Munds Wagon Trail

An ex-cattle path steers you right to the 'Cowpies' and other grade-A choice landmarks

Hiking Munds Wagon Trail is a little like finding a Sedona time machine. In the late 1800s, rancher Jim Munds ushered his cattle to the lush mountain meadows on the Mogollon Rim along this very same Bear Wallow Canyon route. In 1896, Munds launched a construction project that by 1902 had transformed the rough, steep trail into a wagon road that made it much easier for Verde Valley homesteaders to bring produce and livestock to market in Flagstaff.

When the road up Oak Creek Canyon opened in 1914, Munds Wagon Rd. was displaced as the primary route from Sedona to Flagstaff. With the construction of the current Schnebly Hill Rd. in the 1930s, the older Munds Wagon Rd. was neglected and fell into disrepair. In recent years, the National Civilian Community Corps and U.S. Forest Service restored the trail, now recognized as historic by the state.

With no cattle to mind, those who hoof it today can focus on amazing views of Mitten Ridge and the Munds Mountain wilderness. The roughly four-mile (one-way) trek takes you past the "Cowpies" and Merry-Go-Round Rock before connecting with Schnebly Hill Trail. Look also for original retaining walls built by the pioneers; many are still standing. The trail rises about 1,000 feet; you can park at either end, so you can climb first and go downhill back to your car, or vice versa. Use of non-motorized vehicles on the trail is permitted.

Hungry for more local history? On Schnebly Hill Rd., go about a mile past Schnebly Hill Vista and you'll be looking at Sedona from roughly the same spot William Boyd did as Hopalong Cassidy in Texas Trail in 1937!

Directions: Head south from the 'Y' on Hwy. 179; turn left onto Schnebly Hill Rd., just past Tlaquepaque. (Warning: Schnebly Hill Rd. is paved for only its first mile and is a very challenging ride if you're not in a SUV.) At 4.5-miles you'll see a road gate; continue about .6 miles ahead to the parking area on your left. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking. Walk back down the hill approximately 85 yards; look for the metal trailhead sign on your right.

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