Route Editor
Route Scout
Screamin' views by joebartels Get ready Arizona! Experience one of Arizona's best! The Huckaby Trail! My first venture on the Huckaby Trail left me with good memories. From Schnebly Hill Road the trailhead is well built. Plenty of parking, good trail information and a restroom. This trailhead is actually a few hundred yards away from the original trail to make room for parking. You could actually park in the lower parking area and save a few steps. A few cairns and signs guide you on your way in the beginning. The first of two descents is encountered right away. Early 1999 this was bulldozed to make the trail flow easy. On your way back up the other side you can look over and see the trail going down. I'm sure some will complain about the width of the trail and how it isn't natural at that point. All I have to say is if you don't get out there and volunteer don't complain. Okay, continuing up from the wash the trail is easy to find. Vistas start popping up around each turn. Looking to the South back over Schnebly Hill Road is the terminus of Munds Mountain. Snoopy is taking a nap there! I swear! The small rock making up Snoop's nose is limestone which is less erosive than the Schnebly Hill Sandstone below. Marg's Draw Trail takes you around that formation. Munds Mountain got its name from Jim Munds who started the route we call Schnebly Hill today. Schnebly Hill Road acquired it's name from the homestead of Sedona Schnebly near the roads end. Views to the east offer Capitol Butte along with Coffeepot Rock. About a mile into the hike the trail gets closer to busy Highway 89A. The peace and quite along with the Junipers fade away. Oak Creek opens up below with awesome birds eye views. Following along high above Oak Creek you get a beautiful view of Steamboat Rock in front of Wilson Mountain. As the trail begins descending you might find it hard to believe this is also a mountain bike trail! Once down to creek level you are following a section of the old Inner Gorge Trail. This will take you Northeast to our turn around point where the creek bends to your right. From this point you look up to a spectacular view of the Midgely Bridge. You can continue to skirt the creek and hop the rocks to close by Grasshopper Point and the very popular Allen's Bend. Return by the same route. I found it amazing to travel so quick and easy from Schnebly Hill Road to just below the Midgely Bridge. I could not convince myself the elevation loss on this trail was only 200 feet. After thoroughly studying the topographical maps I found this to be true. I even did a computer generated trail and it came up -201. All in all this is a great trail. Easy enough for most and super multi-views along the way. Enjoy! Camping According to the 2018 FS map camping is not allowed on any portion of this trail. Check out the Official Route and Triplogs. Leave No Trace and +Add a Triplog after your hike to support this local community.
One-Way Notice This hike is listed as One-Way. When hiking several trails on a single "hike", log it with a generic name that describes the hike. Then link the trails traveled, check out the example. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.
Most recent of 18 deeper Triplog Reviews
Huckaby Trail #161
After spending Saturday hiking in the Pinals and then stopping by Tibberfest for dinner, I decided to head up to Sedona with Lee & Carrie. We met at the Happy Valley Park n Ride at 6:15am and headed north. Sedona was still relatively quiet when we drove through and there was plenty of parking by Midgely Bridge at 8am. We geared up and started hiking. The going is fairly easy to start but the trail starts gaining elevation after roughly a mile in. From there the trail climbs and climbs as it switchbacks to the top of Wilson Mountain. Once up top we headed to the viewpoint on the south side where we took a break and enjoyed the views. After that we started our descent. Going down was fairly easy and we made good time. There were only a handful of people on the trail. We expected more. The parking area was packed and people were all over. We wanted to hike more so we detoured over to Oak Creek and let the dogs enjoy the water. After that we loaded up and headed south back to Phoenix. Along the way we made a quick stop at Bell Rock and then returned home. It was a lot of fun hiking with Lee, Carrie & the dogs.
2017-10-15 John9L
Huckaby Trail #161
A. nice little hike up Wilson with John and Carrie today. This was my first time making it all the way to southern view point and it was well worth it. The trail up is in pretty good shape, although, it got a little warm on the way down. A lot of people at the bridge when we returned, but we only ran into a few groups on the trail. After reaching the trailhead, we made the quick detour down Huckaby to take the dogs swimming.
2017-10-15 friendofThundergod
Huckaby Trail #161
Never really noticed all the cool trails in this scenic area, and Hangover Trail is a work of art!
From the Schnebly Hill trailhead: warmup out-and-back on Huckaby, up Munds, up west side of Hangover, north on Damifino, up Casner to the rim, road walk down Schnebly, back down Munds, up Cowpies, full length of Hangover, back on Munds.
All the drainages are running strong with snowmelt off the rim and Oak Creek was raging. Casner is a bit overgrown near the top but not too bad.
From the Schnebly Hill trailhead: warmup out-and-back on Huckaby, up Munds, up west side of Hangover, north on Damifino, up Casner to the rim, road walk down Schnebly, back down Munds, up Cowpies, full length of Hangover, back on Munds.
All the drainages are running strong with snowmelt off the rim and Oak Creek was raging. Casner is a bit overgrown near the top but not too bad.
2017-02-03 toddak
Huckaby Trail #161
Birthday hike for Wendi, nice little treat after taking a jeep tour up Bear Wallow canyon. Saw a yellow bird that kept drawing our attention, Outdoor Lover's photograph of Scott's Oriole that I found right on the homepage made identification easy! Thanks Love. We were contemplating the Hangover trail for the following day but after the bumpy jeep tour ride up Schnebly Hill Rd this day we consider ourselves set for a while. We will come back for that.
The hike was awesome the real show stopper had to be the yucca in bloom, prettiest I've ever seen. Turns out the Scott's Oriole is closely associated with this plant, according to AllAboutBirds.com, so there you go!
We made up to the crossing before coming to Midgley Bridge, sat for a few quite moments to listen to the creek bubbling by and then back to Huckaby th.
The hike was awesome the real show stopper had to be the yucca in bloom, prettiest I've ever seen. Turns out the Scott's Oriole is closely associated with this plant, according to AllAboutBirds.com, so there you go!
We made up to the crossing before coming to Midgley Bridge, sat for a few quite moments to listen to the creek bubbling by and then back to Huckaby th.
2015-05-23 WilliamnWendi
Huckaby Trail #161
clockwise Mitten Ridge loop: Huckaby/Allens Bend/Casner Canyon/Damifino/Overhang/Munds Wagon
I had been wanting to do a variation of the Mitten Ridge loop I had done a month earlier, and check out the new Overhang Trail as well. Started off at the Schnebly Hill road trailhead, going north on Huckaby, where the sycamores and ash trees were at peak autumn brilliance. Continued on down Allens Bend Trail onto Casner Canyon Trail, where I stopped for a very cold (and brief) swim in Oak Creek. I crossed the creek, then turned south to climb to Mitten Ridge on the Damifino Trail, where I could see a ribbon of fall color winding up Oak Creek Canyon. Once at the saddle on Mitten Ridge, I turned west onto the new Overhang Trail, which was the highlight of the entire loop for me, following a narrow catwalk along the north side below massive cliffs. After many photos, I made the U-turn onto the south slope of Mitten Ridge and descended to Munds Wagon Trail. Made the last leg back on Schnebly Hill Road in the growing darkness, happy to have had the opportunity to do this great loop. I definitely recommend it.
I had been wanting to do a variation of the Mitten Ridge loop I had done a month earlier, and check out the new Overhang Trail as well. Started off at the Schnebly Hill road trailhead, going north on Huckaby, where the sycamores and ash trees were at peak autumn brilliance. Continued on down Allens Bend Trail onto Casner Canyon Trail, where I stopped for a very cold (and brief) swim in Oak Creek. I crossed the creek, then turned south to climb to Mitten Ridge on the Damifino Trail, where I could see a ribbon of fall color winding up Oak Creek Canyon. Once at the saddle on Mitten Ridge, I turned west onto the new Overhang Trail, which was the highlight of the entire loop for me, following a narrow catwalk along the north side below massive cliffs. After many photos, I made the U-turn onto the south slope of Mitten Ridge and descended to Munds Wagon Trail. Made the last leg back on Schnebly Hill Road in the growing darkness, happy to have had the opportunity to do this great loop. I definitely recommend it.
2013-10-26 PrestonSands
Huckaby Trail #161
Sedona was calling me, and I wanted to see Damifino Trail itself. I dropped down from the highway, waded through the chilly autumn water of Oak Creek, and started up Casner Canyon. I climbed toward Mitten Ridge on Damifino, thoroughly enjoying the trek and my surroundings. The approach to the saddle on Mitten Ridge was epic, just as exciting as I had hoped. The saddle itself offered an amazing view. The surrounding mountains and ridges were bathed in brilliant gold sunset light, and framed by towering red sandstone. I wanted to see more and get in a longer hike. After a futile attempt to descend to Bear Wallow Canyon and the Munds Wagon Trail directly below, I went east on what is now officially signed as the "Overhang Trail", and followed it to the Cowpies Trail. It was pretty much dark when I reached Schnebly Hill road. If only I had started earlier. Oh well, I was committed now. I continued down the road and Munds Wagon Trail in the darkness, eventually turning north onto Huckaby Trail. The lights of Sedona illuminated the area's cliffs rather well. Passing Allen's Bend/Grasshopper Point, I was happy to reach my truck. I had dinner under the stars above Midgely Bridge, then headed for home.
2013-09-29 PrestonSands
Huckaby Trail #161
Did a quick round trip to the deck of the Steamboat, then headed down the Huckaby Trail to enjoy Oak Creek, where a "beware of hog" sign was posted. Que? A wild boar? A Javelina? Boss Hogg? I found a nice little pool on Oak Creek and submerged myself for a very refreshing swim before heading home. A great ending to my work day. 
2013-04-25 PrestonSands
Huckaby Trail #161
Huck-Dam-NoName-Steam-Wilson
I wanted to hit some new areas in Sedona, and visit a little known favorite of mine.
This is the first TH I've used in awhile that was paved. I could have washed the truck.](./dex2/images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
It was nice that we were able to park the vehicle at Midgley Bridge and use it as the hub for basically 3 hikes. We were able to resupply, so we didn't have to carry as much weight.
