock art because the oil from your skin will damage and deteriorate the art forever.

Overview

A shaded, family-friendly hike showcasing an arch and classic Sedona red rocks. This makes a great choice for those looking a simple hike with a bit of adventure and very nice views. It is also pretty close to town and can easily be combined with other destinations within a day.

Need to Know

Please do not mark or etch into the arch.

Description

Fay Canyon is one of the shorter canyons located in Sedona. The total length is about 3 miles roundtrip. It is a very easy hike along the canyon floor with a dry wash on the right.

Fay Canyon Arch is just off to the right on the Fay Canyon Trail, but you can't see it well from the main trail. After about a half mile from the start, look for the Fay Canyon Arch Spur Trail, which isn't signed but isn't too hard to find. Take the right turn and continue up towards the canyon wall, where you'll soon see the natural arch. Some people turn around here, but there is more to explore farther into Fay Canyon.

Once back on the main trail, turn and continue hiking up-canyon. At the end of the trail is a sign stating the end of the maintained trail. Beyond this point, you cross over the dry wash and there is a nice area in front of a sandstone fin of sorts that can be explored a bit on either side. If you go early, you may enjoy the peace and quiet of the canyon and relax a bit at the end of the trail before returning.

Directions: Located on Boynton Pass Road, between Boynton Canyon Road and the Doe Mountain Trailhead. You can't miss the large paved parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Juniper, Scrub Oak, Manzanita. Javelina

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Coconino National Forest Office

Shared By:

John Maurizi with improvements by Jesse Weber
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 23 votes

#7

in Sedona

#741

Overall
  4.3 from 23 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#7

in Sedona

#41

in Arizona

#741

Overall
24 Views Last Month
3,970 Since Apr 27, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
48%
17%
35%
0%
0%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Fay Canyon Arch is quite stunning.
Apr 27, 2017 near West Se…, AZ
The trailhead to Fay Canyon is marked by the small sign in the distance.
Apr 27, 2017 near West Se…, AZ
When you hit this sign, you can keep going if you wish, just keep your wits about you.
Apr 27, 2017 near West Se…, AZ

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Jun 9, 2024
Robert Silva
2.8mi — 7h 09m
Sep 3, 2022
Stephen Weyant
May 16, 2022
Liam Jackson
Apr 6, 2022
Michelle P
2.2mi
Nov 25, 2021
Michael Schieferecke
We did this trail and the Fay Canyon Arch at the same time. The Fey canyon trail is fairly easy with lots of families with small children hiking it… 2.7mi — 1h 32m
Jul 31, 2021
J Nizzle
May 10, 2021
Mike Nugent
Apr 1, 2021
Steve W
2.2mi — 0h 55m

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