Vultee Arch Trail No. 22

Area Status: Open

An easy hike along the bottom of Sterling Canyon. The drainage is dry most of the year. Shade is available, but it would be wise to carry some water in the warm months.

The signed trailhead is on the east side of the parking area. The well maintained trail almost immediately enters Wilderness and climbs gradually in the shade of Arizona cypress beside a dry stream bed on the floor of Sterling Canyon. There are occasional views of red rock formations to the left and of the sheer walls of Lost Wilson Mountain on the right. After 0.75 miles, the trail enters stands of ponderosa pine and oak which show the scars from the 1996 "Arch" fire. Nearing the 1.75 mile point, there is a marked fork. Sterling Pass Trail branches off to the right. Keep left and continue 100 yards where the trail ends at a large red rock outcrop. There are nice views of the canyon, mountains and of Vultee Arch, about 0.25 miles the north.

The trail dead ends at a bronze plaque placed in memorium of Gerard and Sylvia Vultee who lost their lives in an aircraft crash on January 29, 1938. The actual crash site is more than a mile north and at a much higher elevation, on East Picket Mesa. On the north side of the canyon across from the plaque is the sandstone arch named for Vultee, an early aircraft designer from California. Just before the plaque site there is a junction with the Sterling Pass Trail which continues over into Oak Creek Canyon.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	The road to Vultee Arch Trail is very primitive and suitable for high-clearance vehicles only.
Usage:	Heavy
Closest Towns:	Sedona, AZ
Operated By:	Red Rock District - 928-203-2900

General Information

General Notes:

Warning

The road to Vultee Arch (FR 152, Dry Creek Road) is very primitive and suitable for high-clearance vehicles only.

Directions:

Location: About 42 miles south of Flagstaff (12 miles west of Sedona) on paved and gravelled roads.

Access: Drive 27 miles south from Flagstaff to Sedona on US 89A. Continue through Sedona to Dry Creek Road (FR 152) at the west end of town. Turn right on Dry Creek Road and drive for two miles to a signed right turn to Dry Creek Road (FR 152).

This road is rough; high clearance vehicles recommended. It is not recommended, and may be closed, during wet weather. About 4.3 miles up this road you will reach a small sandy opening or turn-a-round. Park here and proceed hiking out the east end of the opening along a short jeep trail which deadends at a drainage. Continue on the foot path up the canyon.

GPS (Map): 34°56'12.2"N 111°47'44.4"W

Maps

Red Rock Country Maps: Download Red Rock Country trail maps and find other Sedona recreation resources. See the Oak Creek Canyon South map for this trail, and the Sedona Northwest map for the roads to the trailhead.
The Digital Travel Map Whether you're driving, hiking, riding, or exploring, you will find this full-color, GPS-enabled map a handy reference to have on your mobile device. The map show trails, recreation sites, major landmarks, and forest roads.
Forest Service Topo Map (FSTopo Geo-enable PDF)
- Wilson Mountain (345211145)
More Maps:
- Arizona Trail Passages: Maps and Descriptions
- USDA FSGeodata Clearinghouse: Arizona FSTopo Maps available for download in Geo-enabled PDF and GeoTIFF formats. Note: USGS 7.5 Minute (1:24K) Topo Maps and FSTopo Maps use the same title.
- USFS Store: Map Locator & Downloader purchase or download USGS topographic maps. Note: USGS 7.5 Minute (1:24K) Topo Maps and 1:24K FSTopo Maps use the same title.