Marg's Draw
A system trail in the Coconino National Forest, Marg's Draw is designated as Trail #163. It is scenic, well marked and easy to follow. It can be accessed from the Broken Arrow Trailhead, the Sombart Lane Trailhead or from the Schnebly Hill Trailhead. Late afternoon light (shown below) is especially good for photographers.
The shocking thing about Marg's Draw is that it's right in the middle of town, family friendly, incredibly beautiful, AND LIGHTLY USED! It's a hiker's fantasy come true, but it doesn't get the love it deserves. Most of the trail goes through wilderness, so mountain bikes are not allowed, further reducing the amount of traffic. Visitors staying at the Arabella or the hotels in Uptown can hike Marg's Draw right from their accommodations -- without a vehicle.
Shade is scarce here, but nice red rock views open up as the trail winds its way north across a nearly flat expanse dotted with juniper, pinyon pine and Arizona cypress. Depending on which section of the trail you're on there are outstanding views of Uptown Sedona, Thunder Mountain (shown above), Wilson Mountain, Steamboat Rock, Mitten Ridge and Battlement Mesa. The hike can be extended to the north using the Huckaby Trail, and to the south using Broken Arrow.
From Schnebly Hill the trail traverses relatively flat terrain below the rugged spires of Battlement Mesa (shown above) then follows the western edge of Munds Mountain, which is fluted with a number of deep ravines that form dramatic fins. Social trails branching off to the Solitude Rocks and Snoopy Rock make great side trips. We cover these side trips on separate pages.
FINDING THE TRAILHEADS
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Broken Arrow Trailhead: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179 (the "Y"), take 179 south 1.4 miles to Morgan Road on the left (east). Go 0.6 miles to end of pavement, cross the cattle guard and continue for another 80 yards to trailhead parking on the left.
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Sombart Lane Trailhead: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179 (the "Y"), take 179 south 0.7 miles to Sombart Lane on the left. Follow Sombart for 0.1 miles to signed trailhead parking area on the left.
- Schnebly Hill Trailhead (GPS 34.86630 -111.74860): From the junction of Routes 89A and 179 (the "Y"), take 179 south 0.3 miles. Go left on Schnebly Hill Road (the round-about just across the Oak Creek Bridge) and go 0.8 miles. Take the turnoff on the left signed for Margs and Huckaby Trails. Trail directional signs begin by the kiosk.
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!
HIKE DETAILS
RATED: Easy
TOTAL DISTANCE
4 miles out and back
ELEVATION GAIN
385 ft roundtrip
EST HIKING TIME
2-3 hours roundtrip
BEST TIME TO GO
Sept - May. Hike early in the morning to avoid the summer heat.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed. Please pick up after your pet.