by Joan H. Young

Created on: November 27, 2010   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Arizona’s Oak Creek Canyon is a hiker’s paradise. There are 34 named hiking trails, with difficulty levels from easy to strenuous; surely, a trail to please anyone!

Oak Creek Canyon is located between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona, within the Coconino National Forest. Although the general area is characterized by red rocks, the canyon contrasts sharply with its verdant green slopes and the creek itself. It is the second most visited site in Arizona, just after the Grand Canyon, so most users should expect to share the experience with others.

For easy access to some spectacular views, the Boynton Canyon Trail, and Airport Mesa Trail are excellent choices. Each is about four miles, but will allow you to encounter spectacular scenery. The Airport Mesa is even reputed for its spiritual energy vortex. The 2.5-mile trail to Coffeepot Rock is also an easy hike, and not as crowded as the others.

The Cathedral Rock Trail is short, less than two miles round trip, but offers a challenging climb that takes you directly to the base of the impressive red rock spires of the “cathedral.” Along the way, you could turn off onto the Templeton Trail. This will add four miles to your hike, through deciduous forests, and to Oak Creek itself. Templeton is difficult, but offers more great views of Cathedral Rocks.

For slightly more of a challenge, consider Courthouse Butte. Its length is only 4.2 miles with little elevation change, but with no water sources, it can be a hot walk. On this trail you circle the butte, and can be awed by its many faces. No bicycles or horses are allowed on this trail, so hikers can have a more private experience.

The longest trail is Bell Trail #13, at 11 miles. It is rated as moderate, with 2800 total feet of elevation change. However, users report that it includes rock-hopping a creek, a steep climb, and poorly marked trail in the wilderness segment. So, it’s best to be well-prepared if you want to hike this route.

At nine miles each way, Hot Loop Trail #94 is reputed to be difficult. Although named a loop, this trail is only one half of the distance, so hikers will need to turn around, or return via the Jack’s Canyon Trail. Another option is to have cars at both ends. With connectors to the trailheads this only lengthens the walk by a couple of miles. The trail takes you to the top of Horse Mesa with broad views of the Sedona Red Rocks.

These are only a few of the many hiking possibilities. Trails vary in length from under a mile to several in the 7-11 mile range. Crescent Moon Picnic Area and the Honanki Ruin site are handicap accessible, but apparently none of the trails is wheelchair friendly.

A parking pass is require to park at many trailheads in the Coconino National Forest. The fee is reasonable, and the passes are available at the visitor centers, and at some local businesses.

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