Huckaby Trail

A little friendly advice if you decide to hike the Huckaby Trail in Sedona: Take a few steps, stop, look around, repeat.

Hikers who don't follow that advice risk the danger of tripping over rocks along the trail. Why? The breathtaking views constantly beg for your full attention.

Seemingly at every turn, another amazing view stands out.

The Huckaby Trail offers everything, too. Hikers tromp through Sedona's famous red earth, up rocky cliffs and back down to the tree-lined valley floor.

It gives hikers quiet solitude, but then gives away to noises and a bird's eye view of the city, before leading back to secluded areas where the Oak Creek rush is the only sound heard.

The trailhead is nicely maintained and offers a paved parking lot, restroom facility and plenty of maps and information at the kiosks. Several signs and cairns (rock-filled cylinder baskets) early on easily help hikers keep the trail, too.

Overall, the elevation change is just 200 feet, but that fact is a little misleading. The trail drops down into a wash at the beginning, winds back up a mountain and then down again. Except for the level stretch along Oak Creek, the terrain offers a nice variety.

Sedona's famous red mountains are beautiful. At the beginning of the trail, hikers get an up close look at Munds Mountain (better known as Snoopy Mountain). Snoopy from Peanuts fame rests atop the rock.

As the trail rounds a bend and climbs further up the mountain, the earlier quiet surrenders to the sounds of traffic along Highway 89A. This doesn't spoil anything, though. It offers expansive views from above of Sedona and nearby Coffeepot Rock and Steamboat Rock.

Those who pause to listen will notice a symphony. The man-made noise of traffic mixes with the echoes of the rushing waters of Oak Creek below.

For a short span, the trail leads through a burnt-out area. Blackened tree skeletons and patches of young shrubbery tell the story of a campfire that got out of control last summer. Luckily, the fire was contained early and didn't destroy much.

As the trail continues, it takes hikers around the mountain, offering a spectacular view of the Midgely Bridge spanning over the creek.

From there, the trail descends to creek level, and suddenly, you're peering up at Highway 89A.

This part of the hike is denser with trees. By mid-November, not all had turned, so those going this month might catch some colorful leaves.

The trail leads to the Midgely Bridge and runs into Oak Creek. A small footbridge connects to trails across the stream. This is the turn-around point for Huckaby Trail.

Playing at the creek is a fun break in the middle of a somewhat challenging hike.

Shutterbugs will want to have a few rolls of film just for this spot. In one direction, tall, rocky cliffs grow out of the tranquil, clear water. While looking the other way, visitors see the creek suddenly build steam and rush under the Midgely Bridge high above.

From the creek, about-face and head back. You'll discover plenty of beautiful views you missed coming in. (So save a few frames in that camera.)

Total hiking time is a little more than two hours (including stops to take in the scenery and to play at the creek.) The trail is well maintained with no true tricky spots.

From the Valley, take I-17 north to the Sedona exit (Highway 179). Near town, 179 turns left. As it does, keep straight and it becomes Schnebly Hill Road. (The bend to the left leads to the Highway 89A – you’ve gone too far). Follow Schnebly Hill Road less than a mile. The trailhead parking lot is on the left.

This hike was featured December 2001.