Fay Canyon Arch Hike in Sedona: Trail Guide + Secret Arch Location
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!
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Fay Canyon Arch Hike Overview
The Fay Canyon Arch hike in Sedona is one of the best short and easy hikes in the area—and it leads to a hidden natural arch that many visitors miss. Located along the Fay Canyon Trail, this quick detour takes you to one of Sedona’s most underrated viewpoints, perfect for sunset, photography, or a peaceful escape from the busier trails.
Where Is Fay Canyon Arch?
Fay Canyon Arch is located in West Sedona, Arizona, along the popular Fay Canyon Trail just off Boynton Pass Road. The hike begins at the Fay Canyon Trailhead, which sits about 15 minutes from Uptown Sedona and is easily accessible by car. While the main trail is well-marked and relatively flat, the arch itself is hidden along an unmarked detour about halfway into the hike—making it one of Sedona’s more underrated and lesser-known natural arches. Surrounded by towering red rock cliffs and desert vegetation, this area offers a quieter alternative to some of Sedona’s busier trails while still delivering incredible views.
Best Time of the Year to Hike Fay Canyon
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.
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.
How to Find Fay Canyon Arch
Finding Fay Canyon Arch is the trickiest part of this hike—because the trail to the arch is unmarked and easy to miss. The main Fay Canyon Trail is flat and obvious, but the arch requires a short detour about halfway in.
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.
Once you find the side trail, follow it toward the base of the cliffs. From here, you’ll begin a short but slightly steep scramble up loose rock and slickrock.
It’s not technical, but you’ll want:
- Good grip shoes (I hike in Danner Mountain 600s)
- To use your hands in a few spots
- To take it slow on the way down
The climb only takes about 5–10 minutes.
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!
Other Hidden Gem Hikes in Sedona
If you loved the adventure of finding Fay Canyon Arch, Sedona is full of other hidden hikes, caves, and off-the-beaten-path viewpoints that feel just as rewarding. These trails often require a little extra effort to find—but that’s part of what makes them so special.
Birthing Cave (Long Canyon Trail)
One of Sedona’s most unique hidden spots, Birthing Cave is a massive cave carved into the red rock cliffs along Long Canyon Trail. The hike itself is relatively easy, but like Fay Canyon Arch, the cave requires a short off-trail detour and a bit of a scramble at the end. The shape of the cave and the views looking out make it one of the most photographed (and unforgettable) hidden gems in Sedona.
Soldier Pass Cave (Seven Sacred Pools Area)
Located along Soldier Pass Trail, this cave sits high above the desert floor and requires a steep, unmarked climb to reach. The trail itself is popular, but the cave is often missed by hikers who don’t know where to look. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of Sedona’s red rock landscape—especially beautiful at sunrise.
Subway Cave (Boynton Canyon Trail)
Subway Cave is one of Sedona’s most iconic hidden spots, known for its curved rock formation that resembles a subway tunnel. The hike follows Boynton Canyon Trail before branching off onto an unmarked path, followed by a moderate scramble to reach the cave. It’s a bit more challenging than Fay Canyon Arch, but the unique formation makes it well worth the effort.
Keyhole Cave (Near Sedona / West Sedona Area)
For something a bit more adventurous, Keyhole Cave offers a steeper climb and route-finding experience. This hike is less straightforward and requires careful navigation, but the cave itself is massive and dramatic. It’s best for more experienced hikers who are comfortable with elevation gain and scrambling (see photo below).
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!
Fay Canyon Arch Hike Summary
The Fay Canyon Arch hike is one of the best short and easy hikes in Sedona—especially if you’re looking for a hidden gem away from the crowds. While the main trail is flat and beginner-friendly, the unmarked detour to the arch adds just enough adventure to make it feel rewarding. With minimal effort, you’ll get incredible red rock views and a unique perspective from one of Sedona’s lesser-known natural arches.
If you’re planning more time in the area, be sure to check out my guides to other cave hikes in Sedona, where to stay in Sedona, and my Sedona itinerary to make the most of your trip.
