HS Canyon

 
HS Canyon is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest, designated as Trail #50. Access is from the Secret Canyon parking area on FR 152. It is  well marked and easy to follow.
 
 
HS Canyon is one of the most underrated and underutilized trails in Sedona. That's unfortunate because HS offers better views (shown above) than the more popular Secret Canyon Trail, which seems to get a lot of attention because of its name. Nobody's really sure what HS means, but EVERYBODY wants to know a secret.
 
The good news is that you could have this gorgeous wonder all to yourself. By the way, HS is short for HOLY SH*T! I figure it probably refers to the view.
Most of the HS Canyon Trail is well shaded in summer. 
 
From the end of the trail you can either go back the same way you came, or make a loop by climbing up the ridge on the right and following the social route back to the Secret Canyon Trail. The latter option offers spectacular views of Lost Wilson (show in the photo above) and Maroon Mountain (shown below).
 
Maroon Mountain

 
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

The Secret Canyon parking area is located near the end of FR 152 (aka Vultee Arch Road). No permit is required to park, but the dirt parking area is tiny and difficult to pull into. There is additional parking along the roadside.
 
 
You'll start out on the Secret Canyon Trail and hike 0.7 miles from the parking area, where the short but scenic trail into HS Canyon breaks to the left and begins climbing toward the sheer cliffs of Maroon Mountain.

HIKE DETAILS

NOTE: A high clearance 4x4 is required to access this trailhead.
 
RATED: Easy
 
TOTAL DISTANCE
3 miles out and back
 
ELEVATION GAIN
300 ft
 
EST HIKING TIME
2-3 hours round trip
 
BEST TIME TO GO
All year
 
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet.