Less crowded than most Sedona hikes, the Mescal Mountain Trail provides panoramic canyon views that continually amazes as you traverse around the base of the majestic Mescal Mountain.
The Mescal Mountain Trail is roughly 6 miles and is considered easy to moderate. You can add additional loops and trails to this hike by combining with a variety of other popular hikes such as Devil’s Bridge or Boynton Canyon. But this one is far less crowded which is why we love it. It took us about 2.5 hours with many stops for panoramic pictures and soaking in the views. Dogs can also enjoy this hike. We brought ours and had a great time.
Note that this hike shares a parking lot with the popular Boynton Canyon Trail, so unless you arrive early or happen upon someone leaving, you’ll likely park far away along the road.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Mescal Mountain Trail, search for the Boynton Canyon Trailhead in Sedona, Arizona or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Sedona, get off Highway 89 and go north on Dry Creek Road until it ends at a T intersection. Go left onto Boynton Pass Road until it also ends in a T intersection. Go right onto Boynton Canyon Road and you’ll quickly turn right into the paved parking lot.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody. But keep in mind, the trailhead parking lot is primarily used by Boynton Canyon Trail hikers. It’s an extremely popular (and amazing) hike so the lot is almost always full unless you arrive very early. You can park near the T intersection for spillover parking. Note that you also need a permit to park.
Time & Weather: We did this hike in early March. Since it’s Arizona desert it can be painfully hot or cold. We had chilly 40 degree hiking weather for most of the hike. And if you start in the morning like we did, the first few miles are primarily in the shade as the sun rises behind the mountain.
Gear: Nothing special needed for this hike. You do traverse along the bottom base of Mescal Mountain, so shoes with good grip are always recommended.
Trail Navigation: Since there are a variety of loop and out-and-back options, you’ll need to pay attention to the junctions. But they are all well marked. The trails are all easy enough to follow, with white spray paint every now and then to guide you.
Water & Food: As is the case for any desert hike, bring plenty of water and stay hydrated. But this hike does not take very long.
Trailhead Info: The parking lot can fit roughly 15 cars, but it fills up quickly. Most people park along the road (but check for ‘No Parking Allowed’ signs). There is a bathroom at the trailhead. There are also quite a few cyclists and mountain bikers on these trails, so be aware.
Pictures of the Mescal Mountain Trail:
Right away you’re smack dab in the middle of one of Sedona’s many spectacular canyons.
You’ll veer right towards Mescal Mountain, with long-running canyon views to the left.
Looking left and back as you continue on towards the mountain.
Once you reach the base of Mescal Mountain, a sea of evergreens opens up in front of you.
Curving in alongside the mountain, you hike across the sandstone base.
We took the ‘Extreme’ route, and did not find it to be challenging. However, it’s always advised to wear shoes or boots with good grip.
Once you start to curve away from the base of the mountain, the views behind you are stunning.
Looking forward into the morning sun, Sedona’s enormous canyons sprawl.
Descending down and looking back at Mescal Mountain.
The trail takes you just past Dry Creek Road. We decided to turn back at the road where there were hundreds of cars parked for Devil’s Bridge. This is the view once you turn around.
Looking back again as the sun hides behind the clouds.
Close-up view of the edge of Mescal Mountain. The layers are amazing and colorful, especially against the blue skies and white clouds.
This is the view as you curve back. Now with the mountain on your right and Boynton Canyon in front of you.
As you make the final mile back to the trailhead, the views of Boynton Canyon across the forest.
Be careful walking back through the parking lot and along the roads. This is an extremely busy trailhead. Lots of cars, cyclists and hikers all around. Enjoy!
This is one of the many trails that makes it onto our list of the best hikes in Sedona. If you have limited time be sure to check it out so that you can prioritize properly.
