Loy Canyon Trail #5 • Hiking • Arizona • HikeArizona.COM

Loy Canyon Trail #5, AZ

details	drive	permit	forecast	route
stats	317	57	3 topics	nearby

Note: steep, rocky sections in the last mile & half

The Loy Canyon Trail (#5) begins at the entrance to the Hancock Ranch, on FS-525. The trail heads uphill along the fence line of the ranch, making a left turn after a short distance where it drops back downhill along the eastern side of the ranch. (You will be passing through private property along this section, please respect the ranch owners wishes and remain on the trail.) Soon, you will be treated to a quaint view of the ranch, backed by Loy Butte.

Just beyond the ranch, on the west (left) side of the trail, a large natural amphitheatre can be seen in the face of Loy Butte. According to several guidebooks, there should be a number of small cliff dwellings in this area. I did not search for them on this trip, but when the weather is cooler, I will likely return to do so. The trail through this lower section of the canyon is very scenic with views of Loy Butte and the western face of Secret Mountain. The trail here passes through thick, soft sand and is very open. Gradually the trail begins to climb higher and the canyon closes in more.

After about 3 1/2 miles you'll be in a more forested area and the trail will take a noticeable turn to the northeast, becoming steeper. Great views down the canyon can be found all along this section. About 1/2 mile later, the trail makes a sudden steep climb and switchbacks to the west. The trail emerges from pines into a manzanita forest, becoming more open. After a series of about four long, very steep and rocky switchbacks, the trail levels off below the edge of the Mogollon Rim and heads east toward a saddle between Secret Mountain and the Rim. There is one more climbing section, another short level section and then suddenly, you're back in the trees and on the saddle. This saddle is quite narrow at the top, with the eastern side sloping off into Secret Canyon and the right side sloping into the head of Loy Canyon. The trail connects here to the Secret Mountain Trail(#109), which can be followed south out onto Secret Mountain to Secret Cabin, and several scenic overlooks. To the north, the trail ascends a short distance to the top of the Mogollon Rim at FS-538.

Description

♦

57 Triplogs

3 Topics

Rated

Favorite

Wish List 9

Region

Rated 3.6 by 23

Sedona NW

Statistics
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Difficulty		3 of 5
Route Finding		2 of 5
Distance One Way		5.25 miles
Trailhead Elevation		4,736 feet
Elevation Gain		1,856 feet
Accumulated Gain		1,930 feet
Avg Time One Way		3 hours
Kokopelli Seeds		11.68

Author Mike

	Descriptions 5
	Routes 0
	Photos 249
	Trips 12 map ( 4 miles )
	Age 59
	Location Scottsdale, AZ

Photos

2017-04-15

Nightstalker

2017-04-08

Loy Hidden Secret

chumley

2017-04-08

friendofThunderg

2017-03-18

Casner - Cabins - Loy - Robbers Loop

The_Eagle

2017-03-18

Casner - Cabins - Loy - Robbers Loop

joebartels

2016-09-04

whycoyote

2016-07-08

NoPal

2012-05-05

Al_HikesAZ

2012-02-11

Canary Spring

2011-10-23

JuanJaimeiii

2011-03-20

Loy Canyon to Secret Cabin

The_Eagle

2010-08-06

boneboyj

Page 1, 2, 3

	Historical Weather
	Trailhead Forecast
	Radar

Map - Beartooth Sedona

Forest Coconino

Wilderness Red Rock - Secret Mountain

Backpack Yes & Possibly Connect

Preferred Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov → 8 AM

Seasons Spring to Autumn

Sun 5:48am - 7:15pm

Route Scout
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Official Route

Alternative Routes

Water

Nearby

Area Water

	Honanki Ruins 0.6 mi away 0.5 mi 40 ft
	Agave Roasting Pit Trail 1.7 mi away 0.5 mi 123 ft
	Palatki Ruins 1.7 mi away 0.8 mi 296 ft
	Mistle Toe Canyon 2.0 mi away 5.0 mi 1,834 ft
	Robbers Roost - Sedona 2.7 mi away 0.7 mi 202 ft
	Mooney Trail #12 2.8 mi away 6.9 mi 1,893 ft

[ View More! ]

Fauna

Black-tailed Rattlesnake

Flora

	Century Plant
	Claret Cup Cactus
	Cliff-Rose
	Indian Paintbrush
	Larkspur (various)
	New Mexico Thistle
	Wild Geranium

Geology

Schnebly Hill Formation

Named place

Loy Canyon

Culture

	Hammock
	Wooden Dwelling

Indian Ruins & Secret Mountain
by Mike

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- Apr 30th 2001 Mike

2016 Red Rock Map

Coconino FS Reports This easy to hike trail leads up a desert wilderness canyon offering excellent views not only at trail's end, but all along the way as well. The wide, well constructed path was used by the Samuel Loy family on the 1880's to move their livestock to and from summer pastures on the rim. The trail starts out by skirting the fence line of the Hancock Ranch. Sheer cliffs of vermilion and buff sandstone form a colorful backdrop for the desert garden of manzanita, catclaw, cholla and prickly pear that carpets the canyon floor. Natural rock sculptures carved by flash floods and spring runoff that seasonally course down this normally dry streambed provide scenic settings for lunch stops along the way. If there's been a recent rain the sculpture may include a picturesque reflecting pool or a natural bathtub for a cool dip on a hot day. Underground moisture is sufficient year-round to support a desert riparian area rich in bird and other animal life.

Near the end of the canyon, the trail completes the majority of the 1680 foot climb to a high saddle that leads to the top of a mesa called Secret Mountain. Here you can continue along the Secret Mountain Trail for more spectacular overlooks or catch your breath for the return trip and a different perspective on all that you've passed through on the hike up.

One-Way Notice: This hike is listed as One-Way. When you hike several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example.

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

Map Drive

Road

FR / Jeep Road - Car possible when dry

To hike
From Phoenix
Exit I-17 at the Cornville exit and head west through Cornville to Hwy 89-A. Turn right and drive northeast toward Sedona a few miles to FS-525 and turn left on this well graded dirt road. After about 5 miles, you'll come to a signed fork, which can be confusing, it appears to indicate Loy Butte is to the right, but it's to the left. Another 5 or 6 miles later, you will come to the entrance to the Hancock Ranch, where there is a cattleguard. Just before the entrance, there is a large parking lot on the left and the trailhead is on the right.

From Sedona
Go Southwest on 89A for 3 miles to Dry Creek Road. Turn Right on to Dry Creek Road and follow 2.8 miles to Boynton PASS Road. Turn Left on to Boynton PASS Road and follow 1.5 miles to Boynton CANYON Road. Turn left on Boynton CANYON Road and drive approximately 4 miles to a signed intersection with Red Canyon Road (FS-525). Turn right and continue about another 4 miles to the trailhead described above just before the entrance to the Hancock Ranch.

Location: About 45 miles south of Flagstaff (14 miles west of Sedona) on paved and graveled roads. The elevationis 4720 feet.

Access: Drive 35 miles south from Flagstaff through Sedona on US 89A. 5 miles past Sedona turn north on FR 525 and follow the signs toward Loy Butte 9.3 miles to the trailhead. Watch for signs on your right and a parking area on your left just before crossing a cattleguard into the Hancock Ranch.

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