Secret Canyon Trail

GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE! 
 
Secret Canyon is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest, designated as Trail #121. It is well marked with signs and easy to follow. For the first two miles the Secret Canyon Trail follows on an old wagon road. It's virtually flat and unshaded until it makes an elbow turn to the left and enters the drainage
at mile two. 
 
 
After the elbow bend (see map below) there is more shade, and the scenery becomes more interesting as the trail drops into the main canyon. The trail finally comes to an end at a deep ravine with a series of stagnant pools.
 
There is an unofficial trail that continues upstream, but I have never gone beyond the pools myself. There are only a couple of minor cliff dwellings in Secret Canyon, and none of them are worth scrambling up the canyon wall to see. Allow about 5-6 hours to hike the full trail out and back.
 
 
The hiker in the photo above is off the system trail on the right side as you hike into Secret Canyon. He's actually looking at the elbow bend in the system trail below. The spire he's standing on is difficult to reach.

FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

Take FR 152 (aka Vultee Arch Rd, Old Dry Creek Road) approximately 2.5 miles to the Secret Canyon Parking Area. This is a tiny dirt parking lot with a rough entrance. There is additional parking in several wide spots along the road. The Vultee Arch Trailhead is within walking distance and provides a bigger parking area that rarely fills up. No parking pass is required out here.
 
 

HIKE DETAILS

NOTE: A high clearance vehicle is required to reach this trailhead.
RATED: Moderate due to length and elevation gain.
 
TOTAL DISTANCE
11 miles out and back
 
ELEVATION GAIN
936 ft
 
EST HIKING TIME
4-6 hours round trip
 
BEST TIME TO GO
All year
 
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet.