Woods Canyon

Overview: Woods Canyon is about 7.9 miles long and located near Oak Creek, Arizona. The trail is great for hiking and normally takes a half day.

Woods Canyon is a pleasant, not too well frequented trail that begins in the south parking lot of the Red Rock Forest Service Ranger Station about 8.5 miles south of Sedona and just a few miles south of the Village of Oak Creek.  The trail is mostly level with just a few up and down sections, especially at the upper end.  The official guides say that the trail ends at 4 miles, but we found that it continues further up--probably more as a cow path than anything.

The wilderness boundary is a bit more than 2 miles from the trail head so you won't encounter many bikes.  The Hot Loop trail over to Jack's Canyon branches off from this trail right before the Wilderness Boundary--this trail is only for those well equipped as it is 22 miles round trip.

Great swimming holes at the upper end near where Rattlesnake Canyon comes into Woods Canyon.  It is also in the red rock section.


Tips: Take plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen and snacks.  We met some people who were obviously ill-equipped and had run out of water.  The trail is not strenuous but be ready for heat.