Going straight up and then straight down into total wilderness and solitude, the Sterling Pass trail offers a visually stunning landscape that ends at the beautiful Vultee Arch.
The Sterling Pass trail is just over 5 miles out and back and is considered moderate due to the elevation gain. It’s unique in that it immediately goes up to the top of the pass, and then immediately down into the valley. So once you turn around you have to charge back uphill, and by the time you make it, your legs are beat for the sharp downhill. This took us about 2 and a half hours, with a couple stops on the ascents to catch our breath, and some hangout time at the turnaround point at Vultee Arch. Dogs can use this trail as well.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Sterling Pass trailhead, search for the Sterling Pass Trailhead in Sedona, AZ or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Sedona, take Highway 89 north until you pass Manzanita Campground and then it’s immediately on your left. There aren’t many parking spots so be careful. If you get to Slide Rock State Park you’ve passed it.
Driving Info: This is immediately off of Highway 89 so it’s easy driving. Just be careful on Highway 89 because there is plenty of wildlife and pedestrians around Sedona.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in early April. The weather was cool, crisp and sunny – the perfect desert day.
Gear: Nothing special required for this hike. There is over 2,000 feet of elevation gain so poles can help stabilize. There is a fair amount of shade on this hike, but in the desert it’s still good to wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Trail Navigation: The trail is relatively easy to follow, mainly because you can only go up one way and then down. Once you’re deep into the hike there is a way to continue straight on the trail. But we turned off for Vultee Arch.
Water & Food: Anywhere in Arizona requires bringing lots of water. This trail gets hot. You can also bring a snack to enjoy once you reach the Vultee Arch at the end, or the top of the pass.
Trailhead Info: This trailhead is hard to spot, mainly because you have to turn immediately off of Highway 89. Plus, there’s only a few spots along the road to park, so drive carefully and be cautious of wildlife crossing as well.
Pictures of the Sterling Pass trail:
Right away after you park along Highway 89, you immediately begin ascending up towards the pass.
As you cut further into the canyon you can see the towering rocks you’ll climb up to.
During the ascent we looked back towards the trailhead.
The final ascent up the pass before you immediately descend back down into the valley floor.
You’ll switchback your way down amongst these leaning trees.
More forest to cut through, with distant towering rocks coming in and out of view.
Once you reach the valley floor you meander amongst the wavy rock walls. We were thrilled to spot a rare coatimundi that was hanging around the small stream. Once it noticed us it scurried away.
Here’s the lone junction on this trail. We went directly to Vultee Arch.
The Vultee Arch comes into view as you cut deeper into the canyon.
Magnificent canyon walls surround you as you look back.
The beautiful view of Vultee Arch. Watch your footing as you hike closer to the arch, there is plenty of cacti stretching onto the trail.
Hiking back, there is a memorial plaque on your left that you can check out. It feels strange to do the uphill immediately after the turnaround hike, so pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Sedona is full of spectacular hikes like this one. Check out our list of the best hikes in Sedona to help plan your next adventure. On the other side of Sedona is another challenging uphill hike up Bear Mountain for stunning panoramic views.
