Adobe Jack Trail - October 13, 2012

Adobe Jack is one of the new trails in Sedona. Like all the other new trails created in the last year or so, it isn't in the hiking books yet but, if you are coming to Sedona soon, you can purchase a laminated map that will show you where to go. 

The trail head for Adobe Jack and several other new trails is at the crest of the hill on the left side of 89a just before you head down the hill into Sedona Uptown. The parking lot is not large but there are plenty of spots for the number of hikers now using these trails. 

The nice thing about the new trails is that they have yet to be discovered by most of visitors. If want a quiet, peaceful hike without a gang of hikers ahead of and behind you, these trails will give you what you are looking for.


Right now, the trail markers are few and far between, and the wire baskets filled with red rock that mark most of the Sedona trails are not yet installed.

Having said that, we had a good time hiking this trail. We did get off course because of the limited markers and ended up taking the path of a wash rather than trampling the vegetation. It was a beautiful day, as most are in Sedona!

This trail does have some great views of Ship Rock and the other red rock formations. It is not in a wilderness area of Sedona but is closer to the city and residential neighborhoods so your view will be dotted with houses.

For those who don't have the time or inclination to head out into the surrounding areas for a hike, Adobe Jack is a good choice. 

There are several intersecting trails and a couple of washes with interesting names like Crusty Creek. It is close to town and to the local hotels and restaurants and you can experience a taste of Sedona hiking and spend only an hour or two in the process. 

If you choose to hike the full length of Adobe Jack or explore the intersecting trails it will take longer but there is a loop trail that will let you enjoy the views and take you in and out without having to back track. 

We will definitely return to follow the path of the real trail and report back with more information. 

Coffee Pot Trail

Coffee Pot Trail - March 31, 2012 

Last week we tackled Coffee Pot Trail (the second of the 'easy' trails we picked from our hiking book). Can you spot the coffee pot in the picture above? 

This one truly is an easy walk and the views are beautiful. The trail is marked with the traditional red rock baskets in some spots, but in other spots you might wonder if you are going in the right direction. You'll see markers for Thunder Mountain Trail, Tea Cup and others but not for Coffee Pot. 

Never fear! Pay attention and look for the unmarked split in the trail. You'll see a bush with a ring of rocks around it. Stay to the left here and wind around. Eventually, you'll get the Coffee Pot red rock formation in your sites and head in that direction to begin your trek up the red rock. 


When you get to the apron of the rock formation, you will walk across some flatter areas of rock and test your balance on some narrower, rounded mounds of rock that climb up toward the base of the Coffee Pot. Like all the rock formations in Sedona, the shape and look of the Coffee Pot will change as you see it from a different perspective. 

Eventually, you will find yourself standing directly under the spout of the pot (which by now looks nothing like a coffee pot) and you'll have great views of Court House Butte, Snoopy Rock, Ship Rock and the valley. Uptown Sedona is hidden behind a ridge and, from this vantage point, it doesn't seem to exist! 

If you take your time and stop along the way to take lots of pictures (like we did), you will get there in about an hour (the trek is only about a mile). The trip down to the parking lot will take you about 45 minutes. 

Sedona attracts many visitors from all 50 states and from many countries. Our hikers are friendly and helpful. Don't hesitate to ask directions. Bring your hiking book or map and lots of water! Once you have hiked among the red rocks, you will never be the same! 

Sincerely, Sluggish Sam

During our climb, we were treated to a view of some skilled rock climbers, scaling the tall rock in this picture to get to the small knob on the top! 

Submarine Rock Hike

At the beginning of this year, I decided to take up the task of completing every documented hike in Sedona, AZ. If you know Sedona, you know that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I am very fortunate to live here with my husband and we both love the area. Work takes us away from nature and why ON EARTH are we living here, if not to enjoy the paradise around us? 

SO...I decided to grab my old hiking book and pick a hike (easy hikes for starters). While we have already completed a number of hikes since we moved here in December 2006, we will probably do these again to document them. We took our first 'scheduled' hike on 3/10/12 and we will continue to schedule our hikes as often as work and time permit.

Join us in the adventure!

Submarine Rock - March 10, 2012

This hike is listed as 'easy' in the hiking book, and some of it certainly IS easy but some of it is what I would consider moderate. I am not in the best physical condition and, hopefully, this project will help me get in shape. Still, there are a few spots on this trail where you will have to climb up on the rock...hands and knees...or slide down in order to save knees and back and ensure you will not fall. The main issue with calling this hike 'easy' is that, if you really want to see the view from Submarine Rock, you will have to climb up to get to the top. So, if you aren't able to make the climb, you could get to the rock and find yourself looking up at everyone else while they take pictures and smile at their accomplishment! 

The trail is not marked well in some spots, so you run the risk of heading to Chicken Point and having to double back. If you make it to the top, you will find some great views. Submarine Rock shares part of the Broken Arrow trail which is the stomping grounds of Pink Jeep Tours. So, be prepared to stand on Submarine Rock and watch the jeeps crawling their way across the rocks on the opposite side of the valley and down via a rather hairy trail which makes everyone on the jeep squeal! Sound carries in these canyons and valleys so you will be regaled with laughter and screaming while you sit on Submarine Rock and take in the view! After you climb down the rock, take the jeep road out to the parking lot. It is faster and easier than the way you came!

If this blog, or the pictures of Sedona you find on the internet, makes you want to come to Sedona and hike, be sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, water and good hiking boots! We'll see you on the red rocks!

Yours truly, Sluggish Sam