Getting Grounded: A Guide to Sedona’s Trails (travel article)

In Sedona, beauty surrounds you, but for up close, personal and jaw-dropping sights created by nature, you’ll want to go off the beaten track. With more than 100 trails covering 300-plus miles in Sedona, it’s easy to find a new path to wander. What’s hard is deciding which path to take. Whether hiking, biking, walking or running, there’s a route for you.

Landmark Decisions

Check ‘em off on Doe Mountain Trail where switchbacks ascend a mesa with 360-degree views of Bear, Maroon, Mund and Wilson mountains; Loy, Boynton Sycamore and Secret canyons; Chimney Rock and Cockscomb formations. You’ll agree it’s well worth the effort. (1.5 miles; 2 hours) Note: All distance and time estimates reflect round-trip excursions.

Meanwhile, Centennial Trail[LC1] , a paved 1-mile trail, delivers many of the same visual rewards, including the Red Rock Country basin, the Cockscomb formation, Bear, Doe, Mingus and Secret mountains. Go late in the day and watch how the setting sun changes not only the sky but also the majesty of the landscape, then stay for the stars.

A local favorite that’s not as crowded as others is Templeton Trail. This easy to moderate hike combines stunning views of Cathedral Rock with shady respites along the banks of Oak Creek—the perfect place to spread out and enjoy a picnic lunch. (2.2 miles; 1.5 hours)

For a true challenge, proceed carefully up Cathedral Rock Trail, a short but strenuous hike that’s more of a climb at times. If the physical challenge doesn’t get your heart racing, standing on the edge of this rocky monument definitely will. Best to hike it early in the morning during summer. (3.5 miles; 2 hours)

Arches are where it’s at as evidenced by the crowds at Sedona’s famous formations, but you can avoid the masses and still get in range of iconic archways. Fay Canyon Trail, an easy stroll with rewarding views, passes by the Fay Canyon Arch—keep a keen eye along the right edge of the canyon wall hiking in, otherwise, you might miss it. The 2.3-mile trail only takes about an hour, so consider going late in the day. On your way back, spread out a blanket to stargaze at the opening in the trees near the trailhead.

For more arches and a smorgasbord of geological sites, the moderate Soldier Pass Trail parades you past natural arches, Devil’s Kitchen (the largest sinkhole in Sedona) and Seven Sacred Pools. (4.8 miles; 2.5 hours)

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, who prefers to peddle the paths, many trails allow mountain bikes. Consider Aerie Trail, a short, shady loop with rewarding views; or Deadman’s Pass a fast track with a touch of every terrain type. For more ideas, check out Sedona’s Secret 7 and the USDA Red Rock Ranger District trail list. Rent equipment and get beginner-to-advanced trail information at Over The Edge. Their cycling experts will likely recommend Bell Rock Path for beginners, a host of intermediate trails like Mescal and Chuck Wagon, and for an advanced ride, bike Hiline or Hangover trails.

Animal Tracks

If wildlife gets you going, seek out less-traveled areas like Jack’s Canyon Trail, where desert cottontails and black-tailed jackrabbits are common. Plan accordingly for this difficult 13.4-mile route that can easily take six hours. Though hot in the summer, Turkey Creek Trail allows mountain bikes and horses to be on the trail and offers interesting rock formations, including an extinct volcano and a basaltic lava descent. This secluded and seldom-used trail is a great place to see wildlife as well as shining stars at night, so pack your telescope and a picnic and enjoy the solitude. (6 miles; 4 hours)

Consider planning your visit during Wolf Week 2018  (April 18-22), where Wolf Socials let you mingle with the pack. The educational event will include speakers, workshops, films, receptions and dinners. Many events are free.

To see both flora and fauna, roam the trails at Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve. Bring your binoculars because it’s home to many bird species. Wednesday and Saturday Bird Walks with an Audubon Society guide begin in March and continue through the year on select dates at the park. Or visit Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park, where the peaceful environs of this 14-acre Buddhist retreat (open to all faiths) attract migrant and breeding birds.

Spiritual Journeys

Lay down your yoga mat on Little Horse Trail, where the rock spire “Madonna and the Nuns” is nature’s guardian angel. (3 miles; 2.5 hours)

Sedona’s easily accessible energy vortexes are prime areas for earthing enthusiasts. The vortexes allow for therapeutic practices of connecting with the Earth’s electrons to improve a multitude of ailments from insomnia to inflammation. If you’re seeking to tap into your spiritual or psychic energy, here’s how to find Sedona’s four main energy vortexes:

  

Cathedral Rock

The saddle of Cathedral Rock emits the greatest energy but getting there is difficult. There’s also noticeable energy just below Cathedral Rock at Buddha Beach along Oak Creek off the Templeton Trail (a large collection of creek-side cairns marks the spot). See Cathedral Rock and Templeton trails above.

Bell Rock

As you climb up Courthouse Butte Loop Trail toward Bell Rock, between the 10th and 11th rock cairns, turn right toward the large flat rock shelf and make your way to Meditation Perch. Then, sit on the ground and, well, meditate or flow through a few yoga poses.

Boynton Canyon

Take Boynton Canyon Trail to Vista Trail and follow the rock cairns to a 30-foot-high knoll where many twisted juniper trees indicate the area’s great energy. Take off your shoes and enjoy the views.

Airport Mesa

This is a popular, high-energy location close to town with panoramic views of Sedona. From the small-fee parking lot on Airport Road, scramble up the hill to the southeast about 100 yards to the top of the small saddle where the energy is considered strongest. Continue on Airport Loop for a 3.5-mile, two-hour hike that circles the mesa.

Urban Trails

Feel another spiritual energy at Chapel of the Holy Cross, where a new corpus crucifix will be unveiled this spring. Avoid the crowded parking area at the top by parking below and hiking up the hill to see this 33-foot bronze statue that weighs more than 4,000 pounds and has taken sculptor James Muir more than two years to finish. This installation will be a sight to see.

Navigate the art trail with Sedona Artists’ Open Studios Tour April 27–29 when more than 50 artists invite visitors in to their private studios. Or map out various musical experiences from chamber salons in private homes to acclaimed concerts during the Sedona Spring Music Festival April 6–10.

For more inspiration, Sedona’s Secret 7 offers suggestions for hiking, biking, stargazing, picnicking and more. The Hike House’s interactive Trail Rating System details distance, duration, elevation change and difficulty ratings for 101 trails. Also, visit the Ranger Station to purchase a Red Rock Pass and gather plenty of useful information.  If you’d prefer to let someone else do the planning, book a guided outing. Find guides and other Sedona things to do here.

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