Sacred Mountain

The ruins of an ancient pueblo and sweeping views of the Mogollon Rim top off your journey up the side of this 'glowing' white rock

Sedona hikers don't live by red rocks alone. About 18 miles to the southeast stands Sacred Mountain, a white rock said to "glow" when the light hits it just so, particularly in the twilight hours of early evening. A trail leads you up the butte - a not-too-strenuous walk on a moderate incline until you near the summit, where you reach what looks like a steep wall, but don't be fooled. There's a simple, direct path to the top here; it's just very easy to overlook.

Your hike begins at a fence; park your vehicle there, go through the gate, and head toward the white mountain to your right. The footing is a little uncomfortable if you're not wearing hiking boots - much of the path is covered by awkwardly shaped rocks - but it's not too long before you reach the portion of the trail leading upward.

At a certain point - probably 95 percent of the way up - the trail seems to stop, and it looks like a steep hands-and-feet scramble the rest of the way. The more intrepid member of our party went exploring, and actually went all the way around the mountain looking for alternate ways up. Only then did we see the simplest path up was actually just a few feet from where the trail seemed to "end." If you reach that point, backtrack a little bit and keep a sharp eye for a path that veers around to the left and up. It's a gradual incline that leads directly to the flat surface atop the butte with ease.

At the top, where the footing is very good, roam around to see divine views on all sides of the surrounding Mogollan Rim, as well as the ruins of an ancient Pueblo - not restored, but now protected by Federal law, so treat them with respect. To do any less and tarnish the historic richness and beauty of Sacred Mountain would be unbearably profane.

DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 89A south of the "Y," a little less than 15 miles. Go under I-17 onto FR 618. Pass the bridge (beyond the end of the paved road) and continue until you can make a left onto FR 9201A. Drive right up to the gate in the fence. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking.

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