The Fay Canyon trail goes 1.25 miles to Box Canyon. To check out Fay Canyon Arch is much quicker. Follow the trail over half a mile until a spur trail leads up to the arch. Be on the lookout. After you have seen the arch it is obvious, for first timers it blends in a bit. The trek up through scrub terrain seems like an extreme push for only 260 feet of elevation gain. The ruins beside the arch have very little Sinaguan connection. The Sinaguan Indians may have built in the area, but these ruins are definitely twentieth century. The arch is huge! Only ten feet from the protruding wall the arch appears flush. Spanning over ninety feet it stands only 15 feet max above the ground below.
Coconino FS Reports Most people come to Fay Canyon to see the natural arch that's located just under a mile up the trail. But those who don't know about it usually walk right past it. Though the Fay Canyon Arch is by no means small, it looks so much like an ordinary rock overhang it's easy to glance right at it and not realize what you've seen. If you keep watching the rock wall to the north (right) side of the trail sooner or later you'll spot it. Then the short, steep trail up to the arch can be a little hard to locate too.
After you've found the arch you may want to continue on up the trail. This small, hidden canyon supports a diverse community of desert plants and provides good views of the surrounding cliffs. The trail follows an old jeep track which eventually turns into a footpath. It dead ends at a red Supai sandstone cliff where you can see evidence of some ancient Indian dwellings and marvel at the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you.
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Permit $$
Red Rock Pass - may or may not be required. Go to Red Rock Pass then check "When is a Red Rock Pass Required?". If you have questions contact the Coconino forest service.
Red Rock - Secret Mountain Wilderness see map for camping restrictions
Directions
Road
Paved - Car Okay
To hike From the 'Y' in Sedona ( 179/89A ) follow 89A 3.1 miles Southwest to Dry Creek Road. Turn Right and go 2.8 miles to Boynton PASS Road. Turn Left and go 2.7 miles, look for a parking area on the Right. There is a rusty metal sign designating Fay Canyon Trail #53
90+° 8am - 6pm kills
stay out of the scorching sun prehydrate & stay hydrated
