Sugarloaf Loop Trail

Coffee Pot Rock

We took a Thanksgiving morning hike to this great little spot. The Sugarloaf trail intersects with Thunder Mountain (Capitol Butte) trail and with Teacup trail and offers great views of Thunder Mountain and Chimney Rock and on the back side the valley opens up to reveal Ship Rock, Coffee Pot and other Sedona treasures. 

Thunder Mountain

The hike is moderately difficult with a bit of up and down at the beginning and then a moderate climb up the spine of Sugarloaf to the top. The hike is about one mile round trip, and it is well worth the effort.

Chimney Rock

Once you get to the top of Sugar Loaf you are met with a 360 view of the valley and surrounding monuments. In the distance, you can see Courthouse Butte, Airport Mesa, and even the top of Bell Rock peeking at you from the Village of Oak Creek!

The trail is well-traveled during tourist season so you are likely to greet other hikers along the way. Sugar Loaf offers some great views and a panoramic perspective of Sedona and its little communities and uptown area, and it is a hop, skip and a jump from town, so you don't have to travel far!

Scheurman Mountain Trail and Vista

If you are looking for an uncrowded hike during the busy tourist season in Sedona, Scheurman Mountain Trail is a good choice.

This easy to moderate trail is uphill and elevation increases quickly, but when you get to the top, you are rewarded with a great view of the valley (Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, The Nuns, Ship Rock and more)

On this day, there was a haze, so the pictures do not really do the view justice! Take your time going up and spend some time at the vista enjoying the view of Red Rock Loop, and Airport Mesa.

The hike starts near Red Rock High School at the trailhead and follows the border of the high school property for a bit. Then it begins to climb. There is no 'hands and knees' climbing required, but the elevation does change quickly. 

For those with bad knees or a bad lower back, you will have to take your time on the way down the mountain, to accommodate the steep downward grade. The hike is not hard, and the path is clear, so there isn't a lot of instability, but it will take you some time to get up and back (probably about 45 minutes one way). 

When you get to the trail sign (pictured above) at the split, take a left and head up the mountain. This trail will afford you numerous opportunities for pictures at overlooks, and you can follow the rock baskets all the way to the top!