Hiking/Biking, Sedona

Some tips to know before you venture out onto the trails:
Make sure to inquire about trail conditions before you hike. Check with the Coconino National Forest Service rangers at (928) 282-4119 or (928) 203-7500.
Wear sturdy, hiking boots with good traction and ankle support.
Carry plenty of water no matter the season.
Protect yourself from the elements. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Leave word with someone about where you are going and when you expect to be back.
Watch for lightening during the summer monsoon thunderstorm season. Read up on lightning safety before you hike.
Watch your footing on trails.

VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER:
331 Forest Road, Sedona, AZ
Call (800) 288-7336 or (928) 282-7722

The Trail to the Creek at Slide Rock State Park is very short but also very steep and rocky. Keep a close eye on the kids and anyone with problems keeping their balance or walking on uneven ground.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water.

The Pendley Homestead Trail is a short paved trail leading from the parking area to the homestead. You must go down the Pendley Homestead trail to get to any other trail in the park. This trail is wheelchair accessible.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water.

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There are a few diferent short trails on Slide Rock State Park. The Cliff Top Trail is a 3/8 mile loop and as the name implies it follows the top of the cliff overlooking the creek. The first 75 feet is paved and wheelchair accessible and leads to a scenic overlook.

Equipment: Good walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, plenty of water.

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There is no shortage of trails for hiking and mountain biking in Sedona. There are places to explore on every turn. It's quite incredible.

Here are some popular mountain bike trails:
* Chapel Rocks Loop
* Oak Creek Canyon Trails
* Teacup Trail to the Cockscomb

Here are few pleasant hiking trails:
* Boynton Canyon (easy)
* Red Rock State Park (easy)
* Wilson Mountain Trail (hard)

Equipment: * Mountain bike - you can rent one
* Multi-tool for your bike
* Helmet
* Hiking shoes - they'll turn from their original color to red, but that's okay consider that a free souvenir from Sedona
* Camel pack - Fill it up, most people don't realize that the elevation is quite high in Sedona, so you'll get really thirsty
* Sunscreen - Just because I care about your skin
* Chapstick
* Gloves (depending on the weather) and bring clothing layers
* Snacks

With its countless & gorgeous trails, Sedona is the perfect place to experience Mountain Biking. Many visitors would like to try Mountain Biking in Sedona, as it draws people from all over the globe here, but don't want to haul their own bike along.

I've put together a list of terrific Mountain Bike shops in Sedona that all have a wide variety of rentals. You can compare their rates right here; reserve your bike ahead of your arrival; and, find out more about the local trails. Everyone has their favorite bike shop and preferences here in Sedona. I'm not going to rate them, but just make them all available to you. Let me know which is your favorite or gave you the best service & prices and I'll share with others.

A couple of the shops below even offer online coupons!

Equipment: Sedona Sports
Creekside Plaza
251 N. Hwy 179
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: 1-928-282-1317
Toll Free: 1-866-204-2377

Sedona Bike & Bean
6020 Hwy 179
Sedona, AZ 86351 (Village of Oak Creek)
E-mail: bike-bean@esedona.net
928.284.0210

Mountain Bike Heaven
1695 West Hwy 89A
Sedona, Arizona 86336
Phone: (928) 282-1312
Email: MountainBikeHeaven@yahoo.com

Absolute Bikes
6101 Highway 179
Suite C
Village of Oak Creek: Sedona, AZ 86351
Phone: 928.284.1242
Fax: 928.284.1461
Toll Free: 1-877-284-1242

Sedona has a lot of easier hiking options as well. These are shorter trails with less elevation change, but still offer the opportunity to view the spectacular scenery that makes this area famous.

The shorter hikes include:
Boynton Canyon
Airport Vortex
West Fork
Fay Canyon Red Canyon

Sedona's year round mild weather and beautiful and somewhat rugged landscape present numerous hiking opportunities ranging from strenuous dayhikes to short and easy walks.

The most popular and strenuous hikes in Sedona include the following:
Steamboat Rock (summit: 5,000 ft; elevation gain 400 ft)
Cathedral Rock Saddle (summit: 5,000 ft; elevation gain 500 ft)
Bear Mountain (summit: 6,300 ft; elevation gain 1,700 ft)
Wilson Mountain (summit: 6,900 ft; elevation gain 2,300 ft)