Fay Canyon Arch: An Epic Short Trail in Sedona
Sedona, Arizona is known for it’s stunning red rock trails, quaint town, “vortexes,” and warm climate. One of my favorite things about hiking in Sedona is how many COOL features there are on the trail. Whether it’s a mountain summit, a watering hole, or a cave, there’s always something to keep you interested. Fay Canyon Arch is one of those features, and you’ll see really soon why it is called this!
This post contains affiliate links that I do profit from, if you choose to support my business. These links are at no cost to you.
Where Is Fay Canyon Arch?
Fay Canyon Arch is located in West Sedona, about 15 minutes from the hustle and bustle of the shops and restaurants of “Uptown.” It’s in such a great area- there are many trails in the same area!
Need some caffeine before your hike? HERE are the best coffee shops in Sedona.
Time of the Year to do This Hike
Fay Canyon Arch is a year-round hike- that’s the beauty of Arizona. The best, most moderate, times to do this hike are September-April. Sedona does actually get cold in the winter, and snows a few times a year. If you’re here during that time, count yourself lucky- it’s beautiful. For the summer season (May-August), be aware that Sedona gets hot (95+). In the summer, I would only do this hike for sunrise or sunset.
Please be careful when hiking in the summer.
Parking & Fees
You do need a Red Rock Pass to park here. It is 5$ and can be purchased at locations HERE! The parking is large, and doesn’t often fill up which is good! Instead of the Red Rock Pass, I always hang my “America the Beautiful” Pass in my windshield- which counts as a Red Rock Pass that many Sedona trailheads require.
What To Bring to Hike to Fay Canyon Arch
I have been trying to be minimal, but safe, with what I bring hiking. I don’t want to carry too much extra weight. I like to be fast, and feel light. Also, this hike is short and pretty easy! Let me show you what I bring! I’ll also include my “hiking essentials” locker below!
My Outfit Above
I’m loving the REI Sahara Sun Hoodie. It comes in many different colors and it’s less than $50- a steal. And you don’t have to wear sunscreen on your top half- love that haha. Shorts wise, I’m wearing my favorite Senita shorts with a fun color stripe down the side. I’m wearing my favorite Danner Boots too- an investment but 100% worth it. For shorts, I like wearing a tight fitting spandex short- that I would wear to the gym. Both of us are wearing Darn Tough socks- my absolute favorites for hiking.
If you’re bringing your adventure doggie, you NEED this Ruffwear Leash– this is the only one I use. I mainly extend the top to my waist so I can be hands-free. It is also bungee which gives your pup some slack.
CONTINUE READING: 2-Day Sedona Itinerary
This hike was part of a 2 day trip to Sedona from Phoenix. I created a post as well as a savable PDF for you- check it out HERE.
Cute Summer Outfits for Women
I have been having so much fun wearing colorful outfits and contrasting with the environment. Check out my BLOG POST here!
Hiking Pack to Bring
In general, I have been loving the REI Flash Packs. So affordable, light, and colorful. My husband wore one for this hike. When I do short hikes like this one, I only bring my Topo Designs Fanny Pack. I carry a small REI water bottle, safety supplies, my phone, key, and camera.
pictured: topo designs mountain gear bag (perfect for day trips) and topo designs mini quick pack (for short hikes and casual use).
Fay Canyon Arch Hike Stats
Fay Canyon Arch Hike Stats
This trail is PERFECT for first-timers, beginner hikers, or if you’re short on time. I love how easy and simple it is. Most of the trail is very flat, until you actually climb up into Fay Canyon Arch. You will go aout 0.5-0.6 miles, and there will be a small trail off to the side that is easy to miss- it’s in a wash. Use the AllTrails app to keep an eye on it.
At this point, you’ll follow that social trail up to the arch- it is 0.25 miles up the canyon to the arch.
Want to Check Out a Few Other Hikes in Area?
This area is full of beautiful hikes.
Best Sunrise Spot: Doe Mountain
Cave Hikes: 6 Caves in Sedona
Soldier’s Pass Trail: An Epic Loop Trail with Multiple Features
“Where Should I Stay When I’m In Sedona?”
I did a 30 hour trip to Sedona when I hiked the Fay Canyon Arch. On Saturday am, we came up and hiked The Birthing Cave along with Fay Canyon. After, we checked into the MOST STUNNING INN I’ve ever seen. (not sponsored). A cute couple made it in 2003 and it is mission style, and so cozy. Only 12 rooms, and right in the Arts & Crafts Village in the middle of everything. You NEED TO STAY.
Fay Canyon Arch- The Destination
Let me fill you in with what to expect! So this is a feature where you actually have to go in and turn around to see the classic view you may have seen online. When we went, we had the whole arch to ourselves which was AMAZING. Any time of day works for this hike!
You’ll need to use 0.5x zoom on your phone to capture the outline of the cave. It’s beautiful, as is every trail in Sedona! I would totally do this hike again. Great to show visitors- we took my dad with!
Need a Way to Take Photos of Yourself?
This is the affordable tripod I use. Works great! The top right and two bottom photos were taken by tripod!
I brought my vintage Polaroid from 1981 to the hike- I had SOO MUCH fun asking a stranger to take our photo with it, haha. I love Polaroid photos. If you want an updated Polaroid, try this one out! So worth it!
NEED SOMEWHERE TO CAMP??
I’ve created a FORTY PAGE GUIDE outlining all the best free and paid campsites in Northern Arizona, including Sedona.
It can be hard to spend hours researching campsites, trying to figure out were they’re located, what they look like, the price, and the amenities. With my guide, those days are over! I give you everything you need to know, with links to my Google Maps AND it’s in a PDF so you can access it any time!
