Girdner and Anaconda Trails

Girdner and Anaconda Trails

Page Type Page Type: Route
Location Lat/Lon: 34.85250°N / 111.8315°W
Additional Information Route Type: Hiking
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Additional Information Time Required: Half a day
Additional Information Difficulty: Hike
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Girdner is a 4.7 mile long trail that connects Boynton Pass Road to Cultural Park on Route 89A in western Sedona. Except for short distances in its start and end, the trail travels in the canyon of Dry Creek providing little view of the surrounding red rock mountains. Anaconda is a short side trail that goes to the top of a hill 150 feet above the surroundings providing good views before dropping into the canyon of Dry Creek to join Girdner trail.

 

I did these trails as part of a 14 mile one way hike from Vultee Arch Road to Crescent Moon Park and then Shelby Drive where we were staying.

Getting There

One end of the trail is at Cultural Park on Route 89A 4.2 miles west of the intersection of Routes 89A and  179. The other end is at the intersection of Vultee Arch Road and Boynton Pass Road as shown on the map.

 

Route Description

At the north end of Girdner Trail on Boynton Pass Road, you will have good views of Capitol Butte to the east.

Capitol Butte from north end of Girdner Trail
Capitol Butte from north end of Girdner Trail

After less than half a mile, you will reach the junction with Anaconda Trail. I chose to Leave Girdner and follow Anaconda which took me to the top of a hill with good views.

Capitol Butte and Chimney Rock.

Capitol Butte & Chimney Rock
Capitol Butte & Chimney Rock

Courthouse Butte and Chimney Rock.

Courthouse Butte & Cathedral Rock
Courthouse Butte & Cathedral Rock

Looking toward Boynton and Long Canyons.

Looking toward Boynton & Long Canyons
Looking toward Boynton & Long Canyons

Anaconda Trail soon drops down into the bottom of Dry Creek Canyon to join AZ Cypress Trail. Heading south at the bottom of the canyon, will bring you to Girdner Trail which will continue to travel south in the canyon.

View of Cockscomb.

Cockscomb from Girdner Trail
Cockscomb from Girdner Trail

In the canyon.

Girdner Trail in Dry Creek Canyon
Girdner Trail in Dry Creek Canyon
Dry Creek Canyon
Dry Creek Canyon
Dry Creek Canyon
Dry Creek Canyon

For its last mile, the trail exits the canyon giving you good views of the surrounding red rock mountains

Cockscomb from the southern parts of Girdner Trail
Cockscomb from the southern parts of Girdner Trail
Capitol Butte from the southern parts of Girdner Trail
Capitol Butte from the southern parts of Girdner Trail
Near Cultural Park on Girdner Trail
Near Cultural Park on Girdner Trail
Near Cultural Park on Girdner Trail
Near Cultural Park on Girdner Trail
Near Cultural Park on Girdner Trail
Near Cultural Park on Girdner Trail

Essential Gear

Hiking equipment.