Rating 11 hikes in Sedona - Which one is the best?
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
- Rating 11 hikes in Sedona - Which one is the best?
Alright, for those of you who like spoilers, here are the hikes I rate. They aren't in order of best to worst, or vice versa. I'll include links to videos I have dedicated to each hike as well;
Vultee Arch Trail - An amazing trail to a secluded arch just north of Sedona, Arizona. Difficulty of the hike depends on if you come in off Dry Creek Road on the Vultee Arch Trail or take Sterling Pass for better views and more challenge.
• Vultee Arch - Finding ...
Cathedral Rock Trail - A popular trail in Sedona proper with great views and a bit of a challenge. Just beware those Sedona crowds while hiking. And be prepared for slick rock.
• Video
Wilson Mountain - I actually have two videos of this. I recommend watching both since they show just how diverse the desert can be. One is in a complete white out, the other we thought we would die from the heat and humidity. Oh, and a third where I rappelled down the south face, because why not?
Backpacking trip:
• Wilson Mountain - Avoi...
Snowstorm trip:
• North Wilson Mountain ...
Canyoneering trip:
• Wilson Mountain Canyon...
Devil's Bridge - Ah, that iconic shot on Devil's Bridge. Just be ready to stand in line for it.
• Devil's Bridge - Is th...
The Hangover Trail - Amazing views and more of an adventure than a hike. Again, multiple videos on this one. First one is a guide if you want to hike it. The second we went back and found some amazing secrets just off the trail.
Hangover trail guide:
• Hiking the Hangover Tr...
Hangover trail revisited off trail:
• Amazing Hikes in Sedon...
Robbers Roost Trail - A lesser traveled trail - if you want to call it that - to some ruins with a unique, round, natural rock window. Also called the Shaman's Cave:
• How (not) to hike Robb...
Bear Mountain Trail - A summit bagging trail with a ton of challenge and a cruel false summit. This can be combined with Doe Mountain Trail for two peaks in a single outing.
• Bear Mountain - Sedona...
Secret Canyon - This is one of our go-to backpacking destinations when we want solitude in Sedona. We still have a lot to explore in Secret Canyon. Secret Canyon has a waterfall, stream, arch and more. (Water is seasonal, so go prepared.)
• Secret Canyon - Sedona...
Soldier Pass - Soldier Pass has the infamous cave. To be completely honest, we have a lot more to learn at Soldier Pass. Because it's in town and has limited parking (and is very popular), we've mostly stayed away. But one of these days, I need to find that elusive Soldier Pass cave.
• Video
AB Young Trail - The AB Young Trail takes you from the 89A up to the Edge of the World. I've only tried it once, for a canyoneering trip through Vultee's Ladder. I'll be back to bag some more canyoneering routes that are accessed only from AB Young. This video isn't really dedicated to the AB Young Trail, but it was quite an adventure.
• Canyoneering Vultee's ...
West Fork - Ah, West Fork. The Call of the Canyon. A very popular and well known hike in Sedona. But if you know the secret, you can have the best partk of the West Fork Trail all to yourself. I have a couple videos, because we do this almost every year.
• Backpacking West Fork ...
• Video
Hope you enjoy. Sedona, Arizona is an amazing place. Despite going there multiple times over many years, we have only just started to scratch the surface.
i went to Sedona in late November of 2023, after thanksgiving. hiked devils bridge on a Tuesday morning, got there around 8am. there was only one other group at the arch, and we took each other's picture. if you haven't been back definitely go in the off season. was absolutely incredible with no crowds!
We were back up there around the holidays last year. There is definitely a slow down around that time and it's prime hiking weather. Great time to go.
Love this video! I especially appreciate the realistic aspects of your ratings with respect to approach roads (with and without 4WD), crowds, and parking. Far too many videos and photos of these hikes feature the money shot without the context that might detract from the experience. Many thanks!
been watching your content for a long while its amazing and helps me a lot I'm backpacker on foot and hitching around between trails which this content is amazing for just that, thank you. 😁
Love your videos!! Especially the bloopers at the end 😆
Thanks Jerry. Always good information.
Fantastic list, Jerry! 💪
Really enjoyed this video.We go to Sedona almost yearly and I agree with you on these trails..especially A.B. Young trail...it's brutal.
