Woods Canyon Trail

The trail begins at the signed trailhead beyond the gate. It is level and unshaded as it follows a jeep road into the wide canyon mouth for 1-1/4 miles. The road ends and the trail continues, climbing gradually. There are views of the vegetation-covered slopes of mesas on either side. At 2 miles, the trail crosses a small, dry streambed with red rock pools, climbs out, passes through a cattle gate, and comes to a signed fork. The Hot Loop trail enters Wilderness area and continues its easy climb, passing some redrock formations on the left. It enters the occasional shade of pine and sycamore as it approaches and then follows Dry Beaver Creek. At 3-1/2 miles, the trail emerges on a picturesque expanse of redrock at the edge of the usually dry creekbed which is studded with huge, gray boulders. Continue on for another 3/4 mile for some nice redrock views as the trail climbs on a moderate grade out of the creekbed. This is a good place to turn around although a path continues further into the canyon. Return by the same route. This hike can be hot in summer. Woods Canyon is a pleasant, not too well frequented trail that begins in the south parking lot of the Red Rock Forest Service Ranger Station about 8.5 miles south of Sedona and just a few miles south of the Village of Oak Creek. The trail is mostly level with just a few up and down sections, especially at the upper end. The wilderness boundary is a bit more than 2 miles from the trail head so you won't encounter many bikes. The Hot Loop trail over to Jack's Canyon branches off from this trail right before the Wilderness Boundary--this trail is only for those well equipped as it is 22 miles round trip. Great swimming holes at the upper end near where Rattlesnake Canyon comes into Woods Canyon.