Fay Canyon Overlook

Fay Canyon Overlook sits in Sedona's red-rock country, not the Grand Canyon itself, but it's the kind of short, scenic hike that regional visitors search for alongside canyon trip planning — and it earns its 4.8 rating across 70 Google reviews. The trail leads out to a natural arch, with reviewers consistently calling it an easy, family-friendly walk that rewards you with real canyon-wall views for very little effort.

What to expect

Most of the route is flat and approachable — reviewers note it's dog-friendly and appropriate for most ages. The payoff comes near the end, where a short rock scramble gets you up to the arch itself; one hiker described their dog "loving the rock climb," and several called the scramble worth doing even if you skip it and just enjoy the canyon views from below. It's consistently compared favorably to the more crowded Devil's Bridge trail nearby, with multiple reviewers noting Fay Canyon sees far less foot traffic for a similarly rewarding view.

• Difficulty: easy, with an optional short scramble at the arch
• Good for: families, dogs, hikers wanting a quieter alternative to Devil's Bridge
• Parking: the trailhead lot fills up, but reviewers note roadside parking is available nearby

Bring water and wear real hiking shoes if you plan to climb up to the arch — the rock is uneven and the scramble isn't technical, but it's not a stroll in sandals either.