Sandys Canyon & Walnut Canyon

Coconino National Forest

2024-09-25 kingsnake Hiking 0

Looking up at Fisher Point, from the junction of Sandys Canyon and Walnut Canyon. Despite the nearby Brigade Fire, the sky really was this blue.
Looking up at Fisher Point, from the junction of Sandys Canyon and Walnut Canyon.
Despite the nearby Brigade Fire, the sky really was this blue.

My pal Baron, his wife, and their two dogs, were camping by the Naval Observatory on Anderson Mesa. So, I drove up to Flagstaff for this week’s hike. And, afterwards, a cookout at their beautiful camp spot overlooking Upper Lake Mary.

There’s several options for hiking Sandys Canyon and Walnut Canyon:

  • Sandys Canyon Trail #137: Out & back to Fisher Point is 4.3 miles, 240 AEG (accumulated elevation gain).
  • Continue to the Slot Cave: Add 0.5 miles, 0 AEG, out & back.
  • Continue until the Walnut Canyon trail peters out: Add another 4.0 miles, 150 AEG, out & back.
  • Side trip to the top of Fisher Point: Add 2.2 miles, 460 AEG, out & back. 🏞

I didn’t take many photos, and we only did the first two options, so we could get the cookout started earlier. For a full description, read my 2020 Sandys Canyon / Walnut Canyon blog.

Sandys Canyon, approaching Fisher Point. Walnut Canyon on the right. Note the lack of flowers. (Mid-August is peak.) High country flowers I did spot, in passing, included broom-like ragwort, velvety goldenrod, western yarrow, hoary aster, and showy goldeneye.
Sandys Canyon, approaching Fisher Point. Walnut Canyon on the right. Note the lack of flowers. (Mid-August is peak.) High country flowers I did spot, in passing, included broom-like ragwort, velvety goldenrod, western yarrow, hoary aster, and showy goldeneye.
Hello Darkness, my old friend ...
Hello Darkness, my old friend … 🎶
Looking at the crack at the back of the slot cave. My iPhone SE flash is weak, so this is a fairly steady hand-held exposure.
Looking at the crack at the back of the slot cave. My iPhone SE flash is weak, so this is a fairly steady hand-held exposure.
Looking high up into the crack. I tried flash again, but it washed out the near wall, without illuminating the ceiling.
Looking high up into the crack. I tried flash again, but it washed out the near wall, without illuminating the ceiling. 🫤
Graffiti near the entrance of the slot cave.
Graffiti near the entrance of the slot cave.

Directions: From Phoenix, head north on I-17 almost all the way to Flagstaff. When you see the signs for I-40 east, stay right. Take the Lake Mary Rd. exit, which is just before I-40. In 4.6 miles, turn left onto FR 9478Y. Immediately make a right, onto FR 9478X. The Sandys Canyon Trailhead is a ¼ mile ahead. The forest roads are bumpy dirt, but car drivable. There is no parking fee.

GPS File: Sandys_Canyon_Walnut_Canyon

Distance: 5.08 mi.

AEG: 252 ft.

Time: 2h 08m

Baron’s Hiking Video