Sterling Pass & Vultee Arch
Sterling Pass is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest, designated as Trail #46. It's well marked with signs and easy to follow.
The system trail begins at the parking area at the end of FR 152, then goes through the cut between Lost Wilson and East Picket Mesa, drops down into Oak Creek Canyon, and comes out on Hwy 89A across the road from the Manzanita Campground.
From the west side of the pass the trail follows a gentle grade at first, then suddenly turns steeper as it goes through a series of switchbacks to reach the top.
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!
If all you want is a hike to the top of the pass, then it is 5 miles out and back from the parking area, with an elevation gain of about 950 feet. The upper part of this drainage is heavily forested with Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Gamble oak and Arizona cypress, so there is plenty of shade along the way. Because the trees obscure the view at the very top of the pass, be sure to stop and enjoy the scenery on the way up. Allow about 3 hours to hike to the top of the pass and back.
Vultee Arch
This is a short side hike of less than 1/4 mile on a well established system trail. The arch is located on the left (north) side of the Sterling Pass Trail as you approach from the Dry Creek side of the pass. The Vultee Arch Trail leads to an overlook (shown below) and is rated as easy. To hike over to the arch is a little more work, but also rated as easy.
HIKE DETAILS
NOTE: a high clearance 4x4 is required to access the trailhead from the Dry Creek end of Sterling Pass.
RATED: Difficult due to length and elevation gain
TOTAL DISTANCE
10 miles out and back
10 miles out and back
ELEVATION GAIN (ROUNDTRIP)
1900 ft
1900 ft
EST HIKING TIME
5-6 hours round trip
5-6 hours round trip
BEST TIME TO GO
All year. The upper elevations can hold snow and ice in the winter. The east side of the pass has been burned by fire. It has dead trees that may be hazardous in windy conditions.
All year. The upper elevations can hold snow and ice in the winter. The east side of the pass has been burned by fire. It has dead trees that may be hazardous in windy conditions.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet.
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet.