When you look at the name of this trail, it's not hard to determine the appeal of this hike. It is the natural rock arch at the end of the trail that draws people here. This trail provides the easier of the two possible routes to Vultee Arch. The Vultee Arch Trail climbs just 400 feet in 1.6 miles up Sterling Canyon, and is an ideal outing for novice hikers. Trail runners would also enjoy this trail during the week. The traffic this trail brings on weekends would make trail running an act of dodging families as well as Boy and Girl Scouts.

The trail begins at the eastern end of Vultee Arch Road, which is located to the northwest of Sedona. At the trailhead is a rusted sign with "Vultee Arch Trail #22" cut into it. Another 100 feet up the trail I found a trail register. Arriving at the trailhead around 1:30 PM I took the time to sign in and peruse the days' entries which absorbed 2 1/2 pages.

The beginning part of this trail was dominated by manzanita, cypress, scrub oak and pine trees as it paralleled and crisscrossed the muddy remnants of a stream. On this day, I found a few sparse collections of wildflowers along this lower portion of the trail. As with the entire trail, I found the footing soft and even sandy in places. It also remained well-shaded from the afternoon sun I was hiking under. Because of the denseness of the forest here, I had to force myself to look for the rock formations present on each side of the trail as there are no clear views until reaching the arch viewing area.

After hiking just 5 minutes, the stream began to flow and made for a very pleasing addition to the trail. This seasonal stream appears to remain rather small, but there may be a few days a year when crossing it will get your feet wet. A few large Douglas fir trees made their appearance from this point and continued to trails end.

After passing several families, a few couples and a large Girl Scout Troop, I found myself at a Y in the trail. The Y was marked with another rusted trail marker which pointed to Vultee Arch to the left and Sterling Pass to the right. This is where the Sterling Pass Trail meets the Vultee Arch Trail. Taking a left from the Y, it is just 1/10 of a mile to a clearing in the forest made by a huge tiered red rock. Mounted on the rock is a plaque with the following description:

Looking to the north from the tiered rock is Vultee Arch. With the arch's presence, it is easy to miss the other views available from this viewing area. To the west is a most impressive view through Sterling Canyon and beyond to Maroon Mountain. I also found a nice view to the southeast up toward Sterling Pass by meandering across the southern portion of the viewing area.

With the arch beckoning on the hillside, I felt I had to see if I could walk across it. By making my way to the northern edge of the viewing area I discovered several spur trails. The first one I took led me eastward for about a 1/4 mile until it became little more than bushwhacking. Knowing I had to find something that headed north, I doubled back to find another spur which crossed a dry streambed, then climbed toward the arch. The spur I followed was steep, very narrow, and thick with manzanita on either side which added a few scrapes to my legs and arms. After climbing for just over 5 minutes I headed south for a few hundred feet to see the arch just below me. A small amount of rock scrambling was necessary to actually get onto the arch.

I would caution anyone that has an aversion to heights to be satisfied viewing the arch as the walkable portion of the arch is only about 4 feet wide. If you don't have good gripping soles I would also caution you to stay off the arch.

After walking across I had aspirations of making my way under the arch to obtain a picture, but decided against it as there didn't appear to be a good route down to the wash below. Sitting on the western portion of the arch I sat to enjoy the view as well as some snacks and water.

I made my way back to the viewing area and sat to wait for a couple to climb to the arch as I wanted to use them to provide some perspective as to how large it is. After obtaining my picture, I took my last glance and headed back down the trail.

Getting There: From Sedona, head southwest on Highway 89 for just over 3 miles. Turn right (north) on Dry Creek Road and proceed another 5 miles. Turn right on Vultee Arch Road. Follow this dirt road to its end - nearly 9.5 miles. Note: I hiked this trail by accessing it from the Sterling Pass Trail. I therefore did not drive this road to know what its condition is. I was on this road for only half its length last October and found it to be slow going for a passenger car. If you have a passenger car and respect its suspension, drive slowly. There were plenty of passenger cars at the Vultee Arch trailhead, so the road must be passable.

Stats: Elevation of trail is from 4820 to 5,220 feet. While hiking at a brisk pace, I hiked the 1.6 miles in 35 minutes. Allow up to an hour if you have children with you.

Tips: The spur trails which lead to the arch from the viewing area are steep, narrow and have poor footing. I would encourage you to hike about 1/4 mile or so of the Sterling Pass Trail from the Y below the viewing area. To read of details on the Sterling Pass trail, take a look at my journal of it.