Coyote Trail - Sedona, AZ

Overview
The Coyote Trail is one of eight new trails that were created when the Adobe Jack TH was created in 2016. This TH is directly off the 89A just past Mariposa Grill. There is enough parking for only 5 vehicles. There is no fee for parking at this TH. A hotel has recently been built that is directly adjacent to this parking area. Kind of an odd medley of high-end traveling and backyard hiking. Actually, it looks like an ideal marriage if you are ok with city hiking. It doesn’t get much more convenient than this. At the TH there is a great map of the Sedona trail system as well as a localized map of the Adobe Jack (Soldier Wash Trails). There is also a bike repair station which is becoming a common theme with some of the more established Arizona THs. Since this trailhead's initial founding, they have expanded the amenities. In addition to the maps and bike station, they have added a drinking fountain, a port-a-john, a couple of benches, and a dog station (plastic bags to collect your canine’s contribution to the trail hazards).


Hike
The Coyote Trail is considered to be an interior trail so some additional hiking is required. From the TH follow the Adobe Jack Trail 0.8 miles to reach the beginning of the Coyote Trail. The trail will be signed and there will be a trail map showing the local trails. The trail starts midway down a slope so the views are limited, but there is also a sense of intimacy. The trail heads off in a southeast direction losing elevation slowly. The trail is composed of hard, compact red dirt that is frequented by annoying marble-sized stones. The trail will play tag with a wash three times. The crossings are obvious and even have (what I consider) stoned “bike ramps” entering and exiting the wash. The elevation change is minimal, occurring primarily when negotiating the washes. This is a very short trail ending at 0.35 miles when it junctions with the Grand Central Trail. This juncture is also signed with a trail map showing the interaction of the local trails. At this point, your options are wide open. Using the trail map you can map out a greater adventure by following the Grand Central Trail north or if you are looking for a shorter hike you can take the Grand Central Trail south and connect to the Crusty Trail to get back to the TH.Note
There are local trail maps provided at all the trail junctures and in general, these maps are very accurate and provide excellent information for familiarizing yourself with the area. However, the Manzanita Trail is not displayed correctly on the maps. This trail is in the general area but does not connect to the other trails as shown. All the other trails on the map are correct.

Synopsis
The Coyote Trail is a great connector trail and provides an excellent opportunity to create a short or long loop. Because this trail takes place in a valley-like environment the distant views are limited, but the immediate views are very satisfying as the trees “pop” against the red rock slopes and the wash crossings provide picturesque camera shots. The slopes and trees offer a sense of intimacy only marred by the distant noise of traffic traveling along the 89A.

2024-08-01 mt98dew