Secret Slickrock

GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE!
 
Secret Slickrock is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. It is well marked with signs and easy to follow. In fact, this is one of the shortest and easiest hikes in Sedona.
 
Secret Slickrock reflection
 
The trail leads to a wide ledge above Red Rock Crossing, where there are several water pockets that form reflecting pools (shown below) whenever there has been sufficient rainfall.
  Secret Slickrock ledge
 
Like Red Rock Crossing and Baldwin Butte, Secret Slickrock is one of the best places in Sedona to capture a dramatic photo at sunset.
 
Sunset light at Secret Slickrock 
Cottonwood trees growing along Oak Creek add an extra dimension to the scenery at Secret Slickrock in the autumn (shown below).
 
Fall color at Secret Slickrock
 
Be sure to check the schedule for moonrise before you do this hike. If you can catch the full moon rising as the sun goes down you'll be in for an extra special treat. 
 
Moonrise at Secret Slickrock
 
For those primarily interested in the full moon rise, Baldwin Butte (covered separately and located across the creek) has a better alignment of the moon and the spires of Cathedral Butte. Baldwin Butte is visible on the right side of the photo below.
 
Baldwin Butte view from Secret Slickrock

 
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

There are two primary parking areas for Secret Slickrock (see map below). No permit is required to park at either area. From Hwy 89A in West Sedona turn left on Upper Red Rock Loop (at Sedona High School) and proceed approximately 1 mile to the bottom of the hill.
 
Turn left again on Chavez Ranch Road and continue for approximately 1 mile, going straight at the stop sign with Red Rock Crossing. The first parking area is just a wide spot on the right side of Chavez Ranch, just beyond the stop sign. Parking here you will have to hike uphill on the Ramshed Trail (see map). 
 
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!
 
The shorter route is at the top of the hill, where Chavez Ranch turns left and goes down hill to a residential area by the creek. There will be a locked gate in front of you at this turn. The parking area is beside the locked gate, and the trailhead is directly across the road. 
 
Secret Slickrock Trail

 
HIKE DETAILS

RATED: Easy
TOTAL DISTANCE
.7 miles out and back to the reflecting pools

ELEVATION GAIN
80 ft
 
EST HIKING TIME
30 minutes roundtrip
 
BEST TIME TO GO
All year, late afternoon
 
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet.