Jim Thompson Trail No. 124

This trail can be hiked from either the Wilson Mountain Trailhead (Midgely Bridge) or the Jim Thompson Trailhead (see map below). From Midgley Bridge parking area, start along the road past the picnic ramada. At 0.1 miles, bear right onto the trail marked by large rock cairns. It gradually climbs, then descends to the canyon drainage. At 0.6 miles, pass the fork signed for Wilson Mountain Trail and 100 yards further, take the left fork signed for Jim Thompson Trail. It immediately begins a 0.2 mile moderate climb. Bear right as you top out and after 100 yards, take the left fork (to the right is a path onto Steamboat Rock). The trail is wide and nearly flat with sparse shade as it follows an old road along the base of Steamboat Rock and past Steamboat Tank on the right at 1.5 miles. Nice views. Parking specifically for vehicles pulling horse trailers is provided at the Jim Thompson trailhead, but behind a locked gate. Please contact the Red Rock Ranger Station for the current combination at 928-203-2900.

At 2.25 miles, the trail passes through a cattle gate, becoming narrower and more shaded as it gently descends into Mormon Canyon. At the bottom, the trail bends right into the canyon a short way before joining the start of Brins Mesa Trail on a closed road at 3 miles. The Jim Thompson Trailhead parking area is 150 yards south (left) down the road just past the gate. Return by the same route for a 6 mile roundtrip hike or hike one way in either direction with arranged transportation. Parking specifically for vehicles pulling horse trailers is provided at the Jim Thompson trailhead, but behind a locked gate. Please contact the Red Rock Ranger Station for the current combination at 928-203-2900.

This trail, constructed in 1998, is never far from the sights and sounds of Sedona. It is a pretty trail which offers a variety of views. It can be hiked from the Schnebly Hill trailhead (as described herein) or from Midgley Bridge. The trail is nearly level for 1/8 mile. The Margs Draw Trail forks off to the left. Huckaby continues ahead and soon descends rather steeply, crosses Bear Wallow Wash, then ascends moderately over the next 1/2 mile. It tops out on a ridge and winds on level ground with nice views over Oak Creek and Uptown Sedona to many of the familiar red rock formations of the area.

At the 1 mile point, the trail curves around the top of Mitten Ridge with Steamboat Rock, Wilson Mountain and Midgley Bridge coming into view beyond the creek below. Then, it begins a moderate descent over the next 1/2 mile to the floodplain of Oak Creek. the trail goes north beside the creek for 1/2 mile in the partial shade of the riparian trees.

At 2 miles, opposite the north end of Midgley Bridge, the trail crosses a branch of the creek which requires wading or boulder hopping. Do not cross if the water is high. The trail continues north for 0.2 miles, then another boulder hop of the west branch is needed. The trail now climbs moderately over switchbacks, passes beneath Midgley Bridge, and ends at the parking area at the north end of the bridge. The trails is mostly unshaded except along the creek and can be hot in summer. Return by the same route or do one way in either direction with arranged transportation.

At a Glance