Schnebly Hill Trail

When there's snow on the ground, this hike shows you a Sedona where magic's in the air

We all know Old Man Winter is a cold-hearted sort, but clearly he has a soft spot for Sedona hikers. When blustery conditions force closure of a portion of Schnebly Hill Rd. to cars in the early part of the year, Schnebly Hill Trail becomes a walkers' wonderland. Fewer cars means less noise, dust, and foot traffic - a dream scenario, since the trail leads to uninterrupted, practically aerial Sedona views (mornings offer the best light for photos) that'll warm your heart. One bit of friendly advice, though: If heights make you quiver, sit this one out; some parts of the trail might stop your heart.Schnebly Hill Trail begins at the upper trailhead for the Munds Wagon Trail, about five miles up the bumpy but scenic Schnebly Hill Rd. After a few snowstorms the Forest Service shuts down a portion of the trail - on our visit, the road was blocked by a locked gate at Merry-Go-Round Rock. Park at Merry-Go-Round, walk around the gate and trek one-third of a mile up Schnebly Hill Rd. The trail will be on your right, marked by a small metal sign. You add some distance to the trail if you choose to hike it in the winter - your hike measures 5.5 miles round-trip if you start at Merry-Go-Round Rock - but we think it's worth it.

The trail climbs over 800 feet to the top of the Mogollon Rim and it's quite narrow, generally only wide enough for one hiker. In some places it hugs the sides of the canyon walls with a sheer drop on one side so acrophobics beware. And during our hike there was still plenty of snow left on the ground at this elevation and we spotted dozens of animal tracks - watch for deer, bobcat, fox, and coyote tracks on the trail. Still, your effort will be rewarded when you get an eyeful of the views - you can see nearly every major rock formation in Sedona from here. After about 1.5 miles the trail splits - take the right spur with the sign marked Jack's Canyon and Hot Loop Trail. The trail levels out a bit at this point and you'll be in a thick pine forest with interesting volcanic rock outcroppings on both sides. You will pass through two cattle gates and walk by Committee Tank (a wildlife watering hole that was frozen during our visit) before heading out on a thin ridge that connects the Rim to Lee's Mountain. Look to your right for views of the red rocks, Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, Cottonwood, and Jerome. To your left you will see Jack's Canyon far below. Glance over your shoulder and the snow-capped San Francisco Peaks are in the distance. The trail meets up with Jack's Canyon and Hot Loop trails along this ridge, both of which end in the Village of Oak Creek. Park a second car at one of these trailheads for a full-day hike or make this your spot to turn around.

DIRECTIONS: Head up Schnebly Hill Rd. (four-wheel drive is recommended) and park at Merry-Go-Round Rock (five miles) if you go in the winter. In other seasons, park at the upper Munds Wagon trailhead. Schnebly Hill Trail is on the east side of the road. Expect to encounter snow in the winter, even if there's none falling in Sedona. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking in both areas; passes are not sold at the trailhead.

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