| when? | Saturday, April 7, and Sunday, April 8, 2012 |
| where? | Sedona |
| the hike |
Please join me for this special full-moon birthday celebration trip.
This is an opportunity to experience a beautiful red rock canyon in Sedona. It is a backpacking trip or a day hike for those that do not want to stay. The Secret Canyon Trail is an easy in and out trail of moderate length. The first two miles follows an old road bed that is fairly flat and easy going. The rest of the way, the trail meanders in and out of the canyon bottom. There are lots of places along the way to just stop, pull up a log, and enjoy the beauty. The trail immediately enters Wilderness. The flat trail leads into the wide canyon mouth with nice views, but no shade from the desert scrub vegetation. It climbs gently beside the canyon drainage, frequently dipping down to cross it. Approximately 3 miles in, we will set up camp. Those that want to can continue on towards the head of the canyon for a longer hike and return via the same route. The first mile or two is open and provides little shade. There is shade from oak and ponderosa and nice views of red rock formations once you start up Secret Canyon. At 5 miles, the streambed turns sharply left a short distance to an interesting “chute”. At 5.5 miles, there is a deep ravine and a series of pools in the solid rock streambed. The hike can be shortened and still be worthwhile. See also: Secret Canyon Trail #121. Recommended: • Backpacking boots (for those camping) • Sturdy hiking boots for the rocky trail • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses • Lunch or snacks • Camera |
| distance | 11 miles round trip (shorter if you don’t go all the way to the end) |
| time | 5-7 hours — overnight if you choose to camp!! |
| EC | +-700' elevation change (mainly towards end of trail) |
| elevations | 4,700 feet (trailhead) to 5,300 feet (5.5 miles in) |
| on trail | 100% — Secret Canyon Trail #121 |
| hike rating | "B" Rate yourself as a hiker. |
| dogs? | no |
| cost | $5 per vehicle for a Red Rock Pass, plus sharing gas expenses with the driver. The club also allows voluntary contributions of $1/member or $3/non-member |
| weather | Sedona |
| leader | 602-738-2065 Call or email the leader to confirm. |
| meet | 7:00 AM in the Fry’s parking lot on the SW corner of I-17 & Bell Road. Park behind Denny’s, near the entrance to the Deer Valley Park & Ride. |
| drive |
On I-17, continue north to the Highway 260 turnoff, exit 287,
at Camp Verde.
Turn left and go northwest on Highway 260 to Cottonwood, then turn
right and go northwest on Highway 89A to west Sedona.
Drive past the stop light at Dry Creek Road and stop at the Giant gas
station at Highway 89A and Andante (see
map 1 and
map 2).
We will re-convene there to buy Red Rock passes and then drive in
caravan to the trailhead. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road and proceed for another 2.0 miles to Vultee Arch Road (FR 152). Continue northeast on FR 152 for 3.4 miles to the Secret Canyon Trailhead. PLEASE NOTE: High-clearance vehicles may be needed since this road is graded only infrequently and can become extremely rutted at times, especially after heavy rains. |
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| updated February 8, 2012 | © Copyright 2012, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |