Photo by Mare Czinar

Coconino National Forest

Hidden deep within the walls of a majestic Northern Arizona canyon is an amazing collection of ancient sand dunes that formed in shallow seas more than 250 million years ago. Today, the weathered and cross-bedded limestone heaps with “elephant-skin” veneers that stand as bizarre, stone sentinels among the pines in Sandy’s Canyon.
 
Following the southernmost portion of Walnut Canyon, which severs the high plateau country near Flagstaff with a sweeping, fluid gesture, Sandy’s Canyon trail is one of the best ways to explore the gorge and get to the dunes. The pine-shaded first half-mile of the trail skirts the rim of the canyon for outstanding views of the area’s complex geology.

The trail then plunges downhill through a forest of mixed conifer and oak. In addition to being home to some of the best “butterscotch pines” around (look for light-colored crackled bark and take a whiff), the rich, moist environment also fosters thickets of delicate Arizona roses, silver puffs and canyon grape. Once through the forest, the trail opens up and meanders through a sunny meadow and continues to the intersection with the Arizona Trail. From the junction, hiking options abound. Go right to get a close-up look at the dunes and a small wind cave at the base. Or, go left on the Arizona Trail and follow it uphill to Fisher Point, a scenic lookout area on top of the dunes.

LENGTH: 6 miles round-trip
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION GAIN: 600 feet 
GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, travel north on I-17 to the exit for Lake Mary Road (Forest Highway 3) just before the
I-17 and I-40 interchange. Go south (toward Payson) on Lake Mary Road and continue for just under 6 miles, then turn left into the Canyon Vista Campground (just past a cattle guard). Drive through the campground for about a quarter-mile and park near the Canyon Vista Trailhead. The signed trail begins at the north end of the parking area.
FACILITIES: restrooms
INFORMATION: 928-527-3600 or fs.fed.us/r3/coconino