Turkey Creek & House Mountain

Turkey Creek is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest. Designated as Trail #92, this is one of the least used trails in Sedona. The area is wonderfully secluded and offers some interesting geology. I've only hiked this area three times and thoroughly enjoyed it, but I don't have any photos to show at the moment.
 
The unshaded trail winds in a southwesterly direction with some gentle ups and downs for 1.5 miles to the Turkey Creek Tank. This section of the trail offers two easy loops that are most often used by mountain bikers. 
 
At 2.25 miles, the trail begins a moderately steep switchback ascent of the north face of House Mountain, a long extinct shield volcano. There are fine views of nearby red rock formations as well as more distant vistas north toward Wilson and Secret Mountains. 
 
The trail reaches the crest at nearly 3 miles and begins a gradual descent over basaltic lava. Soon the view over the ancient, heavily eroded caldera opens up and the opposite rim, dominated by the lava outcrop which gave the mountain its name, is visible. The trail continues, but this is a good stopping point. Return by the same route for a 6 mile roundtrip hike. This hike can be very hot in summer.
 

FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

Turn right at the traffic signal on Verde Valley School Road. Go 4.1 miles to an unpaved road on left signed for Turkey Creek Trail. Take this unpaved road (rough but passable by any vehicle) 0.5 miles and take left fork 100 feet to road's end.
 

HIKE DETAILS

RATED:
Easy for the loops below House Mountain 
Difficult for House Mountain due to elevation gain, lack of shade and remote area.
 
TOTAL DISTANCE
5.6 miles one way to the summit of House Mountain
 
ELEVATION GAIN
1510 ft to summit of House Mountain
 
EST HIKING TIME
6 hours round trip to the summit of House Mountain
 
BEST TIME TO GO
September-May. This trail can be extremely hot in summer.
 
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times. Please pick up after your pet.