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LOWER CHIMNEY ROCK & SUMMIT ROUTE
Sedona
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| Chimney Rock |
Next to Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock is one of the most
iconic sandstone formations in Sedona.
Visible from just about everywhere in downtown Sedona, this singular,
russet pillar (actually three clustered spires) stands sentry beneath the
cream-colored behemoth of 6355' Thunder Mountain (aka Capitol Butte). Soaring
to 4995', this natural sculpture cuts an impressive silhouette because of how
it's isolated along a limestone ridge.
However, even with two of Red Rock Country's most recognizable geological
formations looming
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| Little Sugarloaf |
above the trail, it's the "baby sister"---4872'
Little Sugarloaf---that gets all the attention on this hike because the route
makes a wide loop around the layered cone of this mini-mount. A wooden "summit" sign marks
the start of an optional spur path to the top. The worthwhile diversion is short but mostly on slick rock,
so proceed with care. From the
summit, views stretch all the way to Prescott, Jerome and Flagstaff.
LENGTH: 2.9
miles
Lower Chimney Rock Loop: 1.5-mile loop
Summit Route: 0.7 mile one-way
RATING: easy-moderate
ELEVATION: 4550' - 4600' or 4870' with summit
FEE: A Red Rock Pass is required. $5 daily fee.
HOURS: dawn to dusk daily
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| Butterfly on cliff fendlerbush, April 2013 |
GETTING THERE:
From Phoenix, travel north on I17 to exit 298for AZ179,
Sedona-Oak Creek. Head west (go
left) and continue to the "Y" intersection of AZ179 and AZ89A in
Sedona. Veer west (left) through the
traffic circle and continue 3.2 miles on AZ89A to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and go 0.4 mile to Thunder
Mountain Road, turn right and go 0.5 mile to the Thunder Mountain trailhead on
the left.
INFO: City of
Sedona
MORE PHOTOS:
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