Hike the Secret Mountain trail in Northern Arizona.
One of the main attractions of this hike is the remoteness. The drive to the trailhead illustrates this, as it is over 20 miles from a paved road to get to this trailhead. Driving this forested area is pleasant in itself, but make sure you have a high clearance vehicle.
From the well signed trailhead, follow the sign to the Secret Mountain trail. This trail walks primarily through a mature pine forest along the ridgeline that makes up some of the more famous Sedona canyons. The first canyon you see is Loy canyon. About 0.25 miles from the start is the junction with a trail that traverses the length of this canyon. Stay left here to stay on the Secret Mountain trail.
There are several ups and downs to this hike, which helps keep the heart rate up. In addition, the thick pine tree forest provides good shade and a pleasant feel. About 1.8 miles from the start are the remains of an old cabin and corral. This area has had a varied past. According to Mangum's Flagstaff Hikes, since 1870 this cabin has housed failed homesteaders, polygamists fleeing the law, and horse rustlers.
Continuing along the trail opens up viewpoints of Bear Mountain and eventually Boynton canyon. After about 3.7 miles of hiking, you'll enter a recent burn area that is recovering. The towering Pine trees have mostly disappeared, opening views to an impressive valley. Unfortunately, the trail has become seriously overgrown with Manzanita. The trail used to continue to the East edge of the ridge with views of Secret Canyon and Long Canyon, however to continue on the tail would be a seriously unpleasant bushwhack. Until some significant trailwork is done here, this makes a good turnaround point.
