Information
Nearby Trails
| Status: | Open |
| Typically Open: | Year Round |
| Difficulty: | 2-4
(EASY - MODERATE)
|
| Length: | 4.8 miles |
| Highest Elevation: | 4812 feet |
| Duration: | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Shape of Trail: | Out & Back |
| Best Direction to Travel: | N/A |
| Nearest Town: | Sedona |
| Nearest Town w/ Services: | Sedona |
| Official Road Name: | FS152 |
| Management Agency: | Coconino Forest Service |
| District: |
Showing 0 trails within 2 miles
Highlights
Dry Creek Road is an excellent trail for those looking for a nice hike ending in an amazing view. With easy access to landmarks such as Devil's Bridge, and Vultee Arch, you will surely not be disappointed! Another great perk of this trail is the historic Van Deren Cabin, which was originally homesteaded by Bill Fredericks, a local known for his "Good whiskey". In 1924 he sold the land to Earl Van Deren. Earl moved the north cabin from Sterling Canyon sometime between 1924 and 1929. Then in 1930 Van Deren decided to get married and constructed the South cabin and connected them with a common roof, creating a breezeway. The North cabin served as a kitchen, and the South cabin became known as the "Honeymoon cabin".
During the 1940's, the cabins were used for two movies, "Riders of the Purple Sage", and "Blood on the Moon"
Route Information
Advanced Rating System
Recommended Vehicle:
2WD Vehicle with High Clearance
Concerns:
Summary:
This trail is rated 2-4 due to the section at waypoint 7-8 where you will cross a dry creek crossing. This area can change vastly year to year due to flood water coming through the area wiping rocks out, or bringing them in. Check your ground clearance when crossing the creek.
Technical Rating:
2-4
(EASY - MODERATE)
Typically, more rock or undulated road surface. Potential rocks and/or tree stumps less than 18" tall and/or vertical ledges less than 18" tall and/or near vertical ledges or waterfalls less than 36" inches. Tire placement becomes more difficult. Can be steep and off-camber.
Read more about our rating system Description
Dry Creek Road is an easy and relaxed trail with multiple hiking outlets to great scenic points, and the historical Van Deren Cabin. It can be easily traveled by most unmodified 4x4's, with a minimal chance of undercarriage damage, any lifted vehicle should have no problems here. This trail is wide enough in most areas to easily get around oncoming traffic.
Waypoints
1. Trailhead Start (0.00 mi)
After turning right towards the East to remain on Dry Creek Road, you will follow a short paved road that will pass a trail parking lot, remain straight past the parking lot until the road turns to dirt. This is the start of the trail.
2. Scenic Lookout (0.30 mi)
On the left towards the West is a small incline, follow the incline to view the scenic lookout. There is a turn-around once you reach the top of the incline.
3. Chuckwagon Trail (0.40 mi)
Chuckwagon hiking trailhead starts here on the West side of the trail. It is not recommended to park your vehicle here to start the hike, instead park at the parking lot at the trail start and head to Chuckwagon Trail on foot.
4. Devil's Bridge Hiking Trail (1.10 mi)
This is the highlight hiking trail of this route, turn right towards the East into the small parking area and hike roughly 1 mile uphill on the Devil's Bridge Trail to reach the Bridge. Great views from the top!
5. Dry Creek Crossing (2.10 mi)
Small dry creek crossing here, continue with caution while raining or during monsoon season.
6. Stay Left Van Deren Cabin (2.10 mi)
Stay left here and head West to follow FS-9917 to visit the Van Deren Cabin.
7. Dry Creek Crossing (2.40 mi)
Use caution here while raining or during monsoon season!
8. Tight Left Turn (2.40 mi)
Take a tight left turn here to remain on the trail.
9. Van Deren Cabin Homestead (2.50 mi)
The historic Van Deren Cabin is comprised of two hand-hewn log cabins joined together with a metal roof. Although the cabin site is surrounded by private ranch land, the cabin is owned by the Forest Service and is open to the public. Jeep tours regularly visit the cabin. This was the site for the Robert Mitchum film "Blood on the Moon".
10. Optional Vultee Arch Trail (2.80 mi)
Optionally instead of returning back, you may turn left here to head North and continue towards the Vultee Arch hiking trail on FS-152.
11. Scenic Lookout (2.80 mi)
Take a left here to the West up a small incline for a view of the scenic lookout.
12. Brins Mesa Trail (2.90 mi)
This is the starting point of Brin's Mesa hiking trail, there is a small area here to park if you wish to hike, please be mindful of where you park as to not obstruct traffic.
13. Seven Canyons Scenic Overlook (3.00 mi)
Take a small detour left towards Seven Canyons Scenic Overlook for a view of the mountains and Seven Canyons Resort.
14. Secret Canyon Trailhead (3.90 mi)
Take a left here towards the West and downhill towards a small parking area for the Secret Canyon trailhead.
15. Vultee Arch Hiking Trail (4.80 mi)
You will reach a turnaround point here where you may park and hike towards Vultee Arch(Roughly 4 miles round-trip). Please be mindful of where you park to not obstruct traffic.
16. End Trail (4.80 mi)
Once you've reached the turnaround point, you will have reached the end of the trail, continue the way you came on FS-152 to return back to Sedona.
Directions to Trailhead
Trailhead Coordinates:
34.890012,
-111.819795
Head West on 89A through Sedona until you reach Dry Creek Road, turn right and Head North roughly 2 miles, then turn right. Road can be very easy to miss and is not marked well, so keep an eye out!
Camping
Not allowed
Camping is prohibited throughout this entire trail and most surrounding Sedona trails.
Accommodation is widely available throughout Sedona with hotels, motels, upscale resorts, as well as a large amount of Airbnb listings!
For individual use only, not to be shared.