Northern access to the Carroll Canyon Trail is gained by following the Old Post Trail west from its Shelby Road trailhead for .4 miles. The Old Post turns south and after another .1 mile, the 1.8 mile long Carroll Canyon Trail begins, branching to the left and going southeast. later, it is joined briefly by the Ridge Trail. Then the Carroll Canyon Trail forks right, crosses the Carroll Canyon wash twice, and ascends to an area above the canyon's shallow gorge. The trail turns west, still overlooking the scenic canyon, doglegs across a wash and climbs moderately to the south with good views to the north. It turns west again and descends along the Cathedral Fault and ends at its intersection with Old Post Trail.

Directions: From The junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 1.9 miles west to Shelby Drive on the left. Go .5 miles to a business driveway on the right just past Stanley Steamer Road, with 3 designated trailhead parking places. Trail access is obscure, and goes through a private land easement for a short distance where the trails begin at a kiosk just to the south. Follow the Old Post Trail West from this trailhead for .4 miles. The Old Post turns south and after another .1 mile, the Carroll Canyon Trail begins.

The Carroll Canyon Trail is located near Sedona, 38 miles south of Flagstaff in scenic Red Rock Country. This 1.8 mile trail branches off of Old Post Trail, loops around and intersects back with the Old Post Trail.