Overview
Most Sedona visitors spend their time on the famous formations: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil's Bridge. Vultee Arch offers something different: a shaded canyon walk to a natural arch that most people in Sedona have never seen, even after multiple visits. This Coconino National Forest trail climbs through Sterling Canyon, a narrow drainage lined with bigtooth maple, Gambel oak, and Arizona cypress that keep the route cool even when Sedona's open trails are baking.
The arch itself is an 80-foot span of Coconino sandstone, a warm orange-red, tucked into the upper reaches of the canyon. It's not the biggest arch in Arizona, but the approach and the setting give it a character that larger, more accessible arches lack. You arrive in the canyon and the arch reveals itself gradually, first as a gap in the cliff above, then as a full span as the trail delivers you to its base.
Vultee Arch takes its name from Gerard "Jerry" Vultee, an aviation designer and manufacturer whose aircraft company built training planes for the U.S. military. In January 1938, Vultee and his wife died when their small plane crashed into the snow-covered Mingus Mountain area during a winter storm. They were returning to California from Kansas City. Vultee was 37 years old. The arch, visible from the air on the flight path that roughly follows Oak Creek Canyon, was named in his memory.
The Route
Miles 0 to 0.8: Oak Creek Canyon entrance to Sterling Canyon. The trailhead sits on US-89A in Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic highway corridors in Arizona. The trail begins by crossing US-89A (look carefully for traffic) and entering the lower reach of Sterling Canyon immediately. The first section climbs moderately through the canyon on a good trail, with Oak Creek Canyon walls visible behind you through the trees.
Miles 0.8 to 1.5: Canyon interior. The trail narrows as Sterling Canyon tightens. The canopy closes overhead, and the trail crosses the canyon wash several times on stepping stones. In spring and after monsoon rains, a small stream runs through the canyon. By late summer and fall, the wash is typically dry. The shade provided by the canyon walls and deciduous trees makes this section comfortable even in warm weather. Look for wildlife here: mule deer are common, and the canyon's moisture supports more varied plant life than the open juniper country around Sedona.
Miles 1.5 to 1.9: Final approach and arch. The trail steepens in the last half mile before leveling out on a bench below the arch. The arch appears above you: an 80-foot span of cream-orange sandstone against the sky. The base of the arch is accessible by a short scramble up the canyon wall. From the arch itself, you can see back down the canyon and out toward Oak Creek Canyon below.
Return by the same route. The descent through Sterling Canyon is fast.
When to Visit
Year-round. This is one of the most genuinely all-season hikes accessible from Sedona. The canyon orientation provides shade even in the hottest months, and the relatively low elevation (around 5,000 to 5,500 feet throughout) keeps it snow-free in all but the most severe winters.
Summer (June through August): The shaded canyon makes this the standout Sedona option for hot days. Start by 8 AM to beat the worst heat at the canyon mouth, where the trail is briefly exposed. Once in the canyon, temperatures are 15 to 20 degrees lower than on exposed Sedona trails.
Fall (September through November): The bigtooth maples in Sterling Canyon turn brilliant orange and red in October. Peak color is typically the first two weeks of October. This is the best time to make the hike.
Winter (December through February): The canyon can be cold and dark in the depths of winter, with the walls blocking midday sun. Temperatures in the 30s to 50s most days. Ice in the wash after hard freezes. Still hikeable, and the canyon is beautiful stripped of leaves.
Spring (March through May): Good conditions throughout. The canyon wash may be running, which makes the creek crossings more interesting. Watch for flash flood potential after heavy rain; the canyon drains a significant watershed above.
Practical Details
Parking: Small pullout on US-89A in Oak Creek Canyon, signed for Sterling Pass Trail. Space for 8 to 12 vehicles. Red Rock Pass required ($5/day or America the Beautiful pass). No restroom facilities at this trailhead. The nearest facilities are at Manzanita Campground, about 1 mile south on 89A.
Permit: No timed entry permit required. Red Rock Pass covers access.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. The canyon trail is good for dogs. The creek crossings are stepping-stone level most of the year. The scramble to the arch base is optional; assess based on your dog's agility.
Highway crossing: The trailhead requires crossing US-89A to enter Sterling Canyon. This highway is two lanes and carries significant traffic, including large RVs and trucks. Cross carefully and watch both directions.
Creek crossings: Expect to rock-hop across the canyon wash 4 to 6 times. Waterproof boots recommended in spring and after rain.
Getting There
From Sedona, take US-89A north through Oak Creek Canyon for approximately 14 miles. The Sterling Pass Trailhead is on the left (west) side of the highway, marked by a small sign. If you reach the Junipine Resort or Slide Rock State Park, you've gone too far south; if you've passed Manzanita Campground heading north, look for the pullout within the next mile. Drive time from Sedona is about 20 minutes. From Flagstaff, take US-89A south through Oak Creek Canyon; the trailhead is about 14 miles from the Sedona city limits, roughly 40 minutes from Flagstaff.
The Bottom Line
Vultee Arch is the answer when someone asks for a Sedona hike that isn't overrun. The shaded Sterling Canyon approach is different in character from the open red rock country that defines most area trails, and the arch at the end is a genuine payoff. It works year-round, takes half a day, and delivers an experience that most Sedona visitors never find. Go in October for fall color in the canyon.
Sterling Canyon sits between Sedona and Flagstaff on US-89A, which also gives access to the West Fork Trail about a mile north on the same highway. West Fork is the most popular trail in Coconino National Forest and a natural pairing for the same day, particularly in fall when both canyons are at peak color. Those in Sedona for multiple days should also consider Boynton Canyon (6 miles, moderate), which shares Vultee Arch's shaded canyon character and adds Sinagua ruins to the mix. For a strenuous alternative in the same Oak Creek Canyon corridor, Wilson Mountain departs from the Midgley Bridge area and climbs 2,300 feet to 7,122 feet above the valley floor.
The Red Rock Pass for this trailhead is the same pass used throughout the Sedona area. The America the Beautiful Interagency Pass covers it. The best hikes near Phoenix guide includes trip-planning information for the full Sedona-Flagstaff corridor accessible from the Valley.