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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Moderate
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
227 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
10.3 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
2.5-3.5h
Directions to Trailhead

Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop Route Guide

Show us your best shot of this amazing tail!
The Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop is a hike just off the beaten path in Sedona, which gives you a shot at a bit of a quieter trek in this very popular hiking region. This loop gets you completely immersed in canyon scenery. Do it in a day or find a camping spot to make this a weekend adventure! Come prepared with lots of water, especially if you’re here in the hotter weather. This trailhead requires a high-clearance vehicle.

Route Description for Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop

Secret Canyon Trail is a beautiful trek in between the mountains of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, and connecting to Bear Sign Canyon offers an adventurous, rewarding trek that feels far away from the hustle of Sedona. This route can be done in a day or you can make use of backcountry camping areas to make it a multi-day adventure.

You’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to reach this trailhead. Traditional passenger cars won’t be able to make it. Additionally, make sure you bring lots of water. Sources on the trail are heavily impacted by recent rainfall, which can be light at certain times of the year.

From the trailhead, head left onto Secret Canyon Trail. The first 4.0 km of the hike is mostly sand and rock. The views aren’t as stellar yet as they will be. Pine trees begin to scent the air as you cross between Little Round Mountain and Maroon Mountain. The trail may become hard to follow, so make sure you’re referencing a downloaded GPS track to stay on the right trail. Follow the creek, staying right at the two junctions before taking a sharp right onto Bear Sign Trail.

Take BEar Sign through the canyon, staying right where a spur trail heads off to the east. You’ll follow the rest of the canyon back to the trailhead.

Getting to the Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop Trailhead

The trailhead for the Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop is off Dry Creek Road.

Route Information for Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop

  • Backcountry Campground:

    No

  • When to do:

    March-November

  • Pets allowed:

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly:

    Older Children only

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    Moderate

  • Route Type:

    Loop

Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop Elevation Graph

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