Notes and images in this review are of the Fay Canyon Trail. The trailhead and parking area can easily be found on Google maps. I would definitely recommend coming earlier in the day as the parking area does get filled up quickly. You can go park along the side of the road as many other people do.AllTrails list this as a moderate hike, even though I would comment that the path leading to the arch would be much more strenuous, given the shale rock and dirt that makes for a slippery grip with your shoes...but it is worth it!The rest of the hike has plenty of amazing views of the forest and nearby cliffs and mountains in this part of Coconino National Forest.There’s also other plenty of hikes that start from this parking area.
Fantastic hike. First we went to the end of the canyon trail. Easy hike. Where the trail officially ends, if you scramble up the rock (its easy to see where others have done so), go up and traverse a couple hundred feet for a spectacular view of the canyon. On our way back out, we found the trail to the arch. This is much more difficult. Its pretty steep, with loose rocks and gravel. But the payoff is worth it if you can do it. You can go under the arch and traverse underneath from side to side for some great views and amazing geology.
Some scrambling involved, but definitely worth the effort. Look for a stack of stones on the right side of the main trail. It will take you across a dry creek and almost straight up from there.
The Fey Canyon Arch was nice. There is a couple different paths on the way up. We avoided the was which had a bunch of cactus or seemed a bit more difficult. When we got to the arch met two ladies with their dog. They said its possible to climb to the top of the arch going up the right side as you face the arch. We did not attempt it.
Short hike. Easy climb. Nice views.
Great hike beautiful scenery!
The spur to the arch is tough but worth it given that its pretty short. You end with a great view right under the arch and even better, youre in the shade!
Fun time, fairly easy just bring water :)
This is a wonderful place to trek to, especially in the early morning or evening when the light is best. Here is the best way to get to the arch, both below and on top: Youll get your first glimpse of the arch when youre almost exactly half a mile in. This IS NOT where you should turn off. I made this mistake and ended in the wrong place. Dont turn off until you see an obvious trail. This trail leaves the main trail in more or less the middle of a valley formed between the arch and a rock protrusion oppositing it. From here the hike is fairly short and straightforward and in no time youll find yourself at the ruins below the arch. Once youre done there you should work your way along a less worn path following the rock face to the right of the arch. This will lead you to the top of the arch. You will have to do some rock-jumping to get up at one point but I promise its worth it. It feels amazing standing on the edge of the arch! Just dont fall off, and remain aware that some parts are falling off! Enjoy!
Nice, mild, mostly shaded trail.
Awesome spot to hike if you’re visiting Fay Canyon. The arch isn’t marked and some locals told us that there was an arrow in the sand that indicated where the trailhead started. It was a steep climb, but completely worth it. Once you’re at the top, there is a Petra-like column of rocks under the arch that you can climb. Otherwise, you can walk around the parameter of the arch to get some great photos. Watch out for the Prickly Pears though. They’re all over the trail and it’s easy to trip and run into one!
Scenic hike that is a great choice when its too hot to hike most elsewhere in Sedona.
Keep going until you get under the arch for the view
Great hike to get up close to the red rocks.
Easy, peaceful hike. Arch difficult find unless you know where to turn. Beautiful climb at end of trail up rocks with lovely view
This place is amazing. I love it!!
Tricky to find, but another hiker helped us find the path. It’s not easy getting up. There are many loose rocks and it’s pretty steep. But when you get there, it’s peaceful to just sit in the arch and look over the surroundings.
The elusive arch. We spent forever trying to find this arch, but we actually found it. Was it worth it? Why dont you find out for yourself?
Its not easy to find this trail but it provides a more challenging hike up to the arch.
This is an exciting hike with great views.
Beautiful changes in scenery as the sun changes . Lots of fun. Make sure to check out the ranch.
This is a great place to check out. At roughly half a mile up the Fay Canyon Trail look for the Karin and take the trail to the right. If you look really hard you can see the arch from the Fay Canyon trail. Its only .1 miles up to the arch. Its a light scramble. Try to go earlier in the day if you wanna get some sunlight on the arch. You can also walk on top of the arch, but thats more difficult if youre scared of heights. Just look for the trail to the right of the arch up against the wall. Youll walk along the edge to get there. Hope this helps:)
Beautiful hike.
Fay Canyon is one of my favorite places to explore in Sedona. It is a box canyon with a large oak grove in the middle of it. Its nice to start at the bottom of the canyon then work your way up to the top. Its very tranquil with great views. There is some cover by trees so I expect this would be a great hike on a particularly hot day.
A great Sedona hike for kids and casual hikers. Easy. Very hot in summer; be careful. If I am not mistaken, your America the Beautiful pass will work for parking at the trailhead. Not as crowded as the A-list hikes in town. There is a bathroom at the trailhead parking lot. Follow the Cairns to the arch, on the north side of the trail 1/2 mile in. It is not an easy climb to the arch. But don’t just see the arch- follow the easy trail to the end for great canyon views and a nice wooded hollow.
Very nice and enjoyable hike - beautiful upward views. trail is very level and mild. the scramble up to the arch is quite a bit more challenging, but the view is rewarding.
Great short hike. Trail is well marked. Up close to the red rocks with an amazing view!
Easy hike, good for seniors and kids. Clean rest room at the base, no trash on the trail, but very little wildlife to be seen. There wasnt much traffic and there was quite a bit of parking although it was a holiday week.
The first part of this hike is good for anyone at any fitness level: more of a gentle climb than a hike. Getting up to the arch is more strenuous, but worth it.
Pleasant walk with great views
The side trail leading to the arch is difficult to spot across the river bank but if you follow it, you are guaranteed a good hike,and awesome views at the top.
Beautiful and less crowded than other trails
Worth the hike and climb, go right and you can climb to the top of the arch for an amazing view.
Amazing views on a short, easy trail!
Great views. Great place!
Breathtaking views & an easy hike!
Awsome hike