Vultee Arch

This hiking trailhead is a great spot to visit before or after your trail run. It offers approximately 35 parking spaces, picnic tables with breathtaking views, and a pit toilet. However, this parking lot is usually crowded, so it is unsuitable for staging or parking trailers. Additionally, this parking area does not require a Red Rock Pass. If you need to air down your tires, the best place to do so is after Waypoint 2.

The pictures don't really capture the difficulty of the gatekeeper. The narrow ledge can be a problem for stock vehicles as it can scrape the undercarriage once the front wheels cross over to the other side. However, if you manage to navigate this obstacle successfully, it's a good sign that you'll be capable of handling the remainder of the trail.

Watch for hikers especially between Waypoint 2 and 5, as many are hiking from the main parking area to Devil's Bridge.

A few rocky steps of varying difficulty lead to a scenic overlook. The afternoon sun reflecting off the red rocks to the southeast provides an excellent photo opportunity.

Access Chuckwagon Trail is at this waypoint. There's no parking here, so hikers need to park at Waypoint 1.

At the trailhead, there is parking space available for about eight vehicles. Devil's Bridge is the largest natural sandstone bridge in the Sedona area. The moderate hike covers 1.6 miles roundtrip from the parking area. It's recommended that each person carry at least one gallon of water and start the hike before 11:00 a.m. An information board is available at the trailhead to provide additional details. There is very limited cellular reception along the trail.

When the wash is dry, crossing the area is easy. Exercise caution during storms or when water is flowing. Pay attention to potential oncoming traffic at the sharp turn on the north side.

Take FR 9917 west to the Van Deren Cabins.

There is a small obstacle in the middle of the creek as you cross a notch. Proper wheel placement will get most vehicles through.

The trail to the Van Deren cabin has a few rock ledges to cross as you make your way to the top of the mesa. Outside of the gatekeeper at Waypoint 2, this area is considered the most challenging part of the trail.

When you visit the cabin, you may come across Sedona Jeep tour groups, as it is a popular destination. The parking area here can accommodate up to 10 vehicles. 

You will find a plaque at the cabin's entrance that provides historical information about the place. The original owner of this 43-acre homestead was Bill Fredericks, famous for his "good whiskey." Later, in 1924, he sold the land to Earl Van Deren, who moved the north cabin from Sterling Canyon and later built the south cabin. 

The cabin has a rich history and has been featured in at least two movies during the 1940s - "Riders of the Purple Sage" and "Blood on the Moon."

After finishing at the cabin, return to Vultee Arch Trail FR 152 using the same route.

Once back to Vultee Arch Trail, FR 152, turn north.

A quick incline to the top provides a panoramic view of Maroon Mountain to the northwest and the towering cliffs of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness.

Brins Mesa Trail offers several options for hikers. It can be used as an out-and-back trail or connector/loop with Cibola Pass, Jim Thompson, and Soldier Pass Trails. The trail provides breathtaking views of Coffee Pot Rock, Wilson Mountain, and Chimney Rock. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to get up close to the famous rock formations. The trail is 3.6 miles long, and further information is available on the trailhead information board. A large parking area can accommodate around 12-15 vehicles.

Secret Canyon Trail #121 starts from the trailhead and goes directly into the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness. The first two miles of the trail are relatively easy as it follows an old roadbed, but it becomes more challenging as it winds in and out of the canyon. This out-and-back trail is 11 miles roundtrip but can also be connected with HS Canyon Trail. Overall, the hike is considered strenuous.

There is a small parking area that can hold 5-6 vehicles. Use caution in the parking area, as there are random boulders.

At the Vultee Arch and Dry Creek Trailhead, the trail comes to an end. A small loop can be used to turn around and provides parking space for about 5 to 6 vehicles.

According to the Forest Service, the Vultee Arch Trail is an easy hike along the bottom of Sterling Canyon. This well-maintained trail enters the Wilderness almost immediately and gradually climbs up in the shade of Arizona cypress. The trail leads to a bronze plaque placed in memory of Gerard and Sylvia Vultee, who lost their lives in an aircraft crash on January 29, 1938. Across from the plaque, on the canyon's north side, is the sandstone arch named after Vultee.

Dry Creek Trail is a less frequently used trail that mainly follows the dry creek bed. It is a reasonably remote trail that becomes less defined as you proceed. Therefore, good route-finding skills are necessary. After approximately three-quarters of a mile, Dry Creek Trail connects with Bear Sign Trail.