Brewer Trail

Brewer Trail
The short and sweet Brewer Trail offers expansive views of the sky and red rocks.

Seeking solitude, a short hike and stellar red rock views? Then hike this trail.

 

ARTICLE BY TERESA K. TRAVERSE. PHOTOGRAPHS BY DEB WEINKAUFF.


Believe it or not, there is a trail you can hike if you’re searching for solitude and happen to be on Airport Road: the Brewer Trail. We only spotted two couples on our short hike. After parking on Airport Road, head to your left to start your journey on the Brewer Trail. Almost immediately on your jaunt, you’ll see a tremendous view of Capitol Butte or Thunder Mountain on your left. Be sure to pause to take it all in. It’s quite the sight and one of our favorite in all of Red Rock Country. At about 0.1 miles, the Brewer Trail intersects with the Sedona View Trail. Head to your left and hug the base of a red rock formation.

Brewer Trail

A red rock view of the Village of Oak Creek as seen from the trail.

Not long after that, you’ll spot some of the Village of Oak Creek’s signature red rock formations like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Take the time to appreciate those views. What amazed us here was how quickly we left behind bustling Airport Road and were immersed in nature. Expect to just hear the sound of your footsteps on the ground as you hike. We even heard a person playing a wood flute. There’s almost no shade so be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat.

Brewer Trail

Cactus and red rock vistas.

You’ll begin to descend at about 0.4 miles. The trail gets rocky and steep here. At 0.6 miles, you’ll see a wire fence on your right. The trail then winds to the left. Even if you don’t see any mountain bikers, you’ll for sure see their tire tracks. The Brewer Trail comes to an end at Brewer Road. Turn around and head back the way you came. Anticipate a rocky, uphill climb that’s blessedly short.
When you reach the red rock formation, stay to your left to continue on the Brewer Trail. Return to the parking lot for a hike that’s 1.5 miles. If you’d like a longer hike, consider trekking the 1.2 mile out-and-back Sedona View Trail. Or you can complete a longer 3.2 miles long Airport Loop Trail. No matter what trail you pick, all of the views are magnificent.

Brewer Trail

A red rock scene from the Brewer Trail.

DIRECTIONS: From West Sedona, head east on AZ-89A and turn right onto Airport Road. From there, park in one of the parking spaces on your left. If there aren’t any left, you can head to the top of Airport Road and turn around. Many people park, get out to take pictures and then leave. You also can park at the Sedona Overlook Parking Lot for $3. You just have to complete the short Sedona View Trail to reach the Brewer Trail.

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