Submarine Rock Trail

On a blustery day, this easy-to-reach hike offers a bird's-eye view of A snow-covered Sedona that just may give you chills

Hikers in Sedona savor their views on the rocks - and know the landscape looks even cooler when you toss in a hint of ice.

Now, we're not suggesting you put yourself at risk of serious slipping and sliding on the trail. But Sedona's occasional snowfall offers a fleeting opportunity to drink in some magical sights before they quickly melt away. One favorite on a snow day is the view from Submarine Rock.

For starters, you can pretty much count on being able to get to it in snowy conditions - many lovely winter trails in Sedona become inaccessible if the Forest Service restricts vehicle access. But Submarine Rock Trail's parking, at roadside, is a safe bet to be open. The trail is fairly flat, so footing is decent. And, while it's gorgeous any day, the trail also hosts jeep tours and mountain bikers; on a snow day, it's that much more serene with vehicles out of the picture.

The two-mile round-trip trek to Submarine Rock - so named for its porthole-like crannies and its seeming rise, appropriately for Beatles fans, out of a "sea of green" trees - begins on Broken Arrow Trail, veering off to the left after about three-quarters of a mile (watch for signs). The early portion climbs gradually, skirting the red cliffs of Battlement Mesa and traversing slick rock, sandy washes and piles of red rocks separated over the years from above. Waterfalls and streams, especially after a storm, add a soothing touch. Also watch for the Devil's Dining Room, a gigantic sinkhole home to several species of bats.

The trail will bring you to the base of the "conning tower" of the submarine; take the easy climb to the top for some stunning views, snow or no. Nestled in Munds Mountain Wilderness, you're close enough to town to be surrounded by crimson cliffs, green pines, and views of West Sedona. When the weather warms, it's a great spot to have a picnic and wait for a sunset that'll melt cares away.

DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 179 to Morgan Rd. and turn east. Follow Morgan Rd. for two miles until the pavement ends; continue onto the very short dirt road until you reach the parking lot to your left. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking; passes are not sold at the trailhead.

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