West Fork Trail

The West Fork trail is often listed as a favorite in popular Sedona hiking books. The popularity of the trail is well-deserved and there are numerous reasons for its popularity. Here are few of the reasons:

1.  It is not the most challenging trail in Sedona, so most people can enjoy its beauty.

2.  For much of the hike, you are following the beautiful, serene Oak Creek. 

The creek rambles along, revealing small rapids and smooth waters. You will cross it numerous times (13, to be exact) as you follow the trail, so you'll have the opportunity to really enjoy its beauty.

The Mayhew House

3.  The West Fork trail has some other treasures that may be of interest to those who want to know more about Sedona's history. 

You'll pass the Mayhew House, a dilapidated old structure that was once visited by Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and others. 

4.  The trail winds through meadows, Ponderosa Pine and red and white cliffs. 

This beautiful canyon was the inspiration of Zane Grey's 'Call of the Canyon' and, if you take the time to traverse the 3.3 mile hike, you will see why. 





We took this hike on Christmas Day. The cool air and shade of the tree groves and the overhanging cliffs would be a treat during the summer. 




Much of the trail is shaded by trees and cliffs and the recent snowfall made the trails icy and the hike a bit cold, but it was worth the effort. 

The canyon is 12 miles long, but the official hike is a little over 3 miles and, in good weather when the trails are in good shape, it should take you about 90 minutes to get to the end of the trail. 




Because of the icy conditions, and the late hour, we did not complete the hike, but we will certainly do so on another day when the weather is better. 

Bell Rock

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is one of the most famous red rock formations in Sedona and a favorite among tourists. 








It is easy to see from the Village of Oak Creek and you can get great pictures from the Bell Rock Vista parking lot and the Courthouse Butte Lot. 

The changes made to Route 179 several years ago required that Forest Service create new trail heads for the surrounding trails. 

If you have an old hiking book, you will need to get a new map or hiking book before you set out on your hike. Several new trails have been added. 

Courthouse

Some will take you around the bottom of the formation and some will take you up onto the formation. This is one of the most popular spots in Sedona, so you can expect to share the trails with a lot of other hikers (no matter the season).

Stay on the trails and watch for the wire baskets filled with red rock. They will guide you safely to your destination and ensure that no damage is done to the indigenous plants or to the rock formation.

Route 179 and the Valley

Heading Up Bell Rock

The hike to the first 'apron' or flat level of Bell Rock is not very difficult. 









From there you can see the valley, Chapel Rock, and the other main monuments in the vicinity (Thunder Mountain, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse). 

You may be tempted to stay in the parking lot, but if you are willing to make the short trip up to the first apron, we guarantee you won't be disappointed. 

You can sit in the sun, look at the red rock view, take pictures and enjoy a brief moment of serenity in the the paradise that is Sedona.

Chapel Rock and the View from the Top (Nearly)

If you are more adventurous, you can make the climb up toward the top and experience an amazing view of the valley and the hikers below you.  

As with all hikes in AZ, be sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. 


Allow yourself enough time to hike to your destination and return before the sun sets. 

Courthouse as seen from Bell Rock

Robbers' Roost (Shaman's Cave)

View from the Cave at Robbers' Roost

This spot isn't far from our home in Sedona. It isn't a long or difficult hike and the view and cave are spectacular...so it is a favorite. 

The trail-head is at the end of a rather bumpy, long road so a high clearance vehicle is definitely required. 




The spot is popular with tourists and locals alike, so you will probably have to share the view with others. The trail-head takes you down into a small valley and then up a hill that winds around to the left side of the monument. 

View of the Valley Below the Cave at Robbers' Roost

When you get to the back side of the monument, you will have to cross the apron of the red rock. 

This crossing may be a bit daunting for those with poor balance or those who are afraid of heights. 



Stick with it and just take your time. When you get to the cave, you will be glad you were persistent!

