After those sweltering summer months are (finally) behind us, we crave a long hike in the afternoons. Our summer jaunts are brief and happen only in the morning or evening hours, and we’re ready for more. We can’t think of a better way to appreciate the fall season than by tackling the Woods Canyon Trail. The relatively flat terrain and changing scenery make this one of the best easy long Sedona hikes.
Look forward to seeing red rocks and bright green trees along the Woods Canyon Trail. The trail is 4.3 miles one way and follows Dry Beaver Creek. Hike after rainfall if you want to see the creek flowing.
The trail kicks off just past the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center building. The trail, which starts by following an old Jeep road, does branch off quite a bit in the beginning. But if you’re ever confused, just follow the arrows on the metal signs marked “Trail.” You descend briefly and cross a shallow creek just a few steps from the trailhead, your first of several shallow creek crossings. Next, you’ll happen upon a metal gate with a sign – the first of two – that asks you to latch it. Look to your left, and see if you can spot Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte on the horizon. One nice perk of this trail is that it’s ideal for hikers seeking solitude. The hike eventually opens up in a spectacular way as you head toward Woods Canyon – with expansive blue skies and green-studded mesas all around. Following the recent rainfall, we loved seeing the lush and deep green color of the mountains as we hiked on the red soil Sedona is famed for. At roughly just past 2 miles, the trail comes to a fork and intersects with the Hot Loop Trail. Stay right to continue into Woods Canyon.
Sedona’s Woods Canyon Trail serves up red rock views, greenery and creek views.
To complete the latter part of this hike that takes you into Woods Canyon, just remember this: Follow the river. At times, you’ll be close to the edge of the trail and could potentially fall in. Be sure to hike in single file here. Mind your footing. But mostly, we’d encourage you to pause and listen to the soothing sounds of Dry Beaver Creek flowing. We saw a few people hiking in swimsuits and plenty of dogs on this trail too. Now, this is one long out-and-back trail and clocks in at roughly 8.8 miles long. Feel free to turn back when you’ve had enough. This is a marvelous way to spend a fall afternoon, enjoying the fact that after a long, hot summer you can be outside for long periods of time. We’re so grateful and spotted a Monarch butterfly on the way back.
Please check with the Red Rock Ranger District before planning your hike. For more information visit: fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/alerts
