Long Canyon Trail

West Sedona’s Long Canyon is somewhat of a mirage in Sedona. The trail is long, mostly level and takes you through Sedona’s backcountry. As its moniker implies, this trail is long – about 4.25 miles one way – but most of it is shaded, making it an ideal hike for the warmer months, especially if you get an early start. And here’s another bonus: The red rock formations surrounding the canyon aren’t visible from any road – giving you a truly unique perspective. Long Canyon Trail begins by traversing sandy terrain surrounded by low-lying chaparral. The first mile of this hike actually follows an old Jeep trail. Arizona cypress trees featured shaggy bark and gum-ball sized seeds surround this hike.

On West Sedona’s Long Canyon Trail, hikers can see red rocks that they can’t view elsewhere on this true backcountry trail.

At around that first mile mark, and you’ll reach the junction of Long Canyon and Deadmans Pass trails. Deadmans Pass connects Long Canyon with Boynton Canyon. Stay right to continue on Long Canyon. The trail becomes less exposed after the junction. Look to your right for spectacular views of Maroon Mountain. After hiking for 2.5 miles, you cross the first of several dry washes. From here on out, the trail was almost completely shaded during our hike (we started out at 7:30 a.m.), though it does make a gradual – and steady – climb the entire way.

A scene from West Sedona’s Long Canyon Trail. The beginning of this hike follows an old Jeep trail. Farther along this trail, expect to see Alligator juniper.

Through the branches of this lush Alpine-like forest, we spotted soaring red rock cliffs, caves, alcoves, Native American ruins, spires and evidence of seasonal waterfalls. Species of wildflowers that we haven’t seen on any other trail were also in bloom. Some of the largest Manzanita trees we’ve ever spotted grow in groves in Long Canyon. But it’s not all paradise. Depending on the time of the year, it can be a buggy route. Pack your bug repellant. We were warned that Long Canyon feels desolate, but after hiking within view of Seven Canyons Golf Course and Estates at the beginning and end of the trail and experiencing the sounds of tour helicopters that frequent the area, we can’t totally agree with that assessment.

View of the red rocks from the Mescal Trail’s entrance to Long Canyon Trail.

Even early in the morning and during the middle of the week, we encountered other hikers. The trail ends after about 4.25 miles at a red sandstone cliff. You may see some small Native American ruins along with rock pictographs that need to be left alone. Return the way you came for a roughly 8.5-mile hike. All (minor) complaints aside, it’s still a gem in the Sedona trail system. The gentle ascent makes it ideal for families or those who would prefer a somewhat gentle hike in the woods.