looking for a 2-3 day hike near sedona

[hoopy]

Does anybody know of a good 2 or 3 day hike in the sedona area? we're looking for views, reliable water stops and a loop if possible.

also, we'd be arriving very late on friday night so would probaby need to camp pretty much at the trailhead.

hope you can help!

[hikeaz]

In response to hoopy's reply:

Your criteria is tough.... as where there are views there's generally little water and the "loop" part adds another dimension; but here goes.

If you enjoy swimming pools and hiking in a canyon, you might consider the West Fork of Oak Creek. If you go, you will need waterproof packs if you go upstream past the +/-8 mile point as there a few mandatory swims. This, however, is an "out-and-back" hike.

For something less aggressive, you might consider heading to Taylor Cabin on the Dogie Trail and returning along Casner. This could be "toasty" depending on when you plan to hike it. But there should be water in the creekbed 1/8 mile south of the cabin.

Another consideration might be heading up the Hot Loop and returning via the Jack's Canyon
You should call the USFS for an updated water report on this area. (try to get a "field" guy/gal - not just an office staffer)
You could, as well, drive up Schnebly Hill Rd. (FR 153) and set a water/food cache. That way you be assured water.

NOTE: If there is any way that you can arrange a shuttle, it opens up your choices immensely.

Have fun and be safe!

Further personal editorial: The frou-frou Sedonaites have disallowed camping in "their" National Forest. They'd rather that you camp in the (always full & wall-to-wall) USFS campgrounds. "Oh, but be sure that you buy our "Red Rock Pass"" (same as Adventure Pass in Ca.) "We'll take your money, but don't dare camp in our forests."
At the remote trailheads you generally would not run into enforcement of the "no camping" edict if you were to arrive late, however.

[te_wa]

starting at the top of the Woods Canyon trail you could car camp at Robber's Roost. Then scramble down into the canyon for very up close views of the local geology, and old Sinaqua ruins. There is water, small downclimbs, wading, and wildlife. A shuttle hike is the best bet.
But it is a MUST do trail. Just ask Joe!

[hoopy]

In response to hikeaz's reply:
thanks for your reply. i had a look into the taylor cabin loop which looks good. How reliable do you think that water source near the cabin is?

Also found one that loops from sycamore canyon trailhead to parsons spring, follows sycamore creek down to cow flat trail then along packard mesa. have you done this hike - do you know if we're likely to find water?

I sound like a water freak, i know, but i recently did a 2 dayer in anza-borrego and it was the H2O that nearly broke my back.

thanks again!

[hikeaz]

In response to hikeaz's reply:
thanks for your reply. i had a look into the taylor cabin loop which looks good. How reliable do you think that water source near the cabin is?

Also found one that loops from sycamore canyon trailhead to parsons spring, follows sycamore creek down to cow flat trail then along packard mesa. have you done this hike - do you know if we're likely to find water?
thanks again!

The area below Parson Sp. will have tons of water. I've not been yet this year to Taylor, but if I were going this month I'd count on water in Sycamore, just south of the cabin. It likely is not flowing... just a pool.
Just a few feet north of the pool is a cave in which you could camp if it's too hot, or it looks like rain.

[hoopy]

In response to hikeaz's reply: cheers for the info. just in case you're thinking of heading out there in the next couple of weeks, there was LOADS of water up sycamore canyon past parson's at the weekend. big pools, some swimmable the further you go, roughly every couple of miles, even up to where the canyon meets the dogie trail. it's hotting up so can't say how long they'll last but it's beautiful up there at the moment.

thanks again,

h