Sterling Pass Trail #46

Sterling Pass Trail #46


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

Sterling Pass Trail #46 quickly enters Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness and heads west into a side drainage of Oak Creek Canyon. It climbs gradually for one-half mile, then steepens and begins to switchback upward. The final one-quarter mile to the pass is steep and difficult, but is shaded and offers views of interesting rock formations and Oak Creek Canyon.

Continuing west from the pass, the trail winds through ponderosa pines as it switchbacks down into Sterling Canyon. The only view over Sterling Canyon occurs one-quarter mile down from the pass. Farther down, the trail flattens and straightens as it follows a normally dry steambed and ends at a junction with Vultee Arch Trail #22. The scenic viewpoint at the end of Vultee Arch Trail is just 100 yards north of the junction. The trail is only 2.4 miles long but must be considered difficult for its total change in elevation of 1,120 feet and the steepness of upward switchbacks.

Facilities: Sterling Pass Trail #46 has a campground and picnic area.

Reservations: No reservations are needed or accepted for Sterling Pass Trail #46.

Best Time To Visit: April through November is the best time to use Sterling Pass Trail #46.

Fees: There is a fee to use this trail.

Accessibility: This trail has no handicap access.

Rules: A Red Rock Parking Pass is required. Leashed pets are allowed. No camping is permitted within 1 mile of the trailhead. Do not hike if the trail is snow covered. Trail extends into Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. This is a wilderness area; no mechanized vehicles, including mountain bikes, are allowed on the trail.

Directions: To reach Sterling Pass Trail #46 from the intersection of Highways 89A and 179 in Sedona, take 89A north 6 miles. Park along the road just north of Manzanita Campground. Signed trailhead is on left (west) side of road 200 yards north of campground.

Attractions Near
Sterling Pass Trail #46

Vultee Arch Trail #22

Address

Red Rock Ranger District

P.O. Box 300

Sedona, Arizona 86339

Phone
General: (928) 282-4119

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