Loy Canyon

Coconino National Forest, AZ Sedona + Flagstaff + Grand Canyon South

Trip stats

Distance
9.9 mi
Net Gain
1,600 ft
Time
4-6 hrs
YDS Rating
Class 1
Route
Out/Back

Ratings out of 10

Effort
3.2/10
Personality
3/10
Beauty
5/10
Solitude
3/10
What do these mean? →

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

34.932345, -111.924755

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Trip report

Feb 16, 2016 — 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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Photos

14 photos

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Just keep chugging along the flat trail.
  5. Once the canyon gets a bit more narrow, the trail gets a tiny bit hilly and has some change in scenery.
  6. Nice sandstone shows itself behind the greenery on the sides of the canyon.
  8. The cliffside in the distance.
  9. Pine trees further into the canyon before ascending.
  10. Hike up the trail for the only steep section of the hike, where you'll start to see into Loy Canyon from above.
  11. Some nice views of Loy Canyon.
  12. The Captain's Chair, a spot in the sandstone that makes for a good lunch spot.
  13. The last half mile after Captain's Chair shows off the cliff faces of the canyon.
  14. Looking back toward Loy Canyon at the intersection of the Secret Mountain Trail. This was my turn-around point.

Photo 1 of 1

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Hire or refer me as a web developer, or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so it's funded by yours truly. It also takes a ton of work to edit photos and write these reports. I really appreciate it!

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