I've lived in Sedona for over 10 years and hike about 800-1000 miles per year, most of that locally.
Hangover is my favorite. Just did it again last weekend.
West Fork might be my favorite if it wasn't so popular. Usually impossible to find a parking spot. I only hike it on a weekday after work. You'll still encounter quite a few people on their way out when you start the hike, but after a mile or so you'll often have the place to yourself.
Wow, great medley of hikes in Sedona! Love your compare/contrast served up with your usual humor! I will definitely pick something from here when we visit.
Can't go wrong up there. Well, maybe with AB Young. Any questions, let me know.
Nice reviews Jerry! Robber's Roost and Bear Mountain spike my curiosity most. With Bear Mtn being a peakbag are there any USGS Benchmarks to be found? Wait!! Shhhh... I'll research!! Lol. Thanks again for a great video!
Just hiked West Fork and Cathedral Rock! I really appreciate your candor and recommendations.
Great video..love seeing the clips of Sedona in the snow. Your videos of West Fork inspired me to hike it the first of June.... enjoyed it so much I went back in October hoping to catch the fall colors. Missed them by about it week but still such a beautiful hike. Thanks again for the video.
Glad you got out there. West Fork is amazing when the leaves change, but we've definitely timed it wrong a few times. It's a short window.
Hiking is getting slim, here in Ridgway, Co....May have to make a trip to Sedona for a long weekend....many thanks Jerry!!
Thanks Jerry. I enjoyed this very much !!!
Very Helpful! Thanks so much. I've lived in Sedona for 8 months so far and haven't done any of these hikes yet, so this video is great for me!
Any questions, let me know. Been all over up there.
Enjoyed the list. Long Canyon to Deadman’s Pass and Mezcal is a personal favorite. Nice slickrock with amazing views on the Mezcal side!
Il peut donc neiger en Arizona ? C’est surréaliste! Merci pour votre superbe vidéo sur Sedona et ses merveilles… 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸Vous donnez envie d’y aller…de vivre une passionnante aventure. 👏👏👏
Excellent video, info, trail route, experience, offroad details (given the quick summary). I agree with 90+% of your assessments.
Enjoyed the video ... and your commentary about the AB Young trail. Made me laugh!
I think I went too easy on AB Young!
Wow, Cathedral Rock in the snow was just majestic. Loved getting your take on these hikes, and DEF agree about Devil's Bridge. Our favorite climb in Sedona, Capitol Butte, shares the same trailhead but has zero people (although not for everyone). Great breakdown Jerry!
We were supposed to do Capitol Butte last weekend, but opted out. I have a track up there that we did do that I could share that has the best views I've seen up there. Probably right up your alley.
The first week of April, is Cathedral Rock trail still have snow on the ground, I am asking because need to get ice cleat if there snow on the ground, coming from California, maybe clueless about when snow is over in Sedona
Couldn't agree more with number one and two. I used West Fork as a training hike for doing the Narrows Top-Down, and Hangover is a fun trail with the best views.
Awesome video! Thank you for sharing 🤗
Booyah 👊🏽 😁 👍🏽 🇺🇸
I love Sedona
Thank you for this! Very helpful!
I loved west fork. And you weren’t kidding about the false summit on bear mountain just sadistic.
Watching this video has added a few trails to my list of places I want to see the next time I make it out there.
We are going there for the first time in November, I found this video to be very helpful. Thank you!
Enjoy! We're so lucky to have it so close by. It's really popular so the biggest tip I can give you is GO EARLY. Lots of people think they'll hit up two or three popular trails in a day, but by the time they get to the second one, parking is full. They have implemented a shuttle system, I think. I haven't ever used it, but that might change things a bit. I recommend you look into that before you go. Any questions, just ask and I'll do my best to help.
Thank you for all the great informations. We’re planning to go back to Sedona, from Los Angeles this thanksgiving weekend to hike a few trails from your list. Hopefully, it’s not as crowded as last year thanksgiving weekend.
great list! just knocked out devil's bridge couple weeks ago and got the picture. I doubt i will be back to it. Hangover is next on my list! I did see the AB Young Trail but after researching.. it was a total F that! Thanks for being our trail guide and hopefully there will be another 'why do we hike' video coming soon! Thanks Jerry!
Working up to the year end video soon. Hopefully I can get it done in time!
