Class 1 9.9 miles 1600 gain 4-6 hrs Out + Back Feb 16, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Loy Canyon GPX Track

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Follow a flat, relaxing trail through open desert into a slowly narrowing canyon before ascending to get a nice view of Loy Canyon from above in Coconino National Forest, Arizona. Nearby Sedona doesn't interfere with the wilderness feel of this hike, though the hike itself isn't really much else to brag about. The hike passes by Loy Butte and then slowly ascends the canyon. Enjoy a stroll in a less-traveled area of Sedona until the end where the trail gains the majority of its elevation. The views get nice as you look down into Loy Canyon below. The Loy Canyon Trail ends at an unnamed saddle just below the Secret Mountain Trailhead. 

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The trail begins across the street from the parking lot, first going through open desert into the very gingerly narrowing Loy Canyon. Loy Butte visible ahead.
The trail begins across the street from the parking lot, first going through open desert into the very gingerly narrowing Loy Canyon. Loy Butte visible ahead.
Hike for a bunch of miles through some sandy, well-maintained trail that weaves in and out of overhanging vegetation, pretty sandstone formations in the distance.
Hike for a bunch of miles through some sandy, well-maintained trail that weaves in and out of overhanging vegetation, pretty sandstone formations in the distance.
Just keep chugging along the flat trail.
Just keep chugging along the flat trail.
Image 3 from gallery
Once the canyon gets a bit more narrow, the trail gets a tiny bit hilly and has some change in scenery.
Once the canyon gets a bit more narrow, the trail gets a tiny bit hilly and has some change in scenery.
Nice sandstone shows itself behind the greenery on the sides of the canyon.
Nice sandstone shows itself behind the greenery on the sides of the canyon.
Image 6 from gallery
The cliffside in the distance.
The cliffside in the distance.
Pine trees further into the canyon before ascending.
Pine trees further into the canyon before ascending.
Hike up the trail for the only steep section of the hike, where you'll start to see into Loy Canyon from above.
Hike up the trail for the only steep section of the hike, where you'll start to see into Loy Canyon from above.
Some nice views of Loy Canyon.
Some nice views of Loy Canyon.
The Captain's Chair, a spot in the sandstone that makes for a good lunch spot.
The Captain's Chair, a spot in the sandstone that makes for a good lunch spot.
The last half mile after Captain's Chair shows off the cliff faces of the canyon.
The last half mile after Captain's Chair shows off the cliff faces of the canyon.
Looking back toward Loy Canyon at the intersection of the Secret Mountain Trail. This was my turn-around point.
Looking back toward Loy Canyon at the intersection of the Secret Mountain Trail. This was my turn-around point.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!