Loy Canyon Trail

Loy Canyon Trail (#5) is a long out-and-back hike in the Coconino National Forest near Sedona, Arizona. The route climbs from the canyon mouth up through desert wash terrain, then transitions into a forested upper canyon and saddle area at Secret Mountain.

The trailhead is on the west side of Forest Road (FR) 525 (Loy Butte Road), just before the cattle guard leading to the Hancock Ranch. From there the lower canyon section runs along/near the Hancock Ranch fence line and then drops back into the canyon.

Early on, expect open, sandy wash walking for roughly the first few miles before the canyon narrows and the route starts to feel more enclosed. As you move higher, the canyon walls and the terrain become more rugged, with steady climbing and more frequent route-finding attention.

Around the mid-to-upper sections, the trail becomes noticeably steeper and more technical, including a set of long, rocky switchbacks as it lifts toward the Mogollon Rim and the Secret Mountain Saddle area. This is where your effort ramps up the most on the day.

Near the saddle, the landscape shifts back toward shade and dense pine, and the trail tops out in the Secret Mountain area. The top is also where the Loy Canyon Trail connects with Secret Mountain Trail (#109) if you want to extend your outing.

Loy Canyon Trail is used by hikers and horses, and the surface is listed as ground. The total distance used for planning is commonly reported around 11.9 miles out-and-back with roughly 2,283 ft of gain, with a typical time window of about 4 to 6 hours.

The route passes historic and archaeological features in the canyon; keep your focus on staying on the trail and avoid disturbing ruins or rock art. In practice, that means you’ll want to slow down for observation, but not climb around structures or handle anything you find.

Preparation: bring enough water for sustained desert-to-forest hiking and scout/inspect trail conditions if recent rain has left slick or brushy sections—small navigation mistakes in the narrow canyon and rocky climbs can cost time. Pack out everything you bring and keep to the corridor, especially where the route traverses private Hancock Ranch access before public land resumes.

More information: Loy Canyon Trail, Sedona Arizona, Loy Canyon Trail #5, AZ | HikeArizona, Petroglyphs and ruins on Loy Canyon Trail - WildPathsAZ