Deadman's Pass Trail, Sedona

Why a name like Deadman's Pass? Just Red Rock romance or is there a back story? Turns out there is. According to Jean Matthews Kindig, author of Sedona Area Names & Place, a Native American grave was found in the area....I don't know if that is enough to scare anyone off, but the morning we slipped and slid over this trail there was no one else in sight.

This is a short and easy trail, just right for me at three miles round trip. The morning we went out was after a recent snow, making the trail slick with ice and mud, surrounded by mini snowfields and trickling melt.

Agave and Snow ©Jeff Felske 2011

On this particular morning it was about 40º and so still you could hear the sounds of the occasional bird moving from branch to branch. We set out to where the Boynton Canyon trail intersects with Deadman's and almost immediately started crossing snow. Once on Deadman's Pass we had incredible Red Rock views and the feeling of solitude.

Snow, ice and mud on the trail. ©Jeff Felske 2011

The trail intersects with Long Canyon Trail giving the option of going another six miles round trip. On this day we turned around and headed back to get to the next part of my Birthday adventure, a Mystic Tour....



How To Get There
Take 89A out to Dry Creek Road and go North. Turn left at Long Canyon Rd. then right on FR152C. The trailhead and parking area (with restrooms) are on your right. You will need a Red Rock Pass to park here. If you are going to go to Sedona more than 3 times in a year you'll save by purchasing the $20 Annual Pass.