Munds Wagon Trail No. 78
Red Rock Passes are sold at the Huckaby Trailhead.
The trail connects Schnebly Hill Trail to Margs Draw Trail and Huckaby Trail. It is well-marked, mostly moderate in grade, and offers occasional shade under Arizona cypress.
Beginning from the east trailhead (near the top of Bear Wallow Canyon and Schnebly Hill Road high clearance jeep trail), the trail descends moderately to the south and levels out as it partially circles the base of Merry-Go-Round Rock with spectacular views west down Bear Wallow Canyon toward Sedona and south to Munds Mountain. It then resumes its descent and bends to the west, crossing a switchback of Schnebly Hill Road twice with good views of Mitten Ridge on the right (north). Now, the trail drops into Bear Wallow Wash and follows in or beside the drainage for a considerable distance. The trail then climbs out of the wash, crosses a low ridge and another wash and then climbs moderately. Now, high above the canyon floor, there are great views back to the Mogollon Rim and of nearby red rock formations at the west end of Mitten Ridge to the right.
The trail continues west and crosses the road twice on a high area overlooking Uptown Sedona and many of the area formations. After a brief descent and climb, the trail ends at 4.0 miles at the Huckaby Trailhead just off Schnebly Hill Road. It is possible to take shorter hikes on portions of the trail utilizing the various mid-trail access points, one at Merry-Go-Round and others where the trail intersects or passes next to Schnebly Hill Road. Road crossings are marked with basket cairns.
This historic trail follows one of the first and most popular cattle trails out of the Sedona area. Upgrading of the trail began in 1896, but its completion as a wagon trail awaited the work of pioneer J.J. Thompson, funded by Coconino County, in 1902. It was known as the Munds Road and later as the Schnebly Hill Road.
At a Glance
Open Season: | Year-round |
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Usage: | Medium |
Closest Towns: | Sedona, AZ |
Passes: | Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead. |
General Information
Directions:Location: Along the floor of Bear Wallow Canyon east of Sedona, Arizona.
Access from Sedona:
- Huckaby Trailhead (off paved road): From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 179 south 0.3 miles. Turn left on Schnebly Hill Road just across the Oak Creek Bridge and go 0.8 miles to the Huckaby/Margs Draw Trails parking area on the left. West to east is rated strenuous.
- East trailhead (requires high clearance): Requires a high clearance vehicle due to the rough road but allows an easy, one-way, downhill hike with arranged transportation. From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 179 south 0.3 miles. Turn left on Schnebly Hill Road just past the Oak Creek bridge. Go 5 miles (0.6 miles beyond the winter closure gate) to turnout on the left. Walk 100 yards down the road to the signed trailhead on the west side. From East to west rated "moderate" or "easy".
GPS
Maps
- Red Rock Country Maps: Download Red Rock Country trail maps and find other Sedona recreation resources. See the Sedona Northeast map for this trail.
- The Digital Travel Map Whether you're driving, hiking, riding, or exploring, you will find this full-color, GPS-enabled map a handy reference to have on your mobile device. The map show trails, recreation sites, major landmarks, and forest roads.
- Forest Service Topo Map (location-enable PDF)
Click map thumbnail for larger view.
General Notes:
Rating: Strenuous/Moderate
Hiking time: allow 4 hours for round trip
Activities
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Skill Rating: Intermediate (source: Cosmic Ray's Arizona Mountain Bike Guide)
See Bicycle Restriction: Red Rock Country under Forest Oders for information about off-trail biking and permitted slickrock areas in the Sedona area.