Good thing the clouds were out until 9am or else Tibber Bartel and Tibber Coan never would have finished this hike. We crossed under Midgely, crossed over Oak Creek and headed down Huckaby for a short distance. We then scrambled up a track that Joe had drawn up and made a beeline for the Unnamed trail on the way to Mitten Ridge and the start of the Damifino Trail.
That mile or so of trail that traverses the ridge and the beginning of Damifino, is one of the most beautiful sections of trail I've been on. I have no idea why it is not shown on any maps and is unnamed.
We completed the loop going past Grasshopper Point saying hi to Hanks relatives and back to Midgley to resupply. Next it was the scramble towards the top of Steamboat Rock. More pretty views and fun climbs to get close to the helm of the ship. It was the one of the first times I had a bit of fear in climbing. I was looking for a way up to the Helm and got to a point where Joe told me (from below me) not to look down. I couldn't help myself and got that feeling in my stomach that I had to wait to pass before going back down.
Next it was off to the Classic Wilson Mountain Trail. Both of us nursing Chest Colds, and Joe whining about no sleep the night before made this tougher than it should have been. We had a trail guard that tried to get Joe to turn around.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqH5z32ztF0&list=UUcAm2CHlpbDrwYRrjYvcHUA&index=1&feature=plcp
Once passed the Trail Century, it was still a pretty good climb to the South Overlook. But well worth the effort.
Another great day on the trails. We are so lucky to have Sedona and the rest of the hiking playground, right in our back yard! Thanks for joining me Joe.
This is the first TH I've used in awhile that was paved. I could have washed the truck.
It was nice that we were able to park the vehicle at Midgley Bridge and use it as the hub for basically 3 hikes. We were able to resupply, so we didn't have to carry as much weight.
Good thing the clouds were out until 9am or else Tibber Bartel and Tibber Coan never would have finished this hike. We crossed under Midgely, crossed over Oak Creek and headed down Huckaby for a short distance. We then scrambled up a track that Joe had drawn up and made a beeline for the Unnamed trail on the way to Mitten Ridge and the start of the Damifino Trail.
That mile or so of trail that traverses the ridge and the beginning of Damifino, is one of the most beautiful sections of trail I've been on. I have no idea why it is not shown on any maps and is unnamed.
We completed the loop going past Grasshopper Point saying hi to Hanks relatives and back to Midgley to resupply. Next it was the scramble towards the top of Steamboat Rock. More pretty views and fun climbs to get close to the helm of the ship. It was the one of the first times I had a bit of fear in climbing. I was looking for a way up to the Helm and got to a point where Joe told me (from below me) not to look down. I couldn't help myself and got that feeling in my stomach that I had to wait to pass before going back down.
Next it was off to the Classic Wilson Mountain Trail. Both of us nursing Chest Colds, and Joe whining about no sleep the night before made this tougher than it should have been. We had a trail guard that tried to get Joe to turn around.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqH5z32ztF0&list=UUcAm2CHlpbDrwYRrjYvcHUA&index=1&feature=plcp
Once passed the Trail Century, it was still a pretty good climb to the South Overlook. But well worth the effort.
Another great day on the trails. We are so lucky to have Sedona and the rest of the hiking playground, right in our back yard! Thanks for joining me Joe.
2012-04-28 The_Eagle
Huckaby Trail #161
Damifino / Steamboat / Wilson
Bruce and I went on a World Class hike and witnessed spectacular views. Started off with a little off-trail to the best unnamed trail in Arizona. Albeit overcast t'was a joy. We hooked up with the Dam - if - i - no trail. Apparently easier to follow than the name suggests. The sun burned off the morning layer enhancing our views.
Next up was Steamboat! The approach is Cathedral Rock squared and tourist free. I forgot to ruin the experience this time around. The Aloha Boardwalk Deck wasn't in the cards again. My good buddy Bob would knock it out in a heartbeat.
We scratched plans for Wilson Canyon and headed straight for the grand finale on Wilson Mountain. Here we passed a half dozen groups. The highlight on route was the worlds meanest hissing gopher snake. Yawner finale views sealed the deal. The sleigh was homeward bound.
Cheers cheers and sandstone dreams in a roundabout kinna way!
Next up was Steamboat! The approach is Cathedral Rock squared and tourist free. I forgot to ruin the experience this time around. The Aloha Boardwalk Deck wasn't in the cards again. My good buddy Bob would knock it out in a heartbeat.
We scratched plans for Wilson Canyon and headed straight for the grand finale on Wilson Mountain. Here we passed a half dozen groups. The highlight on route was the worlds meanest hissing gopher snake. Yawner finale views sealed the deal. The sleigh was homeward bound.
Cheers cheers and sandstone dreams in a roundabout kinna way!
2012-04-28 joebartels
Huckaby Trail #161
Hiked down the Huckaby trail starting at Midgely Bridgely, went about a mile down and stopped for a dip in the creek. It felt so good and was so hot outside that we chose to enjoy the water instead of the trail. On a cooler day, this is a great shuttle hike; Park a car at either end and get a ride to the other. It's a great little trail regardless of which direction you take it from.
2011-07-24 paulhubbard
