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AERIE-COCKSCOMB LOOP
Sedona
 |
| Red Rock views on the Aerie Trail |
For hikers stepping out on
Sedona's rusty soils for the first time, best bet trails to try
include Boynton Canyon, Bear Mountain and Fay Canyon. Until recently these crazy-popular routes were isolated from each
other, but now the Aerie Trail tethers the trifecta of Upper Dry Creek Area trailheads to
it's own roomy parking area. This new
access point off Boynton Pass Road provides respite from the
boot-clad masses and access to dozens of trails. The 5.2-mile
Aerie-Cockscomb loop takes off from this portal swooping around Doe
Mountain and the distinctive silhouette of the Cockscomb rock
formation. As with any Red Rock Country hike, views long this gently
undulating trail are picture-postcard quality and an optional slog up
the connecting Doe Mountain spur path offers a panoramic spectacle of
color saturated mesas and buttes for those willing to tag on another
1.2 miles to the trek.
HIKE PLAN:
From the Aerie trailhead,
begin on Cockscomb Trail. Hike past the Rupp and Dawa junctions
and turn left at the Aerie Trail sign at the 3.3 mile point. From
here, hike 1.2 miles to the Doe Mountain junction. This 0.7-mile spur
trail climbs 460 feet to the summit of a long mesa and is well worth
a detour or you can skip the climb and continue 0.7 mile back to the
trailhead. All routes are signed.
LENGTH: 5.2-mile loop (6.6 with Doe
Mountain spur)
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 4250' – 4660' (5120'
with summit spur)
FEE: None. A Red Rock Pass is NOT required at the Aerie trailhead
FEE: None. A Red Rock Pass is NOT required at the Aerie trailhead
GETTING THERE:
From the State Route 179/89A
traffic circle in Sedona, head 3.2 miles west (left toward
Cottonwood) on SR89A to Dry Creek Road. Turn right and go 2.9 miles
to Boynton Pass Road (FR152C), make a left and continue 1.5 miles to
a “T” junction and veer left to stay on FR152C. Continue 1.4
miles to Aerie Road, turn left and go 0.4 mile to the turn off for
the trailhead on the right.
INFO:
Red Rock Ranger District,
Coconino National Forest, 928-203-2900
MORE PHOTOS:
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