Call of the Canyon Picnic Site — Attraction in Four Corners States

I really really love this spot, but it’s unfortunately getting loved to death. The location is beautiful, the hike is serene, but inexperienced hikers are severely degrading this area due to lack of leave no trace knowhow or care for other people they’re sharing the trail with. I’ve been coming to this spot for over 20 years, and never have seen it as bad as it was this weekend.

This hike is in a WILDERNESS AREA. These areas are managed for their isolated and remote recreation experiences. Groups greater than 15 are prohibited, dogs must be kept on a leash, if you need to relive yourself do so at the trailhead before or after your hike, and blasting music/screaming detracts from those of us who are trying to enjoy the wilderness quality of this recreation area.

All of these general leave no trace rules were not followed this weekend. We got stuck behind a 20+ group called the “AZ Hiking Junkies” at every creek crossing, there were dogs off leash, folks blasting music, not to mention we literally sat in human excrement right next to the river when we tried to find a spot to take a break. People need to do better. We don’t deserve to visit areas like this if we don’t know how to tread lightly to preserve it for future generations. The USFS currently doesn’t have the personnel or budget to clean up after you. Please do your part to keep this area clean, green, and beautiful. If not...

Wish there was less than 1 star....the picture below was my view for an hour waiting to get to the booth to find out an older person was having 15-20 minute conversations with everyone who got to his window...you do know all the people waiting in line for you to do your job have their engines running wasting gas don't you? I should be paid $5 for the gas I wasted sitting there for an hour!!!

Edit: I was obviously very mad when I wrote this at waiting for a very long time, and no one coming out to talk to people in the line to let them know what is going on. There was a sign that said it was full, but they could have come out and let me know there was parking available further up the road and I could hike back to go on the trail. Just seemed like they were paying a lot of attention to the person at the front of the line and absolutely no attention to the 10 people behind that person who are sitting there for an hour not knowing what...

Great place for a picnic and hike. It is Spring time so the many water crossings are high. I "hear" most of the year they're not that deep. Really cool 19th & early 20th century historic ruins on the trail. This is a crowded place so it makes it a bit difficult to stop and romanticize with the feel and history of the area but still very neat to see. Parking is $10 and limited but seems to rotate pretty well with people coming and going. Once folks get to the first water crossing they turn back and leave without picnicking or hanging around (seems a waste of $10 to just come and go that fast). There are many places to see and things to do in the Sedona area and this is just one of them. If you want more solitude, this isn't the place unless you get here early or hike future back...