Inside the Cave

The front and inner 'walls' of the cave have been re-built with red rock to recreate the 'rooms' and the protective ledge at the front of the cave. 

Natural Window

The most impressive feature of the cave is not man-made. There is a natural window on one side of the cave. This window looks out into the valley beyond and allows one to see anyone who might approach the cave through the valley (hence the name, 'Robbers' Roost').

Before it was used by settlers, thieves and others, the cave was used by tribal Shamans for ceremony and healing. 

View of the Red Rocks from Inside the Cave

You can easily climb out the 'window' and stand on the far apron of the red rock formation to view the valleys below and beyond. 

Take the time to drive out to this remote location and make the hike around the monument to visit this natural cave. 

View of the Valley from the Natural Window

It is worth the trip and it will definitely be one of your favorite Sedona locations.

Medicine Caves

Approaching Medicine Caves

Medicine Caves is an area that is little known among Sedona visitors. It isn't in the hiking books and it is somewhat remote. 



It is nestled in a valley that is bounded on one side by Casner Mountain and on the other by the ridge that leads to Robbers Roost (Shaman's Cave). The valley is dotted with smaller outcroppings of red rock, each of which has cave-like areas at its base.

Medicine Caves (foreground) Robbers  Roost (background)

The largest of these outcroppings has two levels of caves (which are actually indentations in the rock; some with trees growing directly in front of the crack. 






If you are among the many who visit Sedona for its spiritual and metaphysical energy, you'll find plenty of small 'shelves' and pockets in which to charge your crystals, fetishes, totems or sacred artifacts. 

A View of One of the Caves

The top level of the central red rock outcropping affords some great views of the little valley in which it resides, and the valleys and land beyond. The trunk of the juniper tree growing on the apron at the front of this rock displays the classic 'energetic twist' often observed in Sedona where a particular spot is flowing with earth energy. 

Charging Stones in the Healing Caves

There is a history of tribal healing in this valley, with each of the red rock outcroppings and each of the 'caves' in the main rock visited in a specific sequence and/or for a specific ailment or dysfunction. 

Take your time and sit at each of the openings in the rock on both the lower and the upper level of the main outcropping and, hopefully, you will have your own healing experience. 


We did not have the time to visit the other red rock cave outcroppings but we look forward to a return visit.

Navajo Tapestry in Main Energetic Rift of Central Medicine Cave

Sedona Hiker Does Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell

Horseshoe Bend - Colorado River

The Sedona Hiker is focused on hikes in Sedona, AZ, but I am going to make an exception to share our recent trip to Page, AZ.


With all of that beauty stored in our cameras, it seemed right to share some of it with you!  

If you haven't visited this part of Arizona, you really must! 

Page is within driving distance of Utah and its numerous parks (Bryce, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands, and more). 

It is also within driving distance of Monument Valley (made famous as the backdrop for many Westerns). 

Lake Powell and the surrounding landscape also appear in numerous movies. But, for those of us who love nature, there's nothing like seeing it for yourself!

We arrived in Page in the afternoon and stayed that night and the following night. In that time we were able to see some beautiful sights.

• The Horseshoe Bend Overlook on the Colorado River
• Sunset over Lake Powell and the surrounding area
• Boat trip to explore beautiful Lake Powell
• Photography Tour of Upper Antelope Canyon

Rock Formation at Horseshoe Bend Overlook

Page, AZ is an interesting town. The town originally housed the people who built the Lake Powell Dam in the nineteen fifties and sixties. 

Today, it is a tourist town that is surrounded by the Navajo Nation.


80% of the children in the local high school are Navajo and many of the tourist services are provided by Navajo who live on the reservation. 

The dam at Lake Powell supplies power to surrounding states, but not to the Navajo Nation. 

The Navajo Generating Station stands tall over the Page landscape. It is a coal-fired power plant that provides power to surrounding states and localities but NOT to the reservation. 

Waiting for Sunset

The Wahweap Marina offers private boat rentals and tours of the lake. 

