HARDING SPRINGS TRAIL (HT)This trail starts just north of Cave Springs campground across hwy 89A, and is a nice morning hike. It climbs QUICKLY in the
forest ponderosa and then tops out for a nice view. Namesake springs are 1/4m north next to creek. You can continue north on-top to the
Cookstove Trail that drops to 89A at Pine Flat campground. Both 800ft climbs.
DIRECTIONS: Drive north of Sedona into the canyon almost up to the switchbacks; park outside of Cave Springs Campground.
THOMAS POINT CANYON TRAIL (TP)This one's a favorite. It QUICKLY climbs through ponderosa pines. Then it goes along the steep canyon sides, only to return BACK into the forest up on top. What
pretty views on top where you can hike back to I-17. You almost don't want to stop! Bring
binoculars for the view. 800ft climb.
DIRECTIONS: Drive about 2/3 the way up Oak Creek Canyon to West Fork (big parking area). Park. Then cross the grassy field and walk south along 89A about 1/4m. Cross the highway and climb!
WILSON MOUNTAIN TRAIL (MB)This trail can start at either Encino Day Use Area or Midgley Bridge parking (both about 1700ft climb). The Encino choice is a
harder climb but faster. Both end up on top of
Wilson 'Bench' and then climb again onto Wilson Mountain. On clear days you can see 40-50m:
thrilling. NOTE: With a recent fire, trails may be restricted to allow re-growth. Watch for signs.
DIRECTIONS: Midgley Bridge parking is about 1m north of Sedona on the left; Encino is further up, after you pass Indian Gardens.
YOUNG (AB) CANYON TRAIL (YG)This trail leaves from the Bootlegger Campground area after you cross the creek. If you want a
STEEP climb, this will meet your needs! It tops out on
East Pocket Knob at 7,200ft where there's a lookout tower and a beautiful view. 2000ft climb. If you're still rambunctious, it connects to a series of forest roads: nice stroll!
DIRECTIONS: Drive about 1/2 way up Oak Creek Canyon on hwy 89A. Park right outside of Bootlegger Campground (or camp there!). Take water!
MORE INFO
AB Young Trail This trail was originally built by Bear Howard in the 1880s to allow getting up on top to summer pasturage. When the forest reserve/service came in, the crew fixed up the trail and re-named it for the crew head. In recent years, the forest service is considering re-naming it back to the original name.
Purtymon Trail This trail isn't a marked trail but is quite old. It begins on the east side of hwy 89A in Oak Creek Canyon across from Junipine. You'll need to search around a bit to find the trailhead. It's supposed to be the
steepest trail in Arizona, rising to the rim in less than a mile. It was created by the Steve Purtymons whose homestead is located on the west side of the creek behind Junipine. This was their trail up to Flagstaff. Inside the homestead (still standing) is an old iron stove that came
down that trail per Lois Purtymon!
MORE HISTORY!
Sterling Pass Trail leaves across from Bootlegger campground, climbs about 1100ft and then crosses into Dry Creek basin. Vultee natural bridge is about mid-way, named for a Vultee aircraft executive and wife who crashed in the area. Due to a 2006 fire, access may be restricted.
Thompson Ladder Trail This was an early trail to more quickly shuffle 'stuff' down into the canyon, after wagoning from Flagstaff. The 'ladder' is from a series of steps. Park south of Creekside Village (near Dairy Queen); not at Creekside's entrance! Then climb down and cross creek, going up other side. Trail is not well marked, trying to stay on public land. It climbs north side of Munds canyon.
