Short but sweet Sedona hike

[winotron]

I'm embarrassed to say I've never been hiking in Sedona. I'm fixing the situation tomorrow, though, and spending the day hiking. I figured West Fork would be a great introduction to the area, so I'm starting there. I know that one's gonna be about 6 miles, so I was looking to add on another shorter hike to my day. I'm looking for something that's 2-4 miles round trip, no more than 1000 AEG. Would prefer something with some nice views. Doesn't have to be in the canyon... can be anywhere in the Sedona area. It's a Wednesday so I'm not worried about crowds. I'm just in a passenger car so no high clearance or 4x4.

I was considering Devil's Bridge, Bell Rock Courthouse Butte Loop, Cathedral Rock, Doe Mountain, Huckaby, or one of the trails that climb the east side of the canyon like Thomas Point or Harding Springs. Any recommendations on which of these would be my best choice, or if there's another one I missed?

[Jim]

Morning Glory Spire, if you are comfortable scrambling. http://hikearizona.com/decoder=2256

[chumley]

It's a Wednesday so I'm not worried about crowds.

You might be surprised. West Fork is a tourist mecca at this time of year. The trailhead parking can fill to capacity by mid-morning even on weekdays.

[trekkin_gecko]

devil's bridge is a fun destination
doe mountain offers great views and you can wander all over the top
bell/courthouse loop i didn't care for that much
cathedral rock is short but has good views
fay canyon is short and sweet
of all of these, i'd go with doe mountain, which will be a unique contrast to west fork

[BobP]

Boynton Canyon Trail fits your definition...but the really cool stuff is further and off-trail.

The trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=15

off-trail http://hikearizona.com/decoder=999

[winotron]

@chumley
Good to know... thanks. Mid-morning is exactly when I'll be arriving so hopefully it isn't too bad.

@trekkin gekko
Thanks, Doe Mountain is sounding like a good one.

@BobP
Boynton sounds awesome but I was thinking of saving that one for another trip. Your 2nd link sounds like a cool adventure.

[trekkin_gecko]

mescal trail is a good one, too:
http://hikearizona.com/decoder=682
i did not go to the top, but rather did a loop around mescal mountain with deadman's pass and long canyon trails

[paulhubbard]

Any and all of the trails you mentioned are well worth the trip. None will disappoint. Up Thomas Point and down Telephone (hard to find unless you have GPS points) is one of my favorite loops. The telephone trail and the Windows is way cool! http://hikearizona.com/photoset=16181 Harding Springs/Cookstove is equally cool! http://hikearizona.com/photoset=26136 Have fun!!

[winotron]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone... These are all now on my wish list. I ended up going with Trekkin Gekko's suggestion and hiked Doe Mountain. Nice little hike with good views, and a great contrast to West Fork.

You were right about the crowds Chumley... West Fork was CRAZY packed with tourists! I got a late start, and me and about 10 other cars were turned away and had to park down the road. It was a circus! Took a random day off work just to avoid the crowds a bit, but I may as well have just gone on the weekend.