Trail Of The Year
GET THE GPS TRACK FOR EVERY TRAIL IN SEDONA INCLUDED WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE WANDERER'S GUIDE!
Trail of the Year (author's name) is a spectacular social trail leading to a knife-edged ridge with a 360 degree view. Located just off the Brins Mesa trail, this route is easy to find but seldom used. This is only because not many people know about it! The exhilaration of waking along the narrow top (shown below) makes the steep climb to get up here worth it.
To reach this location take the Brins Mesa trail to the pass and look for a social trail heading west through low manzanita brush. This trail can be a little tricky to follow, so any time you start to lose the track, stop and look around. From the beginning of the social trail to the top of the ridge should take no more than 30 minutes.
FINDING THE TRAILHEAD
The best place to park is the Jim Thompson Trailhead. From Uptown Sedona take Jordan Rd to the end and turn left on W. Park Ridge Dr. Follow that to the Forest Service parking area at the end of the road.
The best light for photographers occurs in the late afternoon, so arrive at the heavily used parking area approximately 3-4 hours before sunset. The crowd is starting to thin out by this time of day, and there is no danger of getting lost if part of the hike back is in the dark. Just be sure to bring a flashlight, because the Brins Mesa trails is easy to follow but rocky.
HIKE DETAILS
RATED: Moderate due to elevation gain, a steep climb,
minor route finding and some light brush.
minor route finding and some light brush.
TOTAL DISTANCE
3.8 miles roundtrip
3.8 miles roundtrip
ELEVATION GAIN
863 ft.
863 ft.
EST. HIKING TIME
3-4 hrs
3-4 hrs
BEST TIME TO GO
Oct - Apr. There is no shade on this route.
Late afternoon light is best.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.
Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.
Oct - Apr. There is no shade on this route.
Late afternoon light is best.
PET FRIENDLY
Yes. Must be leashed at all times.
Please pick up after your pet and pack it out.