Jacks Canyon Trail

Jacks Canyon Trail is a long, strenuous out-and-back hike in the Munds Mountain Wilderness (Coconino National Forest). The route climbs about 2,200 ft and is commonly listed around 13–13.5 miles round trip, taking roughly 6.5–7 hours for many hikers.

It leads up the bottom of a rocky desert gorge with mostly high chaparral along the way. Expect wildlife activity in the understory, including desert cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits, plus Gambels quail you may hear while you move through the vegetation.

The trail begins by skirting the edge of a subdivision, then follows an old jeep trail to Jacks Canyon Tank before dropping into the canyon drainage. From there it climbs steadily by crisscrossing the dry streambed for the next few miles.

At the upper end of the canyon, the route leaves the streambed and switches to climbing toward a high saddle connecting the Mogollon Rim and Munds Mountain. This is the main “pull” toward the top before you start your return.

From the saddle, the Munds Mountain Trail provides access to a short, steep climb that improves the views out over Red Rock Country. The wide panorama is described as especially complete from the top of Munds Mountain, including parts of Oak Creek Canyon and distant San Francisco Peaks.

The trailhead sits off Jacks Canyon Road; the route description for access uses driving from the Sedona area via SR 179 to Jacks Canyon Road, then to the FR 179G parking/trailhead area. Length and elevation gain make it a full-day commitment—plan accordingly for water and time on an exposed, desert hike.

More information: Visitor information, Jack's canyon - Arizona Hiking, Jacks Canyon Trail | 13.2-Miles, Munds Mountain Wilderness