One nice thing about living in Flagstaff was the year-round access to great hiking. If it's too hot, go up to hike. Too cold, go down. The Sedona area was my go to place for winter hiking.
Jerry - this is a great video! Thanks for posting. I think you'll improve your opinion of Soldier's Pass if you park at the Jordan Road trailhead, and make a loop by hiking north on Brins Mesa, and returning by taking Soldier's Pass to the south, and returning to your car using Jordan Trail and Cibola Pass. Also, our hack for avoiding the parking hassle at Devil's Bridge is to park on Boynton Pass Rd and use Chuck Wagon Trail to hike to Devil's Bridge. That doesn't overcome the crowds at Devil's Bridge of course. Our hack for that is go very early in the morning in non-popular vacation months. I wish I had the legs for the Wilson Mountain hikes - loved your reviews of those!!
Thanks for the advice. I definitely want to go back and see the whole trail when the weather is better.
Jerry - your videos, style, humor, and choreography are great! Very enjoyable to watch. Your #1 hike is nice for people who are new to Arizona, I guess, but way below average for Sedona. Also, vultee arch deserves better - it's gorgeous and unique, with stunning views throughout. Finally, Bear Mountain is 5 miles round trip, not 10. The false summit is only 1.5 miles in, so it's not that horrible. Your shots of the snow are spectacular!
DARN IT! I hate when I get info wrong. Yeah, Bear Mountain is 5 miles RT. My bad. I knew when I made this that people would disagree with the rating system, but it's just how I personally feel. I agree that West fork is touristy. And that keeps more 'serious' people away. But if you get back in there 6~7 miles, it's magical. You have to work to leave the crowds behind. (Not a fan of the first 3 miles at all.) And I spent the last two weekends up there, most of it in Boynton Canyon and that place would've ranked WAY up on the list....if I'd done it before I made the video. So it's all relative. But thanks for the compliments, thanks for watching, and I honestly appreciate the feedback. (Also, Sedona was incredible in the snow, for sure.)
@@JerryArizona Love your videos. They're packed with great info. Growing up in northern Arizona, I've been to a lot of the places you and Tina have visited. Hiking in the 70s and 80s wasn't nearly as crowded. If you guys get the chance, you should check out Fay Canyon past Boynton Canyon Road. There's a really cool arch bridge and ruins up there. I would bet it makes your top ten on a future video! 😉
Stay OUT OF OOUURRR AZ trails and spots! Locals only. We notice whos knew
I am all with you on West Fork, it is awesome! I like the idea of backpacking it now and will give that a go.
Absolutely wouldn't hike it any other way. Look for paths going up the banks for camping spots. They're easy to miss.
Very helpful! Thank you
Great list. I rank Bear Mountain a bit higher. The Bear + Doe combo makes for a solid day of hiking. That is my recommendation for people who have limited time or only one day
Couldn't agree more about devil's bridge. Highly overrated. I would have put robber's roost a little higher but otherwise great list. Great video. As usual. Would still love to see your editing process in a video.
Not sure I'd be good at that. This video was a nightmare. Recorded, edited, uploaded, watched....the audio was completely useless (too much echo). Had to start completely over from scratch.
One of these days though. I would like to make one about camera gear, shooting and editing. Just need to find the time. I've got about 6 or 7 videos shot that I need to edit right now.
Just got back from a trip to Sedona. It’s summer and monsoon season so we had devil’s bridge all to ourselves. I guess we lucked out.
I agree with you on Devils Bridge…..but I would have bear mountain in the top 3. It’s my fav. :)
I really prefer the views from Wilson. But I'll be back to Bear. Maybe to do Bear and Doe, or maybe just to do Grizzly (canyoneering route) off Bear. Or maybe both. It was also snow covered and slick when we were at Bear.
It's Sedona. Tough to go wrong.
Another kickass video! I'm ready for the Xmas party but never got my invitation in the mail? 😉 Timmy C Arizona
Thanks for sharing. We were there last week for 2 days. We hike Devil bridge, Boynton canyon and subway, Fay canyon and arch, birthing cave, church chapel, and slide rock.
Love Sedona! I'm so lucky it's such a (relatively) short drive from home.
I waited in suspense until the end equally wanting and not wanting West Fork to be #1. In six years living in AZ I still hadn't done that hike, and I was so looking forward to time I would. End of June I loaded up my motorcycle to camp out that way and headed out from Phoenix at 3am into the dark (which I don't like), and eventual cold (which isn't fun to ride in) only to get there dim and early to find Coconino National Forest had just been closed due to fires......NOOOOOOO!!! Still haven't got back out there (my own fault though). Thanks again for great vids. Great to see channel really taking off!
Thanks! You definitely need to do West Fork. And when you do, you need to at least go 6 miles in. Worth it.
Thanks I've done the Munds wagon to the Hanger twice 👌outstanding views
Head up to Probosis (sp?) arch and The Windows, if you haven't already.
I agree with your opinion on Devils Bridge… although I was there in the dead of summer this year and there was a line of 4 people… I guess Covid maybe had something to do with that… thanks for the video! I love Sedona, back this week!
Yeah, you can beat the crowds about anywhere with planning. Unfortunately when I went, I forgot to set my alarm and overslept. The plan was to get up really early to beat the crowds. So it's really my fault.
I'm thankful for this info., much appreciated. Zona
Love this video, but thanks for all the info!!! 5⭐'s
Your videos are great
Really loved the brins mesa And soldier pass loop. A lot of fun structures, lots of various foliage. It is a really poorly marked loop generally though. The spur trail off of soldier pass is even worse.
Perfect, going to Sedona in April.
Great video. Sedona is one of my favorite places. 7 years ago my husband proposed to me on Devils Bridge. It was a Friday. No one was up there. Just us and 2 other people. Crazy how busy Sedona has became just over a few years.
I bet it was awesome back then. Now, not so much. But there's still plenty to explore out there without crowds. Just takes more work now.
7 years ago? I think you were extremely lucky. Sedonas been overcrowded since the 80’s. Just gets worse every year. More concrete, less nature. If you didn’t see it in it’s prime you really missed out on its charm. Looking at it now makes me cry. Humans gotta ruin everything.
Hey Jerry! Thanks for all of your videos! They have been very helpful in our adventures. It looked like your group was carrying gear on the AB Young trail. Is there some Canyoneering off of that trail?
That was from Vultee's Ladder, a technical route we did last winter; up AB Young, rappel down to Dry Creek, take Vultee Arch to Sterling Pass and hitch back to AB Young. I have a video for it. (Probably the only Vultee's Ladder vid out there.) There are a few technical canyons up there. It was OK, but I've heard Illium and....it's another "I" canyon...from up there are better. Haven't done them yet.
Good info. I’ll be in Sedona in a couple days. That’s assuming The Devils Chasm goes well tomorrow.
Good luck! The Sierra Anchas are absolutely beautiful....but very rugged. There's a spot on that road that was almost washed out to where you could barely fit past it last time I was there. Make sure you have the turn off to get out of the wash marked on GPS. That's where people usually go wrong at Devil's Chasm. (Around 33.81306, -110.87616, start looking up to your right while looking up canyon for the turn off. May be ropes, may not be ropes.)
West Fork is our favorite hike. You are right on.
We need to through hike it one of these days. Been in maybe 12~14 miles, but never all the way.
those pink jeeps caused me much grief when my family ventured to the desert in arizona. we are from allahabad india and it is moist there comparatively. my son got dry mouth the whole time. venture with cation.
All great hikes. I was lucky to go to Devil's Bridge in 2014. We were there with 4 other people at the bridge. We hung around for about one hour. Still not many people. LOL Different today. West Fork is such an awesome hike. Love it.
I would put solders pass low on the list, but thats my personal opinion.
I've heard there are better ways to approach Soldier Pass. I need to give it another chance. Another place I hadn't been to when I made this video is Boynton. Absolutely amazing if you know the secret side trails.
Great and informative video, thank you. Quick question - what kind of snow cover should i expect in Sedona the third week of February. Thank you.
It all depends. Usually not too much, but storms can come in that time of year and dump a decent amount. Just check the weather for a while before your trip.
Kudos to you and Tina for hiking what I call the "butt crack" section going up tp Cathedral Rock in the snow! I thought it was sketchy enough on a dry, warm, sunny day.
It was tough. Saw people up there that day in boat shoes and no socks trying it. (Spoiler; they did not make it to the end.)
