Brin's Mesa Trail
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE!
Brin’s Mesa is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest, designated as Trail #119. It is well marked with signs and easy to follow. This is actually an old pioneer route connects all the way to the Jim Thompson trailhead in Uptown Sedona, 4.5 miles away. Because this was an old wagon road, the Brins Mesa Trail is still listed on Google Earth as Buena Vista Drive.
Brin’s Mesa is a system trail in the Coconino National Forest, designated as Trail #119. It is well marked with signs and easy to follow. This is actually an old pioneer route connects all the way to the Jim Thompson trailhead in Uptown Sedona, 4.5 miles away. Because this was an old wagon road, the Brins Mesa Trail is still listed on Google Earth as Buena Vista Drive.
These days the Brins Mesa Trail passes through a designated wilderness area, so wagons and mountain bikes are not allowed here. There is a parking area at each end of the trail (see map below) and most visitors doing the full trail park a vehicle at both ends and hike Brins Mesa point to point, in which case it is 4.5 miles one way.
The trail takes a long slow climb to the high point, where it intersects with the Soldier’s Pass Trail. It then makes a long slow descent to the Jim Thompson trailhead. The Brins Mesa Trail is heavily used at the Uptown end, but out here on the Dry Creek end there is never a crowd.
Where did the name "Brins" Mesa come from? This area was named for a "brindle colored" cow that used to like escaping from its owner and wandering up here.
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD
The designated parking area on FR 152 is approximately 1.5 miles from the the turnoff on Dry Creek Road. Very quickly this turns into a high clearance 4x4 road. Expect to be bounced around quite a bit! The large parking area is rarely full and no pass is required. The trail heads east toward Uptown Sedona directly from the dirt parking area.
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER"S GUIDE!
HIKE DETAILS
NOTE: A high clearance 4x4 vehicle is required to access this trailhead.
RATED: Easy one way. Moderate point to point due to length and elevation gain.
TOTAL DISTANCE
4.5 miles point to point
9 miles out and back
4.5 miles point to point
9 miles out and back
ELEVATION GAIN
480 ft point to point
950 ft out and back
480 ft point to point
950 ft out and back
EST HIKING TIME
5-6 hours out and back
5-6 hours out and back
BEST TIME TO GO
Sept-May
Sept-May
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.