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Fay Canyon is a favorite hike for many who prefer a shorter hike with minimal elevation gain or who enjoy the grandeur of red sandstone wall

Photo: Coconino National Forest, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Fay Canyon Trail

Boynton Pass Rd · About 1 hour · Easy · Free

A flat, gentle box-canyon walk that ends at a red cliff. A great first hike.

Distance
About 2.1 mi round trip
Elevation gain
About 144 ft
Difficulty
Easy (Forest Service)
Parking
Red Rock Pass

The Forest Service rates Fay Canyon Trail (No. 53) as easy, with only about 144 feet of gain. One listing gives about 2.1 miles round trip and another 1.1 miles, which is most likely one way. Either way, it's about an hour's walk.

The trail ends at a wall of red sandstone. It's a favourite for families and anyone who wants scenery without a big climb.

Tips

  • There's little shade. Go early in summer and carry water.

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Sources

Facts last checked November 3, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm with the official source before you go.

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