There are numerous chain hotels in the area and a beautiful resort on the water. 

We stayed in the old housing district, which is comprised of buildings that housed dam workers. These buildings have been modestly updated to serve as motels.

The rooms are simple but functional and provide efficiency accommodations with kitchens, linens, dishes, etc. 

Navajo Tapestry Along Lake Powell

We took a short boat tour of Lake Powell and saw a sampling of the surrounding rock formations that were once the walls of Glen Canyon, named by the explorer, John Wesley Powell.

If you have the time and the inclination, you can rent a boat and explore the many side channels and tributaries around the lake, and pull your boat up onto an outcropping or small beach to enjoy the sun and the view.

The surface of the lake is 350 feet above the floor of the original canyon.


Far and away the most arresting sights in this wonderful area are hidden away in slot canyons.

We took the morning photography tour in Upper Antelope Canyon. 

Entrance to Upper Antelope Canyon

These tours are only available through tour groups because the canyon is on tribal land. Your tour price will include a permit fee to gain access to tribal land.

The hike into Upper Antelope Canyon is all at ground level so anyone can enjoy the sights. 

As long as you are able to walk on your own, you can participate in this trip. 

There were several small children and infants who took the tour, so there doesn't seem to be any restriction on age. 


The upper canyon photography tour doesn't require climbing or challenging physical conditions BUT, it is a bit chaotic. 

In order to get the best pictures, you'll want to listen carefully to the guide when he/she provides instructions about camera settings. 

The light appears and fades quickly inside the canyon and you will miss that perfect shot if you don't pay attention. 

If you want to get the most out of the visit, move quickly when the guide tells you to HURRY. 


The light beams appear at a specific time and they shoot into the canyon like laser beams! 

The native guides will move you back and forth throughout the canyon, timing the light beams with exact precision. 

They will throw sand up into the light beam to better highlight the rays so you can get good pictures. They know their stuff!


Because of the increase in international travel marketing and all of the beautiful pictures of Antelope Canyon on the internet, the canyons are now crowded with visitors. 

We were there in May (summer is busier) and the canyon was filled with people. We heard accents from all over the world!

Light Beams in Upper Antelope Canyon

Every group has a guide and each group will maneuver around the other groups to be sure that every visitor sees what they came to see. 

You'll also pass tours that are not focused on photography, and while they are not wielding cameras, you will have to deal with the additional crowding. 





In some areas, the slot canyon is only wide enough for two people to pass, so it can be a bit tight but somehow the Navajo guides get it done - moving the groups back and forth with precise timing. 

We had hoped to hike Lower Antelope Canyon the following day but we weren't able to go. 

Lower Antelope Canyon is also tribal land, and your tour price will include a permit fee. But, here you must pay by traveler's cheque or cash.



This hike is also on flat ground. We were told that it is more strenuous than the upper canyon, because you have to climb down ladders that are bolted to the cliff face in order to get to the bottom. 

Once there, the hike is supposed to be an easy walk, but we can't confirm this because we weren't able to go.

Our sources also said that Lower Antelope Canyon is wider on top so you won't get the same light beams and stunning array of shadows, but they say it is very beautiful and well worth your time. We hope to return to take this hike at a later date.

The trip to Page and the surrounding area is rewarding, and you will make some great memories there, even if you aren't an avid photographer. 

Marg's Draw

Thunder Mountain

Marg's Draw is a great hike. It's not too short and it's not too long (whether you do the north or the south fork, you will travel a little less than 3 miles round trip). 

There is an interesting story associated with this trail. Marg was a mule, owned by the first recorded Sedona settler, Abraham James. When Marg didn't want to work, she would follow this path up into the evergreen near the red rocks and hide from her master. Hence, the name: Marg's draw. 

Views of Uptown and the Red Rocks

Like Marg, I was drawn to this trail. 

The first part of the trail is the most challenging with small and medium sized rocks underfoot. The hike is listed in most hiking books as 'moderate' but much of the trail is pretty easy going. 

