Best Easy Routes-

“Easy” routes are often shorter in duration, distance, and overall difficulty. Easy routes are expected to take up to a few hours, are usually less than 5 miles, and require basic route-finding and anchor building skills. These routes are a great introduction to Sedona Canyoneering for those new to the area or the sport of canyoneering. Experienced leaders may want to take the beginners for a quick run on one of these before attempting moderates.

Miyagi

What makes Miyagi a great beginner route is that it’s short, easy to find, and has mellow rappels with easy starts. With those new to the area and sport I’ve been able to complete this route in less than 2 hours. Miyagi is relatively easy to escape and follows a prominent watercourse that features both natural and bolted anchors. This is also a safe option during precipitation or runoff. For these reasons Miyagi is my top choice for a quick, easy, and worthwhile adventure for those new to the sport.

New Day/ Soldiers Subway

Another Epic option for those new to Sedona Canyoneering would be combining the New Day and Soldiers Subway routes with the arch/cave approach and Morning Glory scramble. This adventure is a little closer to town and more trafficked which makes it quite convenient. Starting early is the way to go and if your lucky you’ll catch New Day with runoff from recent precipitation.

If I had extra time I would add on the Morning Glory summit, and if pressed for time I would do just the New Day route and save Soldiers Subway for another day. This has been a good multi-faceted adventure for those new to adventuring with an experienced leader.

Bobcat’s

Overall Bobcat’s is a good option for those new to the sport and features probably the best introductory large rappel in the area. By large I mean 200’, by introductory I’m referring to the easy start and on wall rappel. This route follows a prominent watercourse that takes fairly low effort to access. The last rappel can be viewed from the road just past the Bear Mountain TH and precipitation can be evaluated. I have found Bobcat’s to be a good bail out option during questionable conditions, as well as a good first Sedona route for some. Great with runoff or flow!

Best Moderate Routes-

Moderate routes are where most experienced adventurers may want to start. These routes are a bit longer in distance and duration, and will require more effort and problem solving. An efficient group could move through a moderate route at a reasonable pace in 3-6 hours. Scrambling, route finding, and larger rappels or awkward starts may come into play. Moderate routes tend to be the best option for larger groups or groups of varied levels of skill as they provide more flexibility and less time constraints compared to hard routes.

Half Dilly/Dillinger

Half Dilly in my opinion is the biggest bang for your buck in the Sedona Red Rock Region. This route is rated moderate overall, but funky starts and a large free hanging rappel could make it challenging depending on the teams experience and weather conditions. This route has become a convenient classic and is one of the best in the region, and a top choice for link ups with other routes nearby.

Dillinger or the full route could be more worthwhile for those looking for a bit more adventure. I prefer the full route during the Spring & Fall. During precipitation or runoff this route is a great option. If you do the full route, you may still have time for a warm-up run on Miyagi.

Dillinger is the best alternative to Grizzly if conditions or circumstances warrant bailing.

Spyhole

Spyhole is considered moderate to hard overall due to the short but challenging approach, technical re-belay, and potential for hiker related incidents. I think the uniqueness of the spyhole rappel sequence, and “glory shot” potential has made this a bucket list route for those who frequent the area. Beginners with an experienced leader will have a blast on this one, and experienced adventurers will want to add it to their list. Mindful rope deployment and caution in the spyhole are absolutely vital for the safety your team and hikers below.

Chopper Drop

Chopper Drop is a very good moderate route and link up option in the Boynton Canyon region. Located just past Slingshot, Chopper Drop uses the same approach and the payoff may be larger because the rappels certainly are. Commercial helicopter tours frequent this pour off regularly to view an immaculate set of cliff dwellings close by. For larger Sedona rappels I would say these are more beginner friendly as they are off bomber anchors and mainly on wall. Experienced adventurers will likely combine Chopper with Mushroom Drops or Boynton island West for maximum value. The easy to moderate approach and short technical section warrant a moderate rating for this route. During precipitation or runoff this route is pretty spectacular.

Hang Em High

Hang Em High is a good moderate to hard option in a less frequented section of the region. During or after precipitation this route is an absolute gem with a short but fun scramble approach, overhung rappels, and a beautiful 180’ waterfall rappel. Accessing this area may be challenges during heavy bouts of precipitation, luckily back up options are close by. Overall I would consider this route moderate for the experienced adventure, and hard for those new to the sport or area.

Slingshot

Slingshot is a great moderate adventure route with a lot to offer, and is one of my personal favorites during precipitation or runoff. The approach to the highly sought after Subway Cave is just the beginning, more caves and epic views will be the highlight of your approach. The rappels follow a prominent watercourse that runs over a series of pour offs. The rappels are easy and enjoyable introductions to Sedona Canyoneering. Slingshot can be linked up with Ponderosa or Mushroom Drops for a full value day.