Great video and information.... what month was this? I travel from Michigan to do my hikes and thankful for your videos
You're welcome. This was shot over several years and many, many trips to Sedona. We're lucky enough to live a short 2 hour drive away, so we go often.
You must hike Parsons spring . 8 or 9 miles in and out . We saw a group of Boy Scouts and 2 other people the whole hike . West fork like with no crowds . hangover looks like a fun one ! Thx Jerry!
Backpacked it a few years ago. We need to go back. We were there in the winter so all the leaves were dead. I'm sure it's beautiful in the spring and fall.
@@JerryArizona I’ve got a killer picture that I took on the way out . All the trees were in full fall colors. Nov 3/ 19 . I wonder if the the fire hit that area ? The pools way back there are beautiful! We were going to go this nov . But we got the C so we were home for two weeks in prime leaf time . Good thing Aunt Iver. Mekton paid a visit ha ha !
ty for this Sedona video!, do you have any White tanks mountain reviews?
Haven't done them yet, but I will be backpacking out there sometime this winter.
Boynton Canyon and the subway/keyhole cave?!? The Solider Pass cave was also indeed awesome
Hadn't done that when I started making this video. However, Boynton and the Subway may be making an appearance on the channel soon.
Sorry Jerry, Soldiers Pass to Brins Mesa loop hike is way higher than you rate it. Park at the Jordan Road trailhead and avoid the crowds, and take Cibola Pass trail to start this loop hike. Includes Devil's Kitchen, and the Seven Sacred Pools. Soldiers Pass Arch and the cave behind the arch are a must do side trail. 5 miles round trip. This should be #3 in your list.
Can't disagree. I was just talking to Tina about how we need to go back and do that trail justice. I also want to take a couple technical canyoneering routes through there.
I agree with this and you can get up into that arch from soldiers pass
Agree completely, give it another shot. Also agree with number one, been backpacking into West Fork since the 80s. We have parked a car below Flagstaff and hiked to it from West Fork. We should have gone the other way, but we were young and stupid. Now we’re old and stupid! Next trip into West Fork, check out some of the side canyons after the 4th mile, some scrambling but well worth it. Happy Hiking!
Hi Jerry. I've been watching lot's of videos trying to plan for my hiking adventures next month in Flagstaff and Sedona. Your videos are by far the best I've come across. Would you be willing to answer a few questions for me to help me prepare? Thank you..
I can try. You can send me an e mail. (Address is in the channel description.)
I like the Broken Arrow trail.. not the Jeep one but the hiking one. Not too crowded, good views about, and a scenic vista at the end of it
I'll add that one to the list!
My sister and I somehow managed Devil's Bridge with only two other people on the trail. It was sunny and nice to boot. Granted it was over a decade ago.
Yeah. A lot easier back then. Nowadays, you need to get up really early, on a weekday, when the weather is bad.
Have been told that West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon, aka Trail108, is the heaviest used trail in the Red Rock Ranger District. It is gorgeous. There are strategies I will not divulge for evading the crowd. Going beyond the 3.2 mile recommended turnback puts you in the creek. No trail. No high ground. Be exquisitely aware of the potential for flash flood and ensuing consequence of getting caught.
Love West Fork. The beginning is crowded. Once you have to get in the water it gets interesting. Been all over up there. Some of the most incredible slot canyons I've ever been in (rope and gear required) empty into West Fork. Still haven't explored the whole canyon.
Nice video. Thanks...we found going to Devils Bridge was prettier going via Mescal Trail just up the road. FYI.
I'll look into it. It wasn't the hike that was the issue. Just the crowds at the bridge itself. Part of that was my fault though; I forgot to set my alarm, so I wasn't there early enough.
Love your videos. You say high clearance 4WD for Schnebly Road.....would a Ford Ranger 4X4 cut it? It's got 8.7 or 8.9 inches of clearance. We went about half way to the Devil's Bridge trailhead on the rocky part of Dry Creek Road before we chickened out and turned around. We really want to hike the Hangover Trail.. Thanks!
I think you'd be fine. Dry Creek Road definitely needs higher clearance. Schnebly is just bumpy to the point of being annoyingly slow. Worst case, you park at the Huckaby trailhead just past the round a bout and hike an extra mile or so (each way) up to Hangover.
