Lover's Knoll

Cycle the difficult 70.4-mile Flagstaff to Sedona via 89A route through Coconino National Forest, featuring dramatic canyon scenery and red

While the full "Fay Canyon Trailhead – Lover's Knoll loop from Soldiers Pass Rd" is not a continuous road cycling route, the surrounding Sedona area offers some of the best road cycling routes with incredible red rock views. You can enjoy a moderate 24.4-mile (39.3 km) ride with 1750 feet (533 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 1 hours and 53 minutes, by sticking to the paved roads. Imagine smooth pavement winding past towering red cliffs and vibrant desert vegetation, with the highlight being the stunning vistas from Lover's Knoll after a rewarding climb.

To make the most of your road cycling adventure, plan to arrive early for parking, especially near popular spots like Fay Canyon Trailhead. The paved roads leading to these areas, such as Dry Creek Road and Boynton Pass Road, are generally well-maintained. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for cycling, but always bring ample water for your ride.

Sedona's unique geology makes road cycling here truly special, offering continuous panoramic views of iconic formations like Cathedral Rock and Bear Mountain. The accessibility of viewpoints like Lover's Knoll by road means you can experience these spectacular sights without needing to venture onto technical trails. This area provides a fantastic blend of challenging climbs and unforgettable scenery for road cyclists.