Mushroom Drops

Mushroom Drops has a relatively well traveled approach to an iconic local hiking destination known as Mushroom Rock. This route follows an ancient watercourse and features some of the best preserved archaeological sites in the area. The first and last rappel are large and free hanging which could make this route more challenging for beginners. During precipitation or runoff this route comes alive, but is still very much enjoyable when dry. This route is a top recommendation for experienced adventurers craving a unique adventure and big free hangers. Experienced adventurers will likely bang this one out quick, and link it up with a short route for a full value day.

Ponderosa

Ponderosa is a short but sweet moderate route with a few easy challenges on the approach and a straightforward rappel sequence. One of the highlights for me is the scrambling on the approach across unique crater like sandstone. The 30’ chimney makes this route moderate but offers plenty of good hand holds and places for a temporary handline if needed. Ponderosa has become a great link up option due to its low commitment, and short technical section.

Jehovah 300’

Jehovah 300’ is a great less traveled moderate option with and adventurous approach to a seldom seen arch, followed by a 300’ on wall rappel. The large rappel may be intimidating to those new to the sport but is relatively easy for its size. This route is fairly easy to escape, as the technical section is short with back to back rappels. The large rappel can be viewed from the overlook before continuing up to the first bench. In comparison to Mormon Spires and Mormon Monster, Jehovah is shorter and less demanding warranting the moderate rating. Some may say the rockslide gully and large rappel qualify this route as hard, and they could be right.

Best Hard Routes-

To be honest these routes make up some of my favorite adventures and in my opinion provide the most value for the area. Some of these routes are short enough that they could be linked up with others close by, whereas others are a full day commitment.

Hard routes are a step above moderate and can be characterized by larger rappels, demanding approaches, and/ or more challenging obstacles to overcome. Hard routes can be more difficult to escape and could potentially involve more risk.These routes will take up to a full day and feature the most challenging and rewarding approaches and rappels in the Red Rock Region. Bushwhacking, route-finding, and anchor building is to be expected.

Grizzly

Grizzly is one of my top choices for hard routes in Sedona for a few reasons. The first being the approach which tops out on a prized Sedona summit and continues along one of my favorite ridgelines in the area. Second, don’t stop earning it after the approach and the downclimb section on the coconino is another memorable and challenging highlight. Once in the canyon you drop through the sandstone layers in a beautiful rappel sequence. The exit out of Fay canyon is short and straightforward. The approach, technical section, and straightforward exit make Grizzly one of top choices for a full day adventure in Sedona.

Boynton Island East (BIE)

Boynton Island East is a unique adventure route with a multi-crux approach to the Island Summit, past well preserved ruins, and features a one of a kind Sedona slot section. The approach is exciting and challenging which adds to the overall route in my opinion. The free hanging alcove rappel, and downclimb opportunities make this a fun option. The technical portion falls more in the moderate range, but combined with the approach challenges I would put this route in the moderate to hard category. Experienced adventurers will have a blast, and those uncomfortable with exposure may not. This option is short enough that the real go-getters could link it up with another route nearby.

Boynton Island West (BIW)

Boynton Island West features the same approach as BIE but traverses in before summit onto the west side. Like its’ neighbor the technical section falls more into the moderate category and features a fun back to back rappel sequence down a vertical alcove system. The Last 30’ slots up into a moderate downclimb which makes for a fun finish. Experienced adventurers will want to knock this one out and will likely combine this route with another worthwhile option close by.

King’s Cave

King’s Cave is one of the best hard routes in the Red Rock Region for a few reasons. The approach for King’s is another on of my favorites with a couple short cruxes and a scenic traverse of the Deadman’s Dome. The rappel sequence is one of the best featuring a large cave rappel and an abundance of well preserved archaeological sites. The approach and technical section earn the hard rating and end with a well deserved short exit. Intermediate to advanced adventurers may be crazy enough to link this route up, where most will be satisfied calling this an epic day in itself.

Mormon Monster

Mormon Monster or Upper Mormon Canyon with the Monster approach is one of the most demanding and rewarding routes in the Red Rock Region placing it firmly in the hardest category. The ascent up the South face of Wilson Mountain is half the adventure and most will either love it or hate it. The technical portion although short features an intriguing coconino watercourse and perhaps the largest free hanging rappel in the area. Seasoned adventurers looking for a demanding less traveled route less will appreciate this option more than the casual weekend rappeller. This route is a full value day and should be planned for accordingly.

Mormon Spires

Mormon spires is less commiting than the monster as the approach only goes up to the first bench making this route shorter but still strenuous enough to call hard. This is a less traveled route providing a true wilderness feel and one of the best rappel sequences in the area. I’ve learned this route is hard enough that intermediate to experienced adventurers will appreciate it most. Big rappels and the hard to avoid water obstacle at the end make this a unique route worth checking out.

Deadman’s Descent

Deadman’s Descent has been around longer than most routes and has reigned supreme in the cliffaneering category. The approach up Deadman’s Spine is one of my absolute favorites, followed by big rappels and steep downclimbs, this route qualifies as hard. The technical route is not as straightforward as others as it meanders in and out of a prominent watercourse. If there has been recent precipitation this route will transform into a cascading waterfall, offering prime conditions for an epic adventure. Starting at the top of the route if not linking up with another will make this a worthwhile full day adventure.