Fay Canyon
Sedona’s most underrated shaded box canyon, filmed end to end — the flat, easy main trail into the cool terminus, plus the hidden cairn-marked arch spur most hikers miss.
Trail Notes
What to expect on Fay Canyon.
Fay Canyon is the best shaded trail on the Boynton Pass corridor — canyon walls plus evergreen canopy keep it 10–15°F cooler than the exposed trails nearby, all year. The main trail is flat, sandy, and genuinely easy, ending at an enclosed red-rock box canyon. The real draw is the hidden arch: at about 0.6 mi a subtle cairn-marked spur climbs east on a short but real Class 2–3 scramble to a ledge with a rock-window view. Only about one in five hikers finds it. The scramble and its drop-off aren’t for young kids, but the main trail is ideal for families. It’s a dry canyon, so bring your own water.
Planning the real hike? Read the full Fay Canyon trail guide for difficulty, parking, permits, and route-finding details.
Trail at a Glance
Ready to take on Fay Canyon?
Watch the full POV film, then dive into the complete trail guide before you go.
