Sacred Mountain, AZ

One of the trail register entries read something like 'boring trail, turn around now and head back to your car.' Okay, I'm not going to argue. This butte sits alone, and the trail is near 100% exposed. I have included this trail because it was of interest to me. Earlier this month, I came across the V-Bar-V Ranch Trail. The Sinagua culture that etched the panels of V-Bar-V likely snoozed in pueblos atop this butte.


From the fence, go through the gate, and please close it behind you. You can see the trail leading up to the butte. Even more so, you can make out the trail shooting up the west end to a lower deck. Follow the trail to the butte. Just before a ravine, you will pass through a tight cattle guard break in a fence. You pass down through the ravine. Then the trail takes you up to the lower deck on the west side of the butte. Here, there is a trail register. Continue, and the trail skirts along the south side and up. The trail is pure limestone in this section. Near the far southeast corner of the butte, the trail tops out. From here, you are free to roam the deck. The most extensive remains of ruins are found on the east side overlook. Another good-sized pithouse or pueblo resides on the west overlook. From here, you can look down to the V-Bar-V Ranch site. You will notice there is a small knoll blocking your view. Archeologist John Sturgis told me there is a little lookout ruin on that knoll. He believes somebody took a post there and relayed messages to the community atop Sacred Mountain.

True, the ruins have been savaged by pothunters. The trail is hot and exposed. Sometimes you have to look for more than the obvious and think of history. I watched a monsoon roll in over to the east. Then I imagined how the ancient Indians must have enjoyed the views themselves. So why not check out this trail. It's an easy addition to the V-Bar-V Heritage Trail or any other Sedona excursion, for that matter.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.

2000-08-20 joebartels