| |
|
| | |
|
| Backpack | 13.00 Miles |
1,000 AEG |
| | Backpack | 13.00 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 1,000 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | A buddy and I got together for a short one night backpack to Secret Canyon in Sedona. I had some new gear I wanted to test out and this looked like the perfect weekend getaway.
We met up at his place Saturday morning. Originally there were going to be five of us on this backpack and to make a long story short, everyone else backed out. No worries on our part. We cruised on up to Sedona and then over to the forest road. I was very surprised to see a couple of rental cars on the road. It's beaten up and rough in a few places. We arrived at the trailhead to find it full with eight vehicles. Luckily there is a turn out maybe a tenth of the mile back. We parked there and headed in.
The early portion of the hike was smooth sailing. There was also plenty of water so that was comforting. After two miles you enter Secret Canyon and things tighten up. We found ourselves crossing the creek back and forth and also having to navigate around downed trees. Our paced slowed the farther we got back. During the hike we were checking out camping spots but kept going. After about four miles in, there were very few spots. We figured something would pop up and we kept going. Shortly later we found the main waterfall. It's amazing how the water cut holes in the rock.
From the waterfall the trail is completely blocked by several downed trees. We had to go way out of our way to find a way around. We almost turned back but I'm glad we didn't. Just beyond the waterfall we found the perfect camp spot right along the creek. It even had a rock ring and leftover wood someone gathered. Thanks whoever you were! We set up camp.
On Sunday we did some light exploration in Upper Secret Canyon. The trail continues and takes you by another cool rock section that is a very short slot. The water was freezing cold just so you know. We checked out that section and then continued up trail a little farther. We ended at a cliff side that had a very narrow ledge to cross. We examined it for a while and thought no way! The ledge is 12 to 20 inches wide and it slopes down. The fall is around 75 feet to the creek bed...instant death. So we backed tracked a bit and found a way to the top of the section. The top had a fire ring or wind wall depending on your perspective. We took some pics and then headed back to camp.
From there we packed up and said our good byes to our camp spot. We left it in pristine condition and we even left a bunch of firewood for the next group...Your Welcome whoever you are! The return trip to the car was smooth sailing. Besides that, we only saw seven people on the first day and only four on the second. It was very quiet.
Secret Canyon was a great hike! I'd really like to go back and camp two nights. This way we could spend a full day exploring the upper portion. We'll have to return another time.
New GearNeo Air Therma Rest - So comfy!
Katadyn Pro Water Filter - Yummy water!
ENO Party Lights - Great camp atmosphere!
Kelty +40 Sleeping Bag - Comfy but a bit chilly
Garmin GPS 62st - OMG AWESOME! |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
