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| Cockscomb formation dominates the horizon |
GIRDNER TRAIL
Sedona
Taking off from a trailhead located less than a mile from
busy Highway 89A in Sedona, the Girdner Trail has a surprisingly wild feel
about it---if you give it about a mile. The first part of the hike shares space
with the 0.2-mile, paved Centennial Trail that leads to an overlook area with
big sky views of colorfully layered mesas and blood red rock spires floating over
residential properties northwest of town. Trudging beyond this barrier-free
gem, the trail boasts cypress-framed vistas of the russet sandstone Cockscomb
formation before making a dive into the twisting gorge of Dry Creek where suburbia gets swallowed up in a frenzy of high desert trees and
water-sculpted canyon walls.
Although the creek lives up to its "dry" name most
of the time, the porous terrain retains enough groundwater and reflecting pools
to support an enchanting forest of cottonwood, willow and sycamore trees that
flaunt golden canopies from late October thought mid-November. A walking stick is helpful as the trail
makes many crossings of the boulder strewn creek bed. Along the way, a short trek on a gas pipeline road and
telephone line corridor reminds that civilization is not too far away. The trail
ends at Dry Creek Road, however, multiple connecting trails in the
"Cockscomb cluster" can be cobbled into endless day hike or
backpacking trips. NOTE: trail signs are sparse and intersecting social trails can cause confusion. Study the trailhead map before heading out.
LENGTH: 4.5 miles one way
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 4240'- 4600'
FEE: a Red Rock Pass is required
GETTING THERE:
From the AZ89A/179 traffic circle in Sedona, head 4.2 miles
west (left thru the circle) on 89A to Cultural Park Way (traffic signal). Turn
right and continue 0.3-mile to the Cultural Park trailhead on the right.
Trailhead has picnic tables and a map kiosk but no restrooms or water.
INFO & MAPS: Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National
Forest, 928-203-2900
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