Those with bad knees or lower back or ankle issues will want to be careful on the uneven footing at the beginning of the trail. 

Large rocks form stairs and require a bit of maneuvering as you go uphill. Once you are past this section, the trail is easier. It flattens out and winds through evergreens, yucca, agave and manzanita. 

Late April is a beautiful time to hike this trail.  You'll find delicate white and yellow flowers and small bushes with pretty purple foliage. 

The trail winds through beautiful red rock areas with views of uptown Sedona. Although it is relatively close to town, the foliage covers much of the residential and commercial scenery so you can enjoy the natural environs. 

Cathedral Rock in the Distance

At the trail split, we took a left and headed toward Schnebly Hill Rd. 

If you bear right at this point, the trail will take you toward Broken Arrow (a very popular hike among Sedona visitors and jeep tour companies). 



Along the way you'll be treated to views of Chimney Rock, Cathedral Rock, Thunder Mountain (the ubiquitous monument that seems to be in view from every trail), and close up views of Snoopy Rock in the bargain!

Snoopy Rock

Follow this trail until you reach Schnebly Hill Rd. If you cross this road and continue on, you will intersect with Huckaby Trail. 

Marg's Draw is a favorite!

Cockscomb, Dawa, Cypress, and OK Trails

Our hike today covered numerous trails and started from the Cockscomb Trailhead. The Cockscomb Trail is listed as moderate in the hiking books and easy/moderate on maps. 

For those who don’t like the uphill, uneven surfaces of many of the Sedona trails, Cockscomb is perfect. 

There is a bit of an ascent here and there but for the most part the path up and down is gradual and the path is smooth without a lot of small rocks to throw you off balance or large rocks to climb.

Cockscomb

You will have views of Cockscomb (aka he Young Maidens) and of Doe Mountain and Bear Mountain. 

When the path rises, you will have views of Thunder Mountain, and even Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock in the distance on your right. 

Courthouse in the distance

You'll see some evidence of past fires and, if you are visiting during the Spring, you'll be treated to lots of white, yellow and purple flowers. 

Chimney Rock in the background

Cockscomb crosses a few small washes and eventually comes to a barb wire fence with a good sized fence post and a large rock where you can rest under the shade of a tree. If you turn back here and retrace your steps the hike will be a pretty easy one.

If you choose to go on, you can intersect with Dawa Trail. We took the left turn at Dawa and followed it along a path to cross some good sized washes (I wouldn't recommend this hike during monsoon season as these washes are large and would be impossible to cross if the water is rushing).

If you are a rock collector, you may want to pause in the large washes and look for specimens of jasper and other local minerals. We found some beautiful yellow and green jasper along the way!

Dawa winds around and eventually becomes a more challenging path for those hikers who have problems with balance or hiking trails with some ascent and descent and uneven surfaces. It is by no means a difficult trail but you will have to take your time if your knees or low back are a problem or if you have balance or ankle issues. Step carefully and watch where you are walking and you’ll be fine.

Cypress Trees

Dawa intersects with Cypress trail which is a smoother path with a lot of sandy surface. It will take you you along a path where you can see some large cypress trees which are not common in most parts of Sedona.

This trail intersects with OK Trail. If you follow this out to the trailhead you will find yourself back at 152C where you can walk the paved road back to the Cockscomb Trailhead. 

If you take this route be prepared for a long walk back to your car. The route is several miles long and, during the height of hiking season, there are a lot of cars traveling the road so you'll need to be careful to walk on the shoulder. 

Much of the road is flat or downhill but once you reach the stop sign and turn left to continue on 152C you will face a gradual climb that becomes a more extreme ascent up onto a good sized hill. 

All in all, this hike took us about 4 hours but, if you wish to shorten and simplify the trip, you can turn back at the barb wire fence on Cockscomb and still see some beautiful scenery without wearing out your hiking shoes!