Fay Canyon Trailhead

The Fay Canyon Trailhead is a popular starting point for a hiking route in the Coconino National Forest, located on the outskirts of Sedona. This spot opens the way to one of the easiest yet most impressive trails in the USA, winding through a narrow canyon with massive red sandstone walls. Unlike many of Arizona's more exposed routes, travelers here can enjoy pleasant shade from dense oak and juniper forests.

Fay Canyon Trail #53 is approximately 4 kilometers round trip and has almost no elevation gain, making it ideal for families with children and older hikers. The path leads along the canyon floor, past whimsical cacti and dry creek beds, ending at a majestic rock formation. This natural wonder showcases a diverse range of desert flora and fauna in one place.

One of the hidden gems of this location is the Fay Canyon Arch, reached via a side trail. Due to the lack of significant light pollution, the location also attracts night sky enthusiasts. This spot combines accessibility, wilderness beauty, and the chance to experience the region's unique geology.

To check current trail conditions or local regulations, you can contact the Forest Service. The National Forest administration provides information on parking availability and any permits required for a comfortable stay in nature.

The main activity here is hiking along the scenic canyon floor, where you can admire the changing landscapes and towering red cliffs. Be sure to look for the hidden side trail leading to Fay Canyon Arch — one of the longest natural arches in the region. While the climb up to it requires some agility, the panoramic view from beneath the giant stone vault is a worthy reward.

This location is perfect for photography enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. Along the trail, you can spot various species of cacti, desert wildflowers, and birds, while the shaded areas under the oaks make for a great picnic spot. Families often choose this route for walks with children, as the flat terrain allows for exploration without excessive fatigue.

After dark, the canyon transforms into a magnificent open-air observatory. If you bring a blanket and a thermos of tea, you can watch bright constellations and meteors in the open parts of the canyon. The minimal artificial light in this part of the national forest makes stargazing here a truly unforgettable experience.

Getting to the trailhead from the city center is quite simple: follow Highway 89A west to the intersection with Dry Creek Road (Road 152C). Turn right and drive about 3 miles to the intersection with Boynton Canyon Road, then turn left. After half a mile, you will see the Fay Canyon parking lot on the left side of the road; the trail itself begins directly across from the parking area.

The drive from the west side of the city takes about 12 minutes, and from Flagstaff, it's about 45 minutes along a scenic route. Please note that parking requires a Red Rock Pass, which can be purchased from an automated kiosk on-site or at visitor centers. The roads to the canyon are fully paved, making access easy for any passenger vehicle.

For those who prefer not to drive, taxi services or organized jeep tours are available. Public transport does not run directly to this trail, so a car or shuttle remains the most practical way to reach the destination.

The Fay Canyon Trailhead is located in the heart of the Red Rock Country region, where the geological history spans millions of years. The majestic cliffs that tourists see today were formed by the long-term erosion of Supai sandstone. This natural process created not only the high canyon walls but also unique hidden features like the famous natural arch.

The Coconino National Forest territory holds traces of ancient cultures that lived here long before modern travelers arrived. In the vicinity of the canyon, you can occasionally find remains of ancient cliff dwellings belonging to Native American tribes. While detailed historical records of specific events in this canyon are limited, the atmosphere of the place is steeped in the spirit of antiquity.

The trail was officially included in the US Forest Service's recreation trail system in the mid-20th century. Since then, Trail #53 has become a visitor favorite due to its accessibility and stunning biodiversity. Today, it is a protected area where a careful balance is maintained between tourism and the protection of the fragile desert ecosystem.

For a standard round-trip walk along the main route, most visitors need 1 to 1.5 hours. The trail is virtually flat, allowing for a steady pace while enjoying the views of the red rocks and shaded groves. This is an excellent option for a short but rewarding walk in the fresh air.

If you plan to turn off the main path to scramble up to Fay Canyon Arch or want to take plenty of high-quality photos, you should budget about 2–2.5 hours. The area is also popular for long breaks for rest or nature meditation, so don't rush if you want to fully experience the magic of this canyon.

The attraction is open to visitors 24/7, 7 days a week. This allows you to plan your hike for any convenient time — from sunrise walks to stargazing late at night.

Despite the round-the-clock access, it is recommended to visit the trail during daylight hours to fully enjoy the beauty of the red rocks and ensure safety when navigating rocky sections, especially if you plan to climb up to the arch.

Exploring the area around Fay Canyon will allow you to fill your day with the best of Arizona's natural beauty. Numerous interesting locations are situated nearby — from secluded historic cabins to breathtaking viewpoints.

Many of these sites are within a short drive, making them excellent additions to your hike. The table below shows the nearest attractions and their distances: