Fay Canyon Trail
Fay Canyon Trail
4.5
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Fay Canyon Trail and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 3 miles
Attractions
52 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- namabeerToronto, Canada375 contributionsGo to Arch but not furtherWe did this right after the Subways as it's like 2 min away. Lots of parking and just cross busy road and take Fay Canyon trial. Very easy sandy path. Walk about 2km. If you have google map walk til you see the cave on the side then look for small crossing over dry creek into bushes. You can see cave thru out hike it's just tricky at where to turn off. It's actually almost near end of trail. Next go thru bush and then zig zag climb up (right side) up to side of arch. Bit of a small rock scramble up but not too bad. It ain't utah arches but ok for Sedona. It doesn't even look like an arch but more like a cave. Nice view from the arch Some people continue on the sketchy ledge to the right to walk on top of the arch. It's apparently very scary at points so i passed. This hike is a nice little filler but not a must.Visited December 2022Written December 13, 2022
- Tisha399Tampa, Florida390 contributionsAmazing at SunsetStart this hike about 90 minutes before sunset. It’s steep in spots but the main concern is cacti. I would have been nervous to do this with small children or very active kids. The views are stunning. I’m not a big hiker so I’d rate this easy to moderate.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 18, 2023
- glorybe2013Cedar Rapids, Iowa65 contributionsSerene relaxing hike near sunsetNice relaxing trail- sandy. Look for small path to right so you don’t miss the arch view. It is not marked. We were blessed that a local was there to show us to turn there otherwise may have missed it. A good rock scramble to the “arch” the pretty views near sunset. Watch out for cactuses 🌵Visited May 2023Written May 15, 2023
- Karen B2 contributionsBeautiful and easyWe wanted an easy trail on the way out of town and this trail proved to be a great choice. A Nice wide well marked trail. It is a one way in and same way out and takes about an hour to go one way. 2 hours in total for an un rushed relaxing walk. Trail is easy enough for everyone as we passed children, seniors and a dog on the trail. There is a rock bridge on an unmarked side trail if you are looking for a little more.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 5, 2023
- Chris EFort Wayne, Indiana81 contributionsNice scenic flat trailNice trail with a huge parking lot, but even in November it was packed. This trail isn’t very challenging unless you go past the sign that says “trial end” to get the full view of the valley, or take the side trail to the arch. It’s mostly flat and can be finished in an hour or so.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 20, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
674 reviews
Excellent
437
Very good
185
Average
46
Poor
5
Terrible
1
FoxTravelers
San Antonio, TX878 contributions
May 2021
This is one hike that it might be better starting later in the morning, but a sunrise hike was still spectacular. The trail is wide, easy and has beautiful scenery all around. Don’t miss the arch – it’s a short spur trail to the right about halfway up the main trail. You can see the arch from the spur…it looks like a cave. The hike to the arch was the only difficult part of the whole hike. We also climbed past the end of trail sign to see the box canyon from a little higher up. This was trickier than the actual trail, but worth the effort.
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brown_Samantha
Kennewick, WA1,577 contributions
Nov 2021
We paired this trail with a more difficult hike completed in the morning. Fay Canyon had plenty of parking spaces when we arrived in the afternoon. It is very shady, and flat trail. Round trip distance is about 2.5 miles. No wonder it is family and dog friendly!
Luckily one of the kids on the trail was looking for the "mummy" and "goblet". We started looking for the formations as well. Voila! Wouldn't you know it. So funny.
We also saw a "loaf of bread rock", and Sphinx at the end of the trail. Let your imagination bring out your inner child. All and all, it is a very enjoyable hike.
Luckily one of the kids on the trail was looking for the "mummy" and "goblet". We started looking for the formations as well. Voila! Wouldn't you know it. So funny.
We also saw a "loaf of bread rock", and Sphinx at the end of the trail. Let your imagination bring out your inner child. All and all, it is a very enjoyable hike.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rod121
Cheyenne, WY22 contributions
Nov 2019
This trail is not too long and goes past some beautiful high canyon walls. The trail has a slight elevation gain as you traverse the canyon, and most of it is very easy. It is a popular trail but one I always recommend to the beginning hiker.
Written April 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian K
Schenectady, NY677 contributions
Feb 2020
We were looking for a nice hiking trail that was not too long or difficult as my wife had hip replacement near five years ago. This was the perfect hike. 2.6 miles up and back with mostly shade after you walk from the parking lot. At the end of the trail before you turn around many hikers were climbing the cliff face. We passed on that but still enjoyed the wonderful scenery and spotted some unique birds. Easy trail and you can't get lost.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steven
Sarasota, FL97 contributions
Feb 2021
Great trail for beginners or those that want a flat trail with beautiful views. Fay Canyon is located on Boynton Pass Road, just a quick 10-15 mins from West Sedona. The drive up offers some nice views as well.
There is a decent sized free parking lot across from the trailhead. There is also a bathroom available in the lot. We were here in February and there plenty of open spots in the morning. The trail is mostly flat with some larger rocks here and there. It is also well shaded which would be welcomed in the hotter months.
Even at a slow pace it doesn't take long to get to the end (about 1.2 miles each way). There is some really nice views of the Red Rocks during the hike with the best view at the end, although some climbing is required.
If you are a beginner or just want an easy level hike this is a great choice.
There is a decent sized free parking lot across from the trailhead. There is also a bathroom available in the lot. We were here in February and there plenty of open spots in the morning. The trail is mostly flat with some larger rocks here and there. It is also well shaded which would be welcomed in the hotter months.
Even at a slow pace it doesn't take long to get to the end (about 1.2 miles each way). There is some really nice views of the Red Rocks during the hike with the best view at the end, although some climbing is required.
If you are a beginner or just want an easy level hike this is a great choice.
Written February 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle O
Prescott Valley, AZ205 contributions
Jan 2022
The trailhead is well signed & has a good sized parking lot. The views along the route exceeded expectations. The trail is well maintained & effortless to traverse. Whoever maintains this trail deserves a trophy; we did not see a piece of trash which was wonderful.
The trail was busy with hikers but not crowded. It is a good choice for families.
The trailhead has a 'bicycle repair kiosk which I have never seen before. How nice to be able to make small bike repairs.
The trail was busy with hikers but not crowded. It is a good choice for families.
The trailhead has a 'bicycle repair kiosk which I have never seen before. How nice to be able to make small bike repairs.
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TutinsPony
Phoenix, AZ2,667 contributions
Apr 2021
This is a good quick and easy hike, although we did not go to the arch, we just went to the end of the Trail. We did this after we did the Doe Mountain hike as it si just down the road.
It is shaded most of the way, we did this in April, so the weather was perfect for hiking in Sedona. The car park is across the road, on the east side. The hike is only 1 mile to the trail head.
The arch can be seen from the path, we met some people who started to go up to the arch but said the path was not great/safe.
It is shaded most of the way, we did this in April, so the weather was perfect for hiking in Sedona. The car park is across the road, on the east side. The hike is only 1 mile to the trail head.
The arch can be seen from the path, we met some people who started to go up to the arch but said the path was not great/safe.
Written May 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wvogelii
106 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Took our two boys (9 & 12) on this trail as they had been complaining about all the “moderate” trails we had done the past few days and gave them an “easy” rated trail for a change. Was a nice walk with great views. Heavy crowds but easy to maneuver around and everyone was polite and let you pass. Once you get to the “tail end” sign we noticed some people climbing up the side of the rock so I decided to check it out. Totally worth the extra effort! I believe my wife and boys would have been fine but my wife passed on going up. There was a clear path to follow and it kept going. The climb was more than worth it for the amazing views but even if that’s not your thing the hike on the marked path was a good walk for the boys.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rrdd8
Alpharetta, GA27 contributions
Apr 2021
This trail is very easy and not too long. A lot of people hike it. There is an unmarked side trail that is kind of hard to find. The side trail is difficult and very steep, but takes you to a natural rock arch. The arch is awe inspiring and there are good views from underneath it.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CleveRocks
Atlantic City, NJ5,358 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This was our first hike after getting into town, and it was a great introduction.
Parking was easy at 8:15 AM on a weekday in late-March. NOTE: The trailhead is across the street from the parking lot. This parking lot has a bathroom.
The terrain was easy and mostly flat, except at the very end. Wondrous views of the red rocks, as well as the relative abundance of greenery. On the way back (after reaching the end of the trail), we had fun exploring several of the dry creek beds. But by far the most fun was finding and taking the spur to the arch. This was a lot of uphill hiking, and some scrambling was necessary. If you like that kind of activity, it made this hike that much better.
By the time we got back to the parking lot, it was full and there were some cars waiting. Rather than getting into the car and driving to another trailhead and probably experiencing parking issues, we decided to see else what we could do without moving the car. Conveniently, there was a trail map of the area at the parking lot.
From the parking lot, we took a small piece of the Cockscomb trail and then made a left turn onto the Aerie trail, which more or less paralleled the road (but was not right next to it, and was much much more winding). We took Aerie all the way out to the Boynton Vista trail, and climbed to the top of that vista, for a beautiful view of a large valley to the front, and the Enchantment Resort to the rear. After a nice lunch on the top of the Boynton Vista, we retraced our steps and hiked back to the Fay Canyon trailhead parking lot.
All of that was good for about 6 miles of hiking, and it made for a very nice day, without having to move the car between trails.
Parking was easy at 8:15 AM on a weekday in late-March. NOTE: The trailhead is across the street from the parking lot. This parking lot has a bathroom.
The terrain was easy and mostly flat, except at the very end. Wondrous views of the red rocks, as well as the relative abundance of greenery. On the way back (after reaching the end of the trail), we had fun exploring several of the dry creek beds. But by far the most fun was finding and taking the spur to the arch. This was a lot of uphill hiking, and some scrambling was necessary. If you like that kind of activity, it made this hike that much better.
By the time we got back to the parking lot, it was full and there were some cars waiting. Rather than getting into the car and driving to another trailhead and probably experiencing parking issues, we decided to see else what we could do without moving the car. Conveniently, there was a trail map of the area at the parking lot.
From the parking lot, we took a small piece of the Cockscomb trail and then made a left turn onto the Aerie trail, which more or less paralleled the road (but was not right next to it, and was much much more winding). We took Aerie all the way out to the Boynton Vista trail, and climbed to the top of that vista, for a beautiful view of a large valley to the front, and the Enchantment Resort to the rear. After a nice lunch on the top of the Boynton Vista, we retraced our steps and hiked back to the Fay Canyon trailhead parking lot.
All of that was good for about 6 miles of hiking, and it made for a very nice day, without having to move the car between trails.
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nilceia R
Itapolis, SP107 contributions
Onde começa a trilha?
MMHoneymooner
New York104 contributions
Any shade on this trail? Are all dogs on leashes?
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingFay Canyon Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Fay Canyon Trail
- Hotels near Fay Canyon Trail:
- (1.73 mi) Mii amo
- (1.70 mi) Enchantment Resort
- (3.66 mi) Adobe Grand Villas
- (3.71 mi) The Inn at Thunder Mountain
- (3.67 mi) Alma de Sedona Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Fay Canyon Trail:
- (1.70 mi) View 180
- (3.63 mi) Casa Sedona Restaurant
- (4.11 mi) Golden Goose American Grill
- (1.69 mi) Che Ah Chi
- (4.21 mi) Cafe Jose Restaurant
Fay Canyon Trail Information
Excellent Reviews | 436 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 185 |
Fay Canyon Trail Photos | 364 |