Hermit Trail - Sedona, AZ

Overview
Not to be confused with the Grand Canyon trail, this is arguably one of the worst trails in the Sedona area, with traffic noise from SR-179 and limited views. None the less, it performs the important function of connecting the Yavapai Point trailhead with the Templeton trail, right at the Templeton tunnel under southbound 179. At least it is short.


Hike
This trail follows and crosses washes through typical Sedona vegetation including juniper, scrub oak, manzanita, prickly pear and yucca. The view to the east is blocked by the elevated highway. Generally you are hiking down in washes, so the view to the west sucks as well, though the Transept shows through occasionally. A nice view of Bell Rock pops up over the asphalt at the end of the trail if southbound. The trail is well marked, well maintained, and easy to follow.

I use this trail for closing the Hiline-Templeton loop when I am leading others, rather than Slim Shady, for three reasons: 1) Route finding is slightly easier, and at the end of a hike with a spread out group of random abilities, that counts. 2) Anything you would see from Slim Shady, you already had a better view of from Hiline. 3) Most important of all, it is faster, which means we get to the bar sooner.

Truly not a destination trail, but documented here so the GPS track you need for your loop plan has a home.

Check out the Official Route and Triplogs.

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

2017-07-25 HAZardous