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BALDWIN TRAIL
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| View of Oak Creek from Baldwin Trail |
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| Cathedral Rock, Nov 4, 2012 |
An aerial view of Sedona's network of trails reveals a very
loopy web. Most of Red Rock
Country's short trails are interconnected, allowing hikers, bikers and
equestrians to customize their treks.
The Baldwin Trail loop anchors the far west end of the Bell
Rock-Cathedral Rock cluster of paths.
Beautiful as both a standalone or combo hike, Baldwin makes a scenic
swoop near the base of world-famous Cathedral Rock, topping out at a sunny
highpoint with great views of Sedona and the Bradshaw Mountains before dipping
down to graze the wooded fringes of Oak Creek. A map kiosk at the trailhead details the route and its
connecting trails, including a (highly recommended) diversion to a vortex
(place known for its spiritual energy) site on Oak Creek via the Templeton Trail.
The diversity of this trail is a wonder. Hikers wander through flood plain
grasslands, over slabs of bare rock dotted with cypress and agaves and among
enormous creek side sycamore-cottonwood riparian forests flanked by soaring red
walls of sedimentary stone. All
this variety makes it a good "appetizer" trail to get a little taste
of all the goodies of hiking in Sedona.
LENGTH: 2.1
mile loop (according to my calculations--FS says its 1.6 miles)
RATING: easy
ELEVATION:
4020' - 4150'
FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required. $5 daily fee per vehicle.
http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/coconino/passes-permits/recreation
FACILITIES: restroom
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to exit 298 for Sedona AZ
179. Turn left (west) and continue
6 miles on AZ 179 to the Verde Valley School Road traffic circle. Veer left and
drive roughly 5 miles to the Baldwin Trailhead. Last few miles are rough dirt,
but passable by sedan. Alternate
access: a point on the right side
of Verde Valley School Rd just before FR 9829 where a 0.3 mile spur path
connects to the trail. Also connects
to the Templeton Trail.
INFO: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest,
928-203-2900
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