Hiking - Sedona

Whether you're considering a one mile out and back hike or a longer trek through nature, let me share my unfiltered experience hiking two of Sedona’s vortex trails as a self-proclaimed advanced novice hiker.

I classify myself as advanced novice hiker with a reasonable endurance level.  What does that mean in real life?  I've hiked many a paved Missouri trail with minor elevation.  I could carry a lively conversation without having to watch every step and make it back with minimal effort.  In addition, I walk outdoors or on a treadmill and ride my Peloton bike at least 4-5x a week.  Not bad, right?  Keep reading…

HIKING BASICS – this is a good place to start a self-evaluation of your hiking prowess!

• Out and back - distance from trailhead and back – how far can you go?
• Hiking levels 
• Novice - someone new to hiking or with very little experience
• Advanced Novice - has some hiking experience but may have not experienced a range of terrains and elevations
• Moderate - hikes on a regular basis with duration of half-day or longer

With two and half days in Sedona, my friends and I fit in two morning hikes.  Mid-September in Arizona can be warm to downright hot, so we started early.  I recommend arriving at the trailhead no later than 7 a.m. to secure parking and avoid the crowds.

BELL ROCK CLIMB – part of the iconic Red Rocks of Sedona and one of Sedona’s vortex sites. 

Bell Rock went from "easy" to "requiring rock climbing skills" very quickly.  Hikers would call this "scrambling."  Thankfully we met tourists along the way that helped (aka pushed) us up the steep rocky inclines.  One person below pushed us up by our bums while another person above lent an arm to pull us up.  We needed the assistance twice on the way up to the top. 

On the way back down, we were able to return the favor to another group of tourists that were having difficulty making their way down.  At points, we literally had to slide on our bums down the smooth rock.

As they say, what goes up must come down!

Distance: 0.8 mile out and back 

Elevation: 800 feet

Average time: 30-60 minutes; it took us almost 2 hours.

Parking: Available; go early to secure a spot.

AIRPORT LOOP – offers serene views from the overlook and is another spot to experience one of the four Sedona vortexes.

From quiet meditation and tai chi to sounds bowls and shamans, the overlook at the Airport Loop trailhead conjured serene vortex vibes.

What followed that - the Airport Loop trail - proved to be the complete opposite.  All Trails described this hike to be "very pretty but very rocky."  My friends and I felt like Billy goats clinging onto the side of the mountain trail that was perpetually uphill with very little keeping us from careening down the side.  Occasional vertigo and fear of heights be damned!  If I could do it, I bet you can, too.  And if you were wondering about snakes and cactus, we only heard one rattler and no one fell into a prickly pear.

Distance: 3.79 miles out and back

Elevation: 689 feet

Average time: 2.5 hours; we completed in about four hours.

Parking: the very small lot near the trailhead was already full at 6 a.m.  We parked at the airport and walked about a mile to reach the trailhead.

PRACTICAL TIPS

• If you're a beginner like me, hike with friends.  The more the merrier.  Friends serve as cheerleaders when you don’t think you can take another step, lookouts when nature calls and comedic relief to distract you from checking the distance hiked and distance remaining.
• Plan.  Use an app like All Trails to review the hike specs and peruse the reviews.  Buyer beware - I swear many of the comments were written by pro-hikers so know thy self (fitness level, fears, patience level).
• Bring snacks and plenty of water.  I was starting to lose steam about halfway through the Airport Loop hike and now understand why trail mix IS trail mix!
• Wear good socks and hiking boots!  The Timberland Euro Waterproof Hiker Boots were a lifesaver – great grip, fits true to size and surely saved me from twisting my ankles on several occasions. Hiking socks and a strategically placed Band-Aid will save you from blisters.

And lastly, enjoy the scenery!  "The best view comes after the hardest climb." ~Anonymous