Fay Canyon Trail
Sedona · Easy
The Fay Canyon Trail is a easy hike in Sedona, Arizona: 2.4 miles round trip with 150 ft of elevation gain, typically completed in 1-1.5 hours. Dogs are allowed. Fee: $5 Red Rock Pass. Best hiked Year-round.
About Fay Canyon Trail
Fay Canyon is one of Sedona's hidden treasures and delivers a beautiful, peaceful canyon experience without the crowds, difficulty, or physical demands of the area's more famous trails. This easy walk into a red rock box canyon is perfect for families, older hikers, or anyone who wants to experience the magic of Sedona's landscape at a relaxed pace. The trailhead is located on Boynton Pass Road, between the Boynton Canyon and Doe Mountain trailheads.
The parking area is small, holding perhaps 15 cars, but because this trail gets less traffic than its neighbors, finding a spot is usually manageable, even on weekends. A Red Rock Pass is required. From the parking area, the trail enters a woodland of juniper, cypress, and pinyon pine and heads into the mouth of Fay Canyon.
The path is well-defined and mostly flat, following the canyon floor on packed dirt with only minor elevation changes. Within the first few minutes, the canyon walls begin to rise on both sides, and the signature Sedona red rock towers above the green tree canopy. The canyon is notably quiet compared to more popular Sedona destinations.
The thick vegetation absorbs sound, and the enclosed nature of the canyon creates a hushed atmosphere. Birdsong is prominent here, and you may spot acorn woodpeckers, Mexican jays, and bridled titmice in the trees. The forest floor is covered with leaf litter and dappled with sunlight filtering through the canopy, and the overall feeling is more like a mountain forest than a desert trail.
About halfway along the trail, an unmarked spur on the left leads to a natural sandstone arch visible in the cliff wall above. Reaching the arch requires a moderate scramble up a rocky slope that takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The scramble is steeper and more exposed than the main trail and is not suitable for everyone, but it rewards with close-up views of a beautiful natural arch framed against the sky.
If you attempt it, watch your footing on the loose rock and take care near the edges. The main trail continues to its end at the base of the box canyon, where the walls converge into a dramatic amphitheater of red and white sandstone. This is a wonderful spot to sit on a rock, eat a snack, and simply absorb the beauty of the place.
The layered rock walls show millions of years of geological history in their stratified bands of color. Fay Canyon is an excellent choice for morning or afternoon hikes in any season. The canyon provides shade for much of the route, making it more comfortable in summer than the fully exposed trails nearby.
The easy terrain is suitable for children and dogs on leash. If you are visiting Sedona and want a break from the more strenuous and crowded options, this trail offers the red rock experience in its most peaceful and accessible form. It pairs well with the nearby Doe Mountain Trail, which is a short but more vigorous climb to a flat-topped mesa with panoramic views.
Getting There
Trailhead Address: Fay Canyon Trailhead, Boynton Pass Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Best Time to Hike
Best Season: Year-round
For the most comfortable experience on Fay Canyon Trail, plan your hike during the recommended season. In the warmer months, start early in the morning to avoid peak heat, especially on exposed desert trails. Always check current weather conditions and trail status before heading out.
What to Bring
Based on the easy difficulty rating and Sedona location, here is a recommended packing list for this hike:
- Plenty of water (at least 1 liter per hour of hiking)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Trail snacks and energy bars
- First aid kit with blister care supplies
- Fully charged phone with downloaded trail map