Lost Canyon Loops
One of the best social routes in Sedona, the Lost Canyon Loop, branches off to the right of the Brins Mesa system trail, less than 100 yards from the parking area located at the Dry Creek end of Brins Mesa.
There are several ways to do this loop depending on your objective, so I will describe the full loop and point out that it is fairly easy to adjust as needed. The main attractions are Sinagua cliff dwellings with a rock art panel that depicts, among other things, the headless man of Hopi prophecy.
On the back side of the loop the route enters Lost Canyon to reach another dwelling high in the cliffs. This ruin contains a small kiva and appears to have been situated to observe the winter solstice. There is a third cliff dwelling at the bottom of Lost Canyon. The easiest way to reach this ruin is to walk straight up the dry wash (from Vultee Arch Rd) to the end and look for the ruin on the right.
HIKE DETAILS
NOTE: A high clearance vehicle is required to access this parking area.
RATED: Moderate to Difficult to depending on which route you choose.
TOTAL DISTANCE
2.2 miles for the smaller loop
ELEVATION GAIN
450 ft
2.2 miles for the smaller loop
ELEVATION GAIN
450 ft
EST HIKING TIME
2-3 hours for the smaller loop
2-3 hours for the smaller loop
BEST TIME TO GO
All year
All year
PET FRIENDLY
No. DO NOT visit archaeological sites with your pet!
No. DO NOT visit archaeological sites with your pet!