Woods Canyon

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Woods Canyon is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. Designated as Trail #93, it is well marked with signs and easy to follow. In this case the trail actually begins at the Red Rock Rock District Ranger Station and Visitor Center. It is level and unshaded as it follows a jeep road (shown below) into the wide canyon mouth for 1.25 miles.

 

 

The road ends and the trail continues, climbing gradually. At 2 miles, the trail crosses a small, usually dry streambed with nice red rock pools (shown below). These make good reflecting pools for photographers. 

 

 

Where does the water come from? During spring runoff from snow melting in the high country, Woods Canyon becomes a raging torrent (shown below) while many other canyons in the area -- such as Boynton, Loy and Fay -- remain completely dry. This can also happen in the late summer if there is significant rainfall in the upper part of the drainage. 

 

 
Beyond the rock pools the trail passes through a cattle gate, and comes to a signed fork. At this junction the Hot Loop Trail heads left to the top of Horse Mesa (shown below). Take the right fork (straight ahead) to continue into Woods Canyon.

 

 

The Woods Canyon Trail then enters the Munds Mountain Wilderness (shown below) and continues its easy climb, passing some red rock formations on the left. It enters the occasional shade of pine and sycamore as it approaches and then follows Dry Beaver Creek.

 

 

At 3.5 miles, the trail emerges on a picturesque expanse of red rock at the edge of the normally dry creekbed which is studded with huge, gray boulders. Continue on for another 3/4 mile for some nice red rock views as the trail climbs on a moderate grade out of the creekbed. This is a good place to turn around, although a path continues further into the canyon. Return by the same route.
 

 

RATED: Easy

  

TOTAL DISTANCE
6.2 miles out and back
 

ELEVATION GAIN
 776 ft roundtrip
 

EST. HIKING TIME
 4-5 hours roundtrip
 

BEST TIME TO GO
Sept - May. Hike early in the morning to avoid the summer heat.
 
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed. Please pickup after your pet and pack it out.