Imagine a land where crimson cliffs meet the sky, and the air hums with an ancient energy. Nestled in the heart of Arizona’s high desert, this breathtaking oasis blends rugged wilderness with spiritual wonder. Every winding trail leads to a new discovery, whether it's a panoramic overlook, or a canyon echoing with history. Adventure, tranquility, and awe collide in a place where nature’s masterpiece never fades.
Sedona History
By the turn of the century about 15 homesteading families called the area home. In 1899, Theodore Carlton (Carl or T.C.) Schnebly and his wife Sedona Miller Schnebly joined T.C.'s brother, Ellsworth in the Oak Creek Area. These names were considered too long by the postmaster, so both were rejected. Ellsworth then suggested that Theodore submit the name of his wife, Sedona. Theodore did, and on June 26, 1902, the postmaster approved the name for the community. Geologically though, the history of Sedona began about 500 millions years ago. Over a period of 300 million years, the land was alternately ocean bottom and coastal plain. Sedimentary layers of sandstone formed. Between 200 and 65 million years ago, dinosaurs roamed the land. From 65 to 20 million years ago, there were uplifts in southern Arizona and down faulting and wind erosion in northern Arizona. From 20 to 12 million years ago, volcanic activity caused the Verde Valley to down fault into a deep basin with lake beds, creating the Mogollon Rim.
Route Description
Once you arrive in Sedona, your journey immediately begins outside of Sedona on the infamous Schnebly Hill Road. You’ll make your way up Schnebly Hill while soaking up the incredible scenery and stopping at the top for the overlook. You’ll then head north and continue your route and fuel up (if neccessary) before making your way west towards Mogollon Rim and into Coconino National Forest, potentially exploring a maze of trails. You’ll have the option to stop and check out the stellar views near East Pocket Lookout Tower/Mogollon Rim and seek out camp for the day. Most of the trip, you will seek dispersed camp areas before dark to enjoy more time around the campsite. This trip will be focused more on the journey, sightseeing, and experience rather than covering miles or technical trails.
The next day, you’ll continue west, witnessing dozens of viewpoints along the way, including Bunker Hill, Edge of the World, Turkey Butte Lookout, and East Buzzard Point, to name a few. You’ll turn your vehicle and sights south as you pass the picturesque Lake Pocket Viewpoint, Sycamore Falls, and Sycamore Point Overlook.
Departing from the Lake Pocket area, the route begins to gradually descend and trade in canyons for the old west. You’ll drive over the old trestles of the Perkinsville Bridge and further down the mountain through the old mining town of Jerome. From Jerome, you can opt to look at the aboriginal sites, including the old pueblo ruins at Tuzigoot National Monument (tour reservations required), as you head northwest towards the Honanki & Palatki Heritage Sites (tour reservations required). The final leg of the trip includes Dry Creek Road (optional), a minor technical and bumpy out-and-back trail that has views of Capitol Butte, Devil’s Bridge (which you can hike to), and Van Deren Cabin. If you opt to do any hikes in Sedona, I highly recommend you get a very early start.
On this trip, expect to have many stunning exploratory tangents, overlooks, and POIs that you can stop to admire and photograph as much as you want at your own pace. Expect to soak in some spectacular Sedona scenery!
For an extended adventure, I've included an additional 77mi route that navigates through and near the Black Hills, Montezuma National Monument, West Clear Creek Wilderness and Mogollon Rim.
*Bring any gear necessary for hiking, mountain biking and/or swimming as extra activities, such as swimming at Slide Rock State Park ($30)
**Be prepared for varying types of roads and unpredictable weather conditions
As always, expect the unexpected. Adventure is subject to change.**
Off-road Miles and Duration
350 +/- 4-8 Days
Trail Difficulty
Easy to Moderate - Varying types of Forest Service, gravel and dirt trails/roads. Depending on your vehicle, Schnebly Hill can be very rocky, steep and slow moving. A stock 4x4 can tackle this trail with careful tire placement but a modified vehicle is recommended.
Vehicle Recommendations
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Stock Clearance 4x4
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Off-road/All-Terrain capable tires (plus wheel key)
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Full-size spare
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Frame mounted tow points front and back
Minimum Recommended Equipment
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Fire Extinguisher
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First Aid Kit
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Extra Water
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Extra Fuel
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Vehicle Unique Tools
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Warm Emergency Clothing
If you have any questions regarding this trip please reach out to me.
