Twin Buttes Trail, AZ

Overview
The Twin Buttes Trail is one of a thousand (kidding, more like a couple hundred) trails that make up the Sedona trail system. The trail is a relatively new edition and will not be found on the comprehensive trail system maps commonly found at all Sedona THs. However, this is Sedona, and not only does Sedona have great TH maps, but they also have maps at (practically) every trail juncture showing the more localized trails. This is the case for the Twin Buttes Trail.


The Twin Buttes Trail is an interior trail, so some hiking is required to access it. The easiest way to reach it is via the Broken Arrow TH. The Broken Arrow TH is one of the more rugged TH. The road to the TH is paved as it goes through a neighborhood, but the last 100 yards or so, is dirt, rocky, and very rough, though passable by a low clearance car when driven carefully. There is enough parking for about 20 vehicles. There are no restrooms or drinking water available, so come prepared. Because there are no amenities, there is no fee for parking at this TH.Hike
The trail, though an "interior" trail, is easily accessible. To reach the beginning of the Twin Buttes Trail, take the Broken Arrow Trail #125 south for 0.2 miles. At this juncture, the trail is signed, and an area map is provided. Initially, the trail will climb a few feet and parallel the path of the Broken Arrow Trail. However, it will quickly angle to the west as it plays with the innards of the buttes. The trail alternates between massive slabs of red rock and compact dirt areas, typically layered with a fine powder. Guaranteed to leave shoes and ankles red in the end. The trail is well marked, both by white arrows sprayed on the rocks and the "Sedona cairn baskets." For most of this hike, the trail holds its elevation meandering west and south. About 0.4 miles into this trail, there is a dead but gnarly tree worthy of a second look. At about 0.6 miles, the trail begins a gradual climb up the side of a hill, twisting and turning and gaining a little over 100 feet. The slopes are moderately dotted with juniper pines providing a decent amount of shade for day hikers. At 0.8 miles, the trail ends at the juncture with Hog Heaven Trail and High on the Hog Trail. A huge rock monolith provides a great place to rest and take in the surrounding views. From the buttes to the west, Wilson mountain to the north, and Munds to the east. The rocks and trees interact, providing scenes that can only be found in Sedona.

The options from here are extensive. You can return the way you came for a little over a 1.5-mile hike. Or you can continue east (Hog Heaven) or west (High on the Hog) to create loops of varying sizes. This is genuinely one of Sedona's hidden gems ideal for people with limited time or looking for a shorter hike. One of the few drawbacks that come with this hike is the proximity to off-roaders. Pink Jeep tours and ATV users heavily traffic this area, and the noise of their passage is a familiar companion. However, early start times can avoid most of this congestion.

2020-10-25 mt98dew