Hey Jerrry when was the snow? Thanks for the video.
I think this was about three years ago, but not 100% sure. Well, for Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass. Bear Mountain was late last year/early this year.
I'm not a hiker but this video made me want to become one. I'm curious if you did the Boynton Canyon Secret Cave hike and what you thought about the place. I know many locals dislike tourists to go there.
Ironically I went to Boynton and the subway twice in the two weeks after making this video. I have a guide video for it even. Beautiful canyon.
Great videos! So far I've watched Sedona and Zion but I plan to watch all of them, very detailed and exactly the type of information me and my wife were looking for.
I do have a question about the tires on your 4runner, what tires are those? Is the truck/suv lifted?
Glad you're enjoying the videos. The 4Runner is leveled (not really lifted) and has Goodyear All-Terrain T/A K02 tires. We've gone through about 5 sets of them on 3 different Toyotas and absolutely love them.
@@JerryArizona Thank you, appreciate the response.
@@JerryArizona Do you have any videos on campgrounds? We’re planning our trip for May this year and would like to stay near Sedona, most of our hikes planned are in that area.
Cool video thanks for the info looking forward to some of these hikes. Was just wondering if getting to the hikes at 6am is a good thing?
For Sedona, it's almost required. At least not after 7AM. Lots of people plan a short hike in the morning and think they'll do another in the afternoon, but it's tough to find a parking spot by then. The shuttle system may help this, but I haven't tried it yet.
I guess I was lucky when I did Devils Bridge trail. There were hardly any people there and I was able to walk across the bridge. Can't remember what year it was but it was in June.
I remember my favorites when I hiked around Sedona in the 1970's included Loy Canyon and Boynton Canyon. I don't even know if those trails exist anymore.
They do! Done both, but didn't mention them here because of the ruins in Loy that I've hiked to and I ironically hadn't done Boynton until after this video was done. Boynton especially blew my mind. Some of the best views in Sedona.
@@JerryArizona Thanks for letting me know. Since retiring, I now live in southeastern AZ and will put them on my list to revisit.
Hi Jerry. Great video. I'll be in Sedona for first visit March 5-7. Leaning to doing Hangover Trail. No 4wd so I'll need to do roadwalk. What is early in Sedona standards to beat traffic and find parking? What parking area would you recommend? Thanks. Emet
I'd go for Huckaby/Bear Wallow up Schnebly just past the round about (before it turns to a dirt road.) I'd recommend 6AM or earlier. Definitely no later than 7AM to be safe.
Jerry, really enjoy your videos. Agree about West Fork...around every turn there's incredible scenery (and plenty of desert varnish). Just a quick question...which hand-held GPS unit would you recommend?
I swear by Gaia GPS on iPhone. Been using it for years now.
Thanks...I appreciate the response.@@JerryArizona
Thanks for the tips. Added a few to my Sedona trip list and deleted a few... If you didn't live in Arizona and had to choose between hiking Sedona area Vs. Southern Utah... What would you choose?
Oh man.....That's tough. I'm lucky enough to be able to access both. There is more to see in Southern Utah, but Sedona is really unique. Kinda touristy though, unless you backpack, canyoneer or know local info. Guess it depends on what you're seeing in southern Utah....Or combine them both.
@@JerryArizona 4 day trip booked. Arrive in Vegas 2-2-21 at 1:00AM... Drive directly to Zion for Angels landing (my last time with no permit needed), then drive to Sedona. Winging it from there but using this as my guide... Just ordered crampons. Think they will be needed for either Sedona trails or Zion AL?
What month did you do these hikes? Snow in January?? Thank you
Awesome video, I want to backpack West Fork so bad (done it as a day hike numerous times) but somebody said they don't want you to park in that paved parking area overnight. Is that true? I figured you must have parked there and it was ok.
You absolutely can park in the lot. Just tell them you're backpacking and pay for 2 days. We always park there.
Hiline trail, often abbreviated HT has amazing views of Cathedral and Bell Rock. Easy driving road, and somehow not a popular hike - probably medium difficulty.
hey, thanks for your content. I will be in Sedona next week, and I would like to ask you what hikes you recommend for someone to do it solo, with no guide. I have 7 and 8th free in the afternoon and I am deciding which places to go. I will have a car, but I am solo and I don't want to go to trails that are too isolated or risk getting lost. thanks!
