Carroll Canyon Area Trails

Discover the serenity of Sedona’s lesser-known trails—Old Post, Ridge, Carroll Canyon, and Herkenham. This interconnected network of trails meanders through the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona, mostly hidden from the developed areas, offering an intimate escape into nature. Accessible from three different trailheads, these paths invite both loop hikes and one-way adventures, especially if transportation is arranged between trailheads. With easy to moderate grades and minimal elevation change, the trails are well-marked yet offer little shade, making them a perfect retreat during cooler hours.

The Old Post Trail, stretching 2.7 miles, begins at its northern trailhead off Shelby Road. A short walk of 100 yards brings you to a junction with the Ridge Trail, where the Old Post turns west. After 0.4 miles, the trail veers south, intersecting with the Carroll Canyon Trail shortly after. The Old Post Trail then gently ascends, offering sweeping views to the north before it descends towards its intersection with the other end of the Carroll Canyon Trail. The path curves westward, and after a brief level stretch, it descends southward, meeting the Herkenham Trail at its base. As you continue, the trail rewards you with stunning vistas of Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Butte before ending 0.6 miles later at the Chavez Road trailhead.

The Ridge Trail, 2.0 miles in length, begins where it meets the Old Post Trail. Shortly after starting, the Bandit Trail, a half-mile connector to the Airport Loop Trail, forks off to the left. The Ridge Trail then follows the Carroll Canyon Trail for a quarter-mile before branching right. The trail continues southward, ascending beside the slope of Airport Mesa. This section offers beautiful views to the north before descending over the rugged Cathedral Fault. The final half-mile of the trail gently descends along a ridge line, ending at Chavez Ranch Road.

Access the Carroll Canyon Trail from the Old Post Trail’s Shelby Road trailhead by heading west for 0.4 miles. The trail begins 0.1 miles after Old Post turns south, branching off to the left and heading southeast. The Carroll Canyon Trail, 1.8 miles long, crosses Carroll Canyon wash twice and climbs above the canyon’s shallow gorge, offering dramatic views. The trail turns west, crossing a wash before ascending southward with sweeping northern vistas. It then descends along the Cathedral Fault before ending at its intersection with the Old Post Trail.

The Herkenham Trail begins across from the high school on Upper Red Rock Loop Road. This 1.1-mile trail gently descends to the southeast, providing panoramic views of Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock. After crossing a wash at 0.75 miles, the trail levels out and concludes at its junction with the Old Post Trail, 0.6 miles north of the Chavez Ranch Road trailhead.

Open Season: Year-round
Usage: Light-Medium
Closest Town: Sedona, AZ
Managed by: Red Rock District, 928-203-2900
Directions: Old Post Trail, South Trailhead: From Routes 89A and 179, head west on 89A for 4.2 miles, turn left on Upper Red Rock Loop Road, and go 1.7 miles. Turn left on Chavez Ranch Road and follow for 0.15 miles to the trailhead turnout on the left.
Herkenham Trailhead: From Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west for 4.2 miles to Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Go 0.25 miles south and turn into the third high school driveway on the right, just past the school buildings, to find designated trailhead parking.

Old Post and Ridge Trails, North Trailhead: From Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west for 1.9 miles, then turn left on Shelby Drive. Go 0.5 miles to a business driveway on the right, just past Stanley Steamer Road, where there are three designated trailhead parking spots. The trail access is through a private land easement, starting at a kiosk just to the south.

GPS Coordinates: Old Post South Trailhead: 34°49'59.8"N 111°48'37.3"W
Herkenham Trailhead: 34°50'46.3"N 111°49'43.1"W
Old Post and Ridge North Trailhead: 34°51'16.5"N 111°48'01.6"W

Embrace the natural beauty of Sedona’s hidden gems, where each trail tells its own story of the landscape, history, and breathtaking vistas that await you.

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