Hiline Trail & The Cathedral Loop

GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE!

The Hiline is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. It is well marked and easy to follow. Moderately used by both hikers and mountain bikes, the uncrowded Hiline offers spectacular views, sections of open slickrock, and some exciting single-track for the bikes.

The Hiline Trail is part of what I call the Cathedral Loop -- one of my personal favorites! It can also be done as a point-to-point hike with a shuttle vehicle parked at the Baldwin Butte trailhead. Of course, you could do the Hiline as an out-and-back from Yavapai Vista. The first two options are described below.

FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

Yavapai Vista parking area is located on Hwy 179 just north of the Village of Oak Creek. There are eight system trails that can be accessed from this one parking area. A Red Rock or America the Beautiful Pass is require to park here.

The only trail at Yavapai Vista that is rated as difficult is the Hiline, which climbs up and over the saddle between Cathedral Rock and Seven Warriors Mesa. It comes to an end when it intersects with the Baldwin Loop.

The interwoven network of short trails can be a little confusing as you leave Yavapai Vista, so be sure you get on the right trail by paying close attention to the signs starting out. Regardless of which short trail you take from the parking area, they all lead to the Slim Shady Trail. Once you intersect Slim Shady head to the left and after a short distance you will see sign for Hiline.

HILINE TRAIL AS A POINT-TO-POINT

NOTE: the description below assumes you have parked a 2nd shuttle vehicle at the Baldwin Butte parking area, located at the end of Verde Valley School Rd.

Starting at Yavapai Vista take either the Kaibab or Basalt trail approximately .3 miles, following the signs to a junction with Hiline. The uphill climb begins almost as soon as you make the turn onto Hiline.

Along the way the trail follows the contour of the cliff edge, topping out into the saddle at the far end of Seven Warriors Mesa. There are amazing views all around.

The trail then descends the other side of the ridge, navigating a long stretch of slick rock as well as several steep chutes. It's on the descent to the Baldwin Loop Trail that bikes will encounter "expert" sections of the Hiline. Know your ability and walk the bike where necessary.

GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!

Once you intersect the Baldwin Loop you can go in either direction to reach your shuttle vehicle. However, turning right will take you down by the swimming holes along Oak Creek. The opportunity to take a dip and enjoy the cool shade in this section of the trail is wonderful in the summer months.

HIKE DETAILS

HIKE RATING: Difficult due to distance, steep elevation gain and lack of shade over most of the route

BIKE RATING: Expert. Riding the slickrock at the top is easy and fun, but getting up there on a bike is difficult.

TOTAL DISTANCE
4.3 miles one way

ELEVATION GAIN
950 ft one way

EST HIKING TIME
2-3 hours one way

BEST TIME TO GO
September-May

PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet.

THE CATHEDRAL LOOP:
HILINE to BALDWIN to TEMPLETON to HERMIT

For any serious hiker/photographer this loop is the ULTIMATE way to see Cathedral Rock, since it is easy to take a side trip up to the saddle while you're at it. Doing so would add approximately .5 miles (and 500 feet of elevation gain) to the hike below, but you will have seen Cathedral Rock from every angle while enjoying a fair amount of solitude along the way.

HIKE RATING: Difficult due to distance, steep elevation gain and lack of shade
BIKE RATING: Easy to moderate with EXPERT sections

GPS FOR HILINE TRAILHEAD
34.80464 -111.77128

TOTAL DISTANCE
7.2 miles

ELEVATION GAIN
1035 ft

EST HIKING TIME
5 hours round trip