Mescal Mountain

Standing to the north and west of Sedona, Mescal Mountain offers an unusual variety of breathtaking views that are hard to top – even if they're reserved for those who won't find reaching the top too hard.

The good news is that even if you can't claw your way to the end, your consolation prize is gorgeous, if obstructed, views that justify even a partial walk up Mescal's steep side.

Getting to the start of the trail, at least, is a cinch: The paved Long Canyon Road takes you right up to the parking area. From there, begin walking on what feels like powdery sand (which gets all over you quickly). The second "Trail" sign you will see has an arrow directing you to go through an old fence – don't. Go straight, parallel to the fence.

As you head up Mescal, gray rocks make the footing a little uncomfortable. It'll start getting steep, but you won't need your hands yet.

You'll finally reach a tiny ruin, sitting under a natural landing. When you get above it, you'll have a decent view of Jerome straight ahead and the Seven Canyons golf resort behind you. If you call it a day here, it's not a bad payoff. But if you can, go higher.

To your left, still a good walk away, is your destination, the top of the mesa. Go about 3/4 of the way up, and you can walk around the mountain for a view of Enchantment Resort. Or, go for the gusto. If there's an easy way up to the top from here, we didn't find it. (We also saw what looked like mountain lion tracks.) But once you make the climb, the payoff is sublime: unobstructed eyefuls of the landmarks mentioned above, plus Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Going down is less taxing (we marked our point of ascent with cairns so we knew where to find it). With views this spectacular, though, what's the rush? •

DIRECTIONS: Take 89A toward Cottonwood to Dry Creek Rd. Turn right and follow Dry Creek Rd. until you reach Long Canyon Rd. Turn right onto Long Canyon Rd., and take it a little more than half a mile, where you'll see a small parking area on your left. Pull in and park (a Red Rock Pass is required).

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