The Schnebly Windows
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The Schnebly Windows are a series of three picturesque arches (shown below) overlooking Sedona. They are reached via a social route branching off the Hangover system trail. Although getting here requires a steep uphill hike that is rated as difficult, we consider the Windows and Proboscis Arch to be one of the Top 20 photo locations in Sedona.
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD
Hikers can reach the Windows and Probiscus Arch via the Munds Wagon Trail to Hangover, which can be accessed from several parking areas along Schnebly Hill Rd. Only the first one can be reached without a high clearance 4x4.
From the junction of Hwy 89A and 179 (the double roundabout), take Hwy 179 south, cross the bridge over Oak Creek, and exit left onto Schnebly Hill Rd at the next roundabout.
Take the paved portion of Schnebly Hill Rd approximately .5 miles to the paved parking area on the left just before the road turns to dirt. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park here. If you have a high clearance 4x4 you can park free of charge higher up on Schnebly Hill.
Start out on the Munds Wagon Trail. After approximately 1.5 miles take the Hangover Trail branching to the left. Follow Hangover uphill to the first big saddle of Mitten Ridge. From the saddle find a well established social trail heading uphill on the sandstone butte to the left. This trail will get you started, but it quickly disappears into a series of rock ledges. From here you just have to find your way up as best you can, but the point of the ridge generally offers the easiest route.
Proboscis Arch is the first one you will come to near the top of the butte. It's a relatively short walk from there to wrap around the south side of the butte to reach the other two arches. Be sure to stay right up along the base of the caprock to find the arches that are hidden in the middle of walk (shown below).
HIKE DETAILS
RATED: Difficult due to elevation gain, some Class II scrambling,
and route finding.
and route finding.
TRAIL TYPE: Social
TOTAL DISTANCE
5.6 miles roundtrip from the paved parking area. 2.6 miles from the upper parking area (high clearance 4x4 required)
ELEVATION GAIN
875 ft (from paved parking)
EST HIKING TIME
4 hrs roundtrip (from paved parking)
BEST TIME TO GO
Sep-May. There is virtually no shade on this route.
PET FRIENDLY
No. Getting to the Windows requires scrambling on rock ledges.