“One of the secrets of hike leading,” Ted observed, “is to go on a hike with club A and then lead it for club B.” When we assembled at the Deer Valley Park and Ride lot at I-17 & Bell, another group was there at the same time. They turned out to be our friends from AzOTC, who were headed to Woodchute Mountain at the same time we were hiking Sedona’s Secret Canyon Wilderness. Several of us greeted our AzOTC friends, while others met for the first time.

The day was sunny and slightly warm as we started from Vultee Arch Trailhead. Introductions confirmed that we had a first-time Arizona hiker and two first-timers with the Trailblazers. When our club did this hike before we went the other way, so today we started on the Dry Creek Trail and the Bear Sign Canyon Trail, going counterclockwise.

Trail signs have improved over the years, so we had no trouble finding the junction where the Dry Creek Trail turns right and we go straight ahead. Our trail crosses the canyon many times as we walk through the forest amid colorful and intricately eroded rock formations. There are only a few pools of water in the canyon, but spring flowers and friendly lizards cheer us along.

Big trees have blown over in the winter storms. The rangers have cut the logs into, so we don’t have to take detours around fallen logs. Not far from the junction with the David Miller Trail, we stop for our picnic lunch in a grove of trees with logs to serve as benches and a cool, refreshing breeze.

When we get to the junction, Bill leads a small group to explore farther up Bear Sign Canyon while the rest of us begin our climb to the pass.

The David Miller Trail, named for a ranger who disappeared in the Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness, goes steeply up and over a pass connecting Bear Sign Canyon with Secret Canyon. We enjoy sweeping views of the red rock formations while making our way steeply down into Secret Canyon.

Everyone re-convenes at the junction. “Take it at your own pace,” Ted advises as we head south for the Secret Canyon Trailhead. This is a shakedown hike for Ted’s new camera, so he follows us to sweep the rest of the way.

There’s a jug of purified ice water to enjoy as the drivers shuttle back from Vultee Arch Trailhead. We drive in caravan on the rough, rock-filled Forest Road 152 and return to civilization.