| when? | Trip Report : February 11, 2012 |
| when? | Trip Report : October 1, 2005 |
| where? | Sedona |
| the hike |
This easy to hike trail leads up a desert wilderness canyon offering
excellent views not only at trail’s end, but all along the
way as well. The wide, well-constructed path was used by the Samuel
Loy family on the 1880s to move their livestock to and from summer
pastures on the rim. The trail starts out by skirting the fence line
of the Hancock Ranch. Sheer cliffs of vermilion and buff sandstone
form a colorful backdrop for the desert garden of manzanita, catclaw,
cholla and prickly pear that carpets the canyon floor.
Natural rock sculptures carved by flash floods and spring runoff
that seasonally course down this normally dry streambed provide
scenic settings for lunch stops along the way. Underground moisture
is sufficient year-round to support a desert riparian area rich
in bird and other animal life. Near the end of the canyon, the trail rises 1,000 feet during the last mile and is difficult. This is a good turn around spot for those not wanting to go up the switchbacks (myself included). Some may want to go the extra 1000 ft. elevation up the switchbacks completing the total 1680 foot climb to a high saddle that leads to the top of a mesa called Secret Mountain. Here you can continue along the Secret Mountain Trail for more spectacular overlooks or catch your breath for the return trip and a different perspective on all that you’ve passed through on the hike up. Dinner afterwards. Recommended: • Sturdy hiking boots for the rocky trail • At least 3 liters of water • Rain poncho • Hat, sunblock, sunglasses • Lunch and snacks • Camera Optional: • Hiking poles • Chair to sit in at parking lot while waiting for those who go all the way to the top. |
| distance | 10 miles (top) or 8 miles (end of the canyon) round trip |
| time | 6-8 hours — it will be an ALL day activity |
| EC | +-1,856 feet (rises 1,000 feet during the last mile) |
| elevations | 4,720 feet (trailhead) to 6576 feet (saddle) |
| on trail | 100% — Loy Canyon Trail #5 |
| 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 |
| 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 Interstate 17, continue north to the Highway 179 turnoff to Sedona. Seven miles north on Highway 179 we will stop at the South Gateway Visitors Center in Tequa Plaza (west side of highway) to pick up our Red Rock Passes ($5 per vehicle). We need these to park anywhere in the Sedona area. From the junction of Arizona 179 and 89A in the center of Sedona, drive west for 3.2 miles on 89A to Dry Creek Road. At the stop light, make a right turn and head north on Dry Creek Road for an additional 2.9 miles to a "T" intersection with Long Canyon/Boynton Pass Road. Make a left turn here and drive 1.5 miles to a second "T" intersection. At this intersection make a left turn (going right takes you to the Enchantment Resort) onto Boynton Pass Road (FR 152C) and drive another 4 miles. At the junction with FR 525 make a right turn and continue north for another 3.8 miles to the Loy Canyon Trailhead. These forest roads are normally well graded, and passenger cars can easily get to the trailhead, assuming the road is relatively dry. High-clearance is not necessary. |
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| updated February 15, 2012 | © Copyright 2012, Arizona Trailblazers. All rights reserved. |