One of the lesser-known hiking trails in the Sedona area is the short Mount Scheuermann Trail. The trail ascends to a viewpoint on the rim of an ancient volcano overlooking the full expanse of Sedona and Oak Creek.
You can shake this off and come back in an hour. The Scheuermann Mountain Trail is quiet, so parking is easy and you won't see many people. It's a great hike to take at sunset as you'll enjoy some great views from the viewpoint, especially the illuminated Cathedral Rock.
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Scheuermann Mountain Trip Summary
distance: Return 1.6 miles
Height gain: 360 feet
Time needed: 1 – 1.5 hours.
difficulty: Easy and family friendly.
Dogs: Allowed on leash. Bring water for them too.
Track header location: off Upper Red Rocks Loop By Sedona High School. You do not need a Red Rock Pass.
Best time to go: Hike the Scheuermann Mountain Trail in the late afternoon for the best lighting, especially for Cathedral Rock in the south. Look northwest for views of the Verde Valley and Mingus Mountains. November through April is a good time to hike the mountain.
weather: Check the Sedona weather forecast Before you go out.
Do not forget: Package Hiking basicsDrink plenty of water, a wide-brimmed sun hat, and sunscreen. There is not much shade at this height.
please: practice 7 Leave no trace principles. These include planning ahead and being prepared, traveling on sturdy surfaces, disposing of waste properly, leaving what you find, respecting wildlife, minimizing the effects of a campfire (not relevant to this trip), and being considerate of others.
How to get to the Scheuermann Mountain Trail
Driving directions: Head south on Upper Red Rock Loop Road off Highway 89A. The main three-way interchange in Sedona is about 4.2 miles away.
Continue 0.3 miles to the third road on the right, past some entrances to Sedona Red Rock Jr. School. Drive down the road and turn left after 50 yards into a gated paved car park. The Scheuermann Mountain Trail starts next to a large sign.
There is also the option to park at a stop on Red Rock Loop Road, directly across from Sedona Red Rock Heights Drive. See picture below.
Road head location map
Scheuermann Mountain Trail Description
The Scheuermann Mountain Trail, which features small stones in wire cages, winds behind Sedona Red Rock High School, past a mass of solar panels and through an old cattle gate.
The trail climbs beyond the gate to the saddle. The climb is rocky in places but slow as it passes through forests of pine and juniper. In no time, you'll be rewarded with good views of the red rocks. At the top of the mesa, reach the intersection.
Head left along a short section of the Schuerman Mountain Vista Trail to the edge of the mesa, among trees, cacti, and lava blocks. Enjoy far-reaching views including Bear Mountain to the north, Sedona, Oak Creek to the south, and many iconic red rocks like Cathedral Rock that Sedona is known for.
If you turn right at the intersection, you can climb to the top of Mount Scheuermann. It won't take long – maybe 20 minutes at most to get out, up and back from the intersection.
To return simply retrace your steps. We saw mountain bikers on the Scheuermann Mountain Trail so be prepared to stop quickly.
Where to stay in Sedona
Sedona can be an expensive place to visit especially in high season. We stayed in Briar Patch Inn in Oak Creek, although I think it was too far from the lanes we wanted to use, given how bad the traffic was. You may want to consider the location of your accommodations based on what you plan to do while in Sedona. Here are some suggestions.
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