West Fork Trail (go early) out and back as far as you want is a must. Just follow the creek. Most of the popular trails are pretty easy to follow and in or near town so it's hard to get lost. Sterling Pass, Secret Canyon and Hangover are the hardest to follow in this video (if memory serves me correctly). I'd also add Boynton Canyon to the list, but hadn't hiked it when I made this.
thank you, unfortunately I will be free for sunset on the days I am there, so I guess I will have to deal with the crowds. ;)
@@JerryArizona
Jerry, I'm coming up there on the 18th of February enjoyed your list and am wondering how the crowds are in February? Also curious if you've done the Boynton Canyon Trail to the Subway Cave? if so where would it fall in your list?
Sedona is popular and will be crowded almost all year. They get the occasional snowstorm that can lessen crowds. Just go early and realize if you plan a second or third hike in a day, the parking lots may be full. Ironically, I hiked Boynton for the first time the two weeks following making this video including two trips to the Subway Cave. Check out that video. Boynton is beautiful, and the subway is unique. I'd put it toward the top of the list. Maybe 8ish?
As a local, I am over joyed you did not mention my 4 faves. Which shall go unnamed. 😊
Definitely left a lot of the lesser known stuff off.
Thanks for the vid!
I apologize. What is the difference between “hiking” and “backpacking”? You mention both. Also. Do any of 5E services allow camping over night and are suitable for it… and maybe adding a hike to it the next day to go “deeper” in, or loop?
Hiking is just that. Hiking a trail, then going home. Backpacking involves bringing camping gear in your pack and setting up camp in the wilderness overnight. I'm not sure what you mean by "5E". I have backpacked West Fork several times. You have to go in at least 7 miles from the trailhead before they allow camping though. I've backpacked Secret Canyon and Wilson Mountain as well. There are plenty of places you can backpack in Sedona and you can really link any trails to do so, but I can't think of anything offhand that is a really long loop up there. Most I know can be day hiked or done in a single overnight. Sycamore Canyon is probably the longest set of trails I know in the area, but it's really rugged and the parts I've seen aren't as scenic as a lot of other trails in Sedona. For a first time backpacking trip, I usually recommend the Cabin Loop trail system or Horton Creek. Both are pretty straightforward and usually have plenty of accessible water. West Fork is also a good first trip, but finding camping spots can be tricky and you do a lot of off trail hiking in the creek so I'd recommend having someone who's backpacked before on that trip.
If you go back to Devil's Bridge for that photo, start at Mezcal Trailhead. Much more scenic. Cheers!
Good advice. Definitely need to go in another way.
Jerry, every video I’ve watched about Devil’s bridge recommends getting there early. I’ll be driving in from Phoenix, so how early is early? I’m just trying to plan accordingly. Thanks.
Man, I'd say in the off season, hit the trailhead around 5AM. Not sure during the busy season. Before sunrise? Devil's Bridge is crazy popular in an already popular location (Sedona).
Armando Tues, Mar 28, 2023 - We got to the parking lot by 6:15am with parking spots still avail. The lot was full before 6:30am
We parked at the Mescal trailhead and hiked to Devil's bridge. Total out and back is about 4.4 miles. We went on a Monday at about 7:45 AM. The crowd wasn't too bad and we found a parking spot right at the Mescal trailhead. We got our picture on Devil's bridge in under 10 minutes. If you get started around 6:30 the crowd would even be better. I suggest if you go back park at Mescal if you don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
All good suggestions. I overslept on my visit, so that's really on me.
Curious... would hiking West Fork in mid-october likely be wading through very cold water? Too cold?
I think you'd be fine. I've hiked in the water there in February and survived. October would be chilly, but not too bad at all. Plus, if you time it right, you'll get the leaves changing colors which is amazing.
Do traditional hiking boots work for west fork? Or do you recommend hiking/water shoes ?
I typically just have breathable, quick dry hiking shoes and wool socks for when I'm in the water. Sometimes I'll do wool socks and water sandals, but rocks have a tendency to get under my feet when I do that.
My wife and I will be going to Sedona for a week starting the day after Thanksgiving. Is that time of year still considered crowded and do you have to go early then to beat the crowds or have the crowd subsided for the year?
