Author: Rick Mc

4.8mi return
1120ft elevation gain
Designated “Strenuous”, though only because of the elevation / altitude.
Park Pass required to park a vehicle

Of many good (better, in fact) alternatives out of Sedona, Arizona, I chose Sterling Pass … because it led to a natural Arch.

I’m a sucker for natural Arches.

That’s not me on the arch. It’s from this trip report:

From 89A, locate the rusty metal Sterling Pass #46 sign which marks the start of the trail. The well maintained trail climbs moderately to steeply up through a nicely forested area of pine, juniper and oak. As you continue up the canyon the path becomes steeper and climbs about 1000′ in a little over a mile to Sterling Pass. There are several use paths at the pass, stay straight on the trail that immediately begins descending down the other side. The path descends moderately to steeply through more forest, eventually leveling out somewhat to travel beside a small stream, which was flowing when I was here. Soon you’ll reach a trail junction and sign pointing back to the right for Vultee Arch (2.4 miles), the Sterling Trail continues straight another 1.6 miles to the Dry Creek Trailhead (the more popular and easy route to this point).

Todd’s Desert Hiking Guide

You are not allowed to climb the Arch. I didn’t.

Unless you are an Arch fanatic, I’d suggest hiking elsewhere on the slickrock. This route has a lot of elevation gain relative to the quality of the views. Here are a couple of pics I liked, though.

Sterling Pass does not have good parking. The exact trailhead is signed, but you’ll stumble along the highway for a while looking … unless you check with someone at Manzanita Campground across the highway.

In the end, I wished I’d done the far more popular Cathedral Rock Trail, instead.

Leave a comment if there’s a longer Sedona must hike scenic that I missed.

Next time down to Sedona, Arizona I’ve been recommended a perennial stream in Oak Creek canyon. It can be done any time of the year, even in the heat.

• Elevation change: about 400 ft gradual gain.
• Distance: 3.0 miles one way.

… You’ll cross the creek several times during this hike, while walking through a lush and tree lined canyon. The rock hopping across the creek is the most challenging part of this hike (not including finding a parking spot).

You can continue upstream from the first big pool, but to continue includes lots of wading, swimming, and boulder hopping.

In the fall, the leaves changing colors adds a whole new dimension to this hike. Enjoy!

Weekend Warriors Arizona Hiking Guide

See many, many more Arizona Hikes.

trip report by besthike editor Rick McCharles

A Ranger recommended this superb series of trails in the Little San Bernardino Mountains, ideal for all ability / experience levels.

… Imagine a leisurely hike through a lush, verdant canyon of willows and free flowing water. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is truly an oasis in this transition zone between the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. The lush vegetation stands in sharp contrast to the surrounding desert slopes. More than 240 species of birds have been observed in the Preserve …

WALK the TRAILS

I did a circuit: Marsh Trail … Mesquite Trail … West Canyon Trail … part way down Canyon Trail … And then looped back Mesquite, Yucca Ridge … Desert Willow … Marsh. Perhaps 5mi altogether.

Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a nonprofit organization supported entirely by donations and volunteers. THANKS. You are doing a terrific job.

Maps and trail signage are all high quality. Better than what you get in the National Parks. A glossy pamphlet with colour photos is available, donated by Audobon. They even provide a “Track Guide” for identifying the muddy footprints of local critters. There’s no user fee. Wow.

more photos from this day hike

Check out the Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve – official website