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DEL SOL TRAIL
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| Cathedral Rock and Wilson Mountain |
An
underappreciated slice of
Coconino National Forest just got an upgrade.
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| A slick rock overlook on the Del Sol Trail |
With the opening of the new Del Sol Trail off Verde Valley School Road near the Village of Oak Creek, hikers, bikers and equestrians get a taste of what’s in the works for the Turkey Creek area south of the popular Baldwin-Cathedral Rock system of trails.
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| Cliffs bolster the Del Sol Trail |
The 3.3-mile, moderate-rated route which opened this summer is to be a main artery in a 10-trail, 21-mile matrix of non-motorized trails which are projected to be completed between 2026 and 2028.
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| Sign at the Transept Trailhead |
Beginning at the Transept trailhead, the Del Sol Trail never strays too far from the road and brushes up against private properties in spots.
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| Amazing rock formations throughout the hike |
But the fringe of suburbs, ranches and the Verde Valley School visible below the trail doesn’t dilute the distinct Red Rock Country ambience.
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| A shady patch on the Del Sol Trail |
Patches of pinion pine, junipers, sugar sumac provide sporadic shade as the trails twists its way through shrubby high desert terrain.
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| A sunny meadow on the Del Sol Trail |
The, yucca-studded, easy-to-follow route gains over 400 feet of elevation, but hairpin turns that slingshot around scoured drainages and long switchbacks make the climb sections virtually sweatless.
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| Verde Valley School below the trail |
Where the trail traverses slickrock, white arrows mark the way. Bolstered by soaring sandstone cliffs to the west and expansive vistas to the east and north, the trail is generous with eye candy.
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| North terminus at the Turkey Creek Trailhead |
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| White arrows mark the way over slick rock |
About half way in, slick rock overlooks serve up gorgeous views of iconic rock formations including Capitol Butte, Cathedral Rock and Bear Mountain. Beyond the highpoint photo opps, the path winds downhill ending with an easy stroll in soft pink sand to meet the Turkey Creek Trail—a legacy route that until now, was one of only a handful of sanctioned trails in shadow of the House Mountain Volcano.
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| More trails are coming to the Turkey Creek area |
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| Bear Mountain on the horizon |
LENGTH: 3.3 miles one way
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 3,962 – 4,200 feet
GETTING THERE:
SOUTH (Transept) TRAILHEAD:
From the State Route 179 in the Village of Oak Creek, go 2.1 miles west on Verde Valley School Road to the parking apron on the left.
NORTH (Turkey Creek) TRAILHEAD:
From the State Route 179 in the Village of Oak Creek, go 4 miles west on Verde Valley School Road to Forest Road 216B on the left. Go a few yards and park near the forest service sign on the left. The Del Sol Trail starts directly behind the sign. The last half-mile on Verde Valley School Road is graded dirt suitable for all vehicles.
There are no fees or facilities at either trailhead. E-bikes are not allowed.
