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| | | Merry Go Round - Hangover Loop, AZ | | | |
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Merry Go Round - Hangover Loop, AZ
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| Hiking | 11.93 Miles |
2,165 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.93 Miles | 8 Hrs 26 Mns | | 1.81 mph |
| 2,165 ft AEG | 1 Hour 51 Mns Break | | | |
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[ show ]
| partners | | This was our second straight weekend in Sedona, and the plan today was the "Merry Hangover" route that combines the Hangover Loop with an out-and-back past Merry Go Round. There was a lot of smoke around Verde Valley as we drove up I-17, and we wondered how bad the air quality would be in Sedona, but it was clear when we got closer to town. Munds Wagon Trailhead was already full at 8AM, but we parked along Schnebly Hill Road, just inside the gate.
As we got started, I realized this was my sixth time hiking all or part of the Hangover Loop, but this would be the first time going counterclockwise. The scenery was every bit as good as I remembered, and the constant noise of tourists and jeep traffic along Schnebly Hill Road was just about as annoying as I remembered. We headed for the Merry Go Round first, and the popular window and platform along the edge of the cliff were covered with people, so we didn't stop.
The route continued north on Munds Wagon and was supposed to connect with Schenbly Hill Trail #158, but it was closed due to trail washouts, so we returned on Munds Wagon. I hadn't been up to the top of the Merry Go Round before, so we went up there to check it out. TboneKathy didn't go all the way up, but reaching the top wasn't too bad except for a narrow ledge or two. Great views from the top (and lots of graffiti carved into the rock  ), and it was nice to look down on the tourists below, both literally and figuratively. [ youtube video ]
We ate a snack near the top and battled gnats that left us covered in bites the next day. We started down just as a jeep full of tourists showed up, so our timing was perfect. The platform and window below were miraculously empty when we passed by, so we went out there for some pictures with the stunning backdrop, but I didn't go down into the window this time.
From there, we backtracked to Cow Pies to continue the loop. Once again (or still), great views along Mitten Ridge with the impressive red cliffs, and the landscape near the saddle looks almost Martian. On the other side of the saddle, we continued past the namesake overhangs and enjoyed the views of Wilson Mountain. Around the corner, Elephant Arch and came into view, and we made our way down the steep slickrock. That was my first time going down that section instead of up, but the grip on the slickrock is very solid.
Next up was the arch...the approach looked steeper than I remembered from a few years ago, but the good traction on the rock made it easier than it looked. TboneKathy didn't like the steepness near the top and stopped a little short of the arch, and I went up and spent some time at the arch and in the window/cave nearby. That whole formation is covered in small arches and interesting erosion, and the views were excellent.
Elephant Arch: [ youtube video ]
Window: [ youtube video ]
Once we got back down the slope, we stopped for a late lunch and then completed the loop on Hangover/Munds Wagon. When we were away from Schnebly Hill Road, we only saw a handful of people all day, and the weather was very comfortable. I usually try to avoid repeating hikes--especially one I've done so many times--but this one has some of the best views in Sedona and doesn't get old. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Encountered 13 hikers, 3 joggers and 2 bikers. Wildlife was 1 lone deer.
Route 
Afterwards its was pretty smooth sailing after that though at Oak Creek I decided to follow the creekbed instead of the trail which was closer to the highway. Some sandals would be preferred for the two creek crossing and the oaks at this lower elevation still had their fall colors. I've driving that highway thru this section quite a few times, but you never can quite enjoy the view while driving like you can while hiking. I continued on the Huckaby trail to Munds Wagon trail and made the moderate climb back up to the vista accidently passing up the Cow Pie side-trail on the to Merry Go Round. Again great views of Mitten Ridge and Munds Mt as the setting sun made the sandstone glow as I climbed back up to my vehicle. 
Once at the upper Munds Wagon TH, you just need to walk the road another mile up to the Vista pulloff.
