This is an infrequently used trail. It is sufficiently shaded to allow hiking in summer.
Start on Secret Canyon Trail. Its signed trailhead is across the usually dry streambed of Dry Creek west of the parking area. It immediately enters Wilderness. Follow this wide, nearly flat trail for 2/3 mile and look for the sign for HS Canyon Trail on the left. The trail climbs gradually in the shade of oak and alligator juniper.
At about 1.5 miles from the parking area, views of red rock formations open up. The trail narrows further as it climbs moderately beside the small canyon drainage. At 2.25 miles, the trail approaches the sheer face of Maroon Mountain and switchbacks up to a small clearing for nice views of the mountain and the end of the box canyon. Return by the same route for a 5 mile rountrip hike.
Rating: Strenuous
Uses: Hiking. Too narrow for horses; bicycles prohibited in Wilderness.
Location: 35 miles south of Flagstaff in beautiful Red Rock Country.
Access: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 3.2 miles to Dry Creek Road on the right. Go 1.9 miles to FS 152 on the right. Take this unpaved road 3.4 miles to trailhead parking on the left. High clearance vehicles recommended for Forest Road 152 but this road should be avoided in wet weather.