I'm not sure they have an off season up there. I'd still plan to go early. But you may luck out right after the holiday. It's not like Thanksgiving is the 4th of July or Memorial Day; it's usually spent at home with family instead of on vacation.
Have you ever done West Fork all the way through? I think it's some insane 12 miles or something, and it seemed to go on forever. We camped two nights.
I haven’t. Heard it’s pretty bushwhacky at the top. And I know it gets into a bunch of boulders hopping after you’ve gone in a good ways too. One of these days I will.
@@JerryArizona you will have to swim a bit, too.
Best choice for west fork.
You should definitely try Boynton canyon! You won’t regret it!
Been quite a few times, but somehow not until after making this video. Definitely a beautiful canyon.
@@JerryArizona did you dose up on the mystical power of the vortex on Boynton? I hear the Chamber of Commerce issues you a free Palm Reading, Fortune Teller, Crystal-selling business once you've reached a certain level.
Can you do the West Fork trail in the winter time?
You can as long as the snow isn't too high...or the spring run off. Probably would be OK now, although I'm sure that water is cold.
If you want switchbacks, try Snowcreek in Yosemite Valley - 2600 Ft of elevation change over 1.7miles and "106 switchbacks". True switchbacks - not just turns. I've counted them!
That's a hard pass from me.
For Devils bridge shortcut, is 4WD needed? I’ve got a 4Runner with 1” lift but it’s 2WD.
I've had people argue with me that you can get their with a regular 2WD truck. But when I was there last (a few months back), the row of rocks separating the paved and unpaved roads looked like it would require a high clearance 4WD to me. My recommendation is go really early and judge for yourself. If you don't think you can make it, park in the paved lot and walk from there.
I'll be in Sedona in March. Dead serious - I'd love to take you on a mountain bike ride. Nice, easy roll on smooth rock with awesome views and no danger (no Hangover trail, I'm not even sure I'm ready for that one...) 👍
In return, you show me a hike!
Whaddaya think? Dueling 4Runners in the parking lot?
I am not a mountain biker for a few reasons, not the least of which being that I'm horrible on a bike for some reason. Feel free to reach out if you're in town though.
We will be there at the beginning of January
Devils Bridge isn't even on my list. Don't feel bad about that Jerry
Waaaaay too crowded for my tastes, for sure. But then again, I overslept that day. Ironically, I just did the Wave Cave this morning and it was actually not too crowded when I was there because I got my lazy butt out of bed early. There are usually ways around the crowds if you work for it. (But yeah, not going back to Devil's Bridge.)
@@JerryArizona I'm a week day hiker which is how I normally get around it. Instagram ruined that particular location.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again… the pink jeeps have ruined Sedona…
Years ago we were our wheeling in Sedona. We get to the base of a hill, sat n watched the pink jeeps come down. I’m in an older Range Rover classic. Asked one of the pink Jeep drivers about going up the hill, he laughed and said no way. I told him I was gonna try. He gets on his radio, tells the others to stay up top. We go up the hill with no problem, pink Jeep guys are stunned. Lil bit later we park the truck to climb an overlook and take pics. My wife laughed and said “ look at your truck “! I look over and it is totally surrounded by pink jeeps! Still have pictures of it. Good iMessage.
All the new age tourists ruined it. Sending you tourists some bad juju. Rot.!
I want to know the best hike where I can drive my car.
Hi can I use my phone as a map in there like would I have a reception?Also I be coming in december how the weather is like cold/warm ?Thanks from UK
It'll be cold in the winter. Sedona gets snow (as you see in the video.) But that's really a prime time to hike out there (assuming they don't really get dumped on which doesn't happen too often.) I use Gaia on my iPhone. I think it costs about $40~50/year. Works off satellite, so you don't have to worry about signal. Regular signal is hit and miss out there. But most of the hikes are close to town and you shouldn't have an issue getting lost.
@@JerryArizona thank you for info I have seen it snows in Sedona but I think warmer around Tucson if it is around 15 C thats like summer weather for me so I would be very happy 😄🙈thank you
is there E. T. activity ? Native land is deserted around Phoenix...to camp,
I haven't seen anything strange on my adventures out there. Well, there was a random guy playing a flute out in the middle of nowhere and another naked guy in the middle of Oak Creek once.