Thomas Point

Thomas Point is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. Designated as Trail #142, it is easy to follow over most of its length. This is the southernmost of three trails that climb to the east rim of Oak Creek Canyon. Of the three, it offers the broadest and most varied views. However, it is also the hottest and longest.

 

The Thomas Point Trail starts in a mixed conifer forest characteristic of Arizona canyons but quickly breaks out into more open chapparal. Above this point, vistas are broad and impressive with good views both down canyon, toward Sedona and the crimson bluffs near Slide Rock, and cross canyon to the steep cliffs of one of Oak Creek's largest tributaries, West Fork Canyon (SHOWN BELOW)

 

 

If you chose to continue beyond the rim and make a loop using either the Harding Springs or Cookstove Trail (SEE MAP BELOW) then you will need to park a vehicle at one of those trailheads to shuttle you back to the starting point. 

The best place to park is Call of the Canyon Day Use Area (also the trailhead for West Fork). From Uptown Sedona take Hwy 89A north toward Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff. Go 9.5 miles up the canyon to milepost 384 and begin looking for the parking area on the left. You will not be able to make a left turn here, so proceed farther up the canyon to turn around.
 

There is a fee to park. NOTE: arrive early! Once the parking area is full you will have to park up the highway and walk down. The Thomas Point Trail begins from the picnic tables at the south end of the parking area. There is a sign marking the start (SHOWN BELOW).

 

  
Follow the obvious footpath to a point where it meets Hwy 89A. Continue down canyon past some private property on the west side of the highway, protected from traffic by the guard rail. Look for a metal trail marker (SHOWN BELOW) directly across from the confluence of West Fork with the main channel, on the EAST side of the highway. There is no parking here due to private property.

 

 
If you are doing a loop and starting at this end (most people start at on of the other trailheads and come down Thomas Point) then you MUST FIND THIS SIGN before you start uphill. It's tucked into the forest on the east side of 89A and not easy to spot. Once you find the sign the trail is easy to follow until you reach the rim. Connecting with Harding Springs or Cookstove to make a loop requires some navigation along the rim. The route we show on our map makes use of an old logging road.
 

  

TOTAL DISTANCE
2.4 miles out and back to the rim
 

ELEVATION GAIN
995 ft to the rim
 

EST. HIKING TIME
2 hours round trip to the rim
 

BEST TIME TO GO
Any
 
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed. Please
pick up after your pet and pack it out.