Witches Mountain

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 Witches Mountain is a prominent rock formation that is easily visible from West Sedona. It is the sharply pointed peak just east of Thunder Mountain. The summit of this amazing peak can be reached via an extreme social route that is only suitable for advanced hikers with experience in Southwest terrain.  

  
The summit of Witches Mountain offers one of the most beautiful views in Sedona.

Towering over The Fin, Witches Mountain offers one of the Sedona's best views (shown above). To reach the summit head north from the Sugarloaf Trailhead to the Thunder Mountain trail. Turn west on Thunder Mountain and take the first wash on the left, heading north again.

Follow this wash toward the pass between Thunder Mountain and Witches Mountain. You'll need to exit the wash from time to time to go around brush, but stay in the wash until you are almost to the top of the pass. As you approach the top you may be tempted to get out on the right side and start a more direct line to Witches Mountain. This first apparent social trail will prove disappointing.
  The view from the top of Thunder Pass

Stay in the wash a little longer and you'll be richly rewarded with a great view of Thunder Mountain (shown above) and a relatively easy path to the final approach. From there you just have to find your own way. The photo below was captured from the summit of Thunder Mountain and shows the approximate route, but you'll have to wrap a little more to the east than it appears in this image.

View of Witches Mountain from the summit of Thunder Mountain

FINDING THE TRAILHEAD

The best place to park is the incredibly tiny lot at the Sugarloaf Trailhead on Buena Vista Drive. To reach this parking area take Hwy 89A in West Sedona and turn north on Coffee Pot. Proceed to the stop sign and turn left on Sanborn. Take the second right on Little Elf and proceed to Buena Vista Drive. Turn right on Buena Vista and the parking area is on the left. A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park here.
 
 

HIKE DETAILS

RATED: 
EXTREME due to route finding, a steep climb and dangerous cliffs.
This route should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
  
TOTAL DISTANCE
3 miles roundtrip
 
ELEVATION GAIN
1338 ft one way
 
EST. HIKING TIME
3 - 4 hrs
 
BEST TIME TO GO
Oct - Apr. Late afternoon light is best.
 
PET FRIENDLY
No