GROUND
CONTROL TRAIL
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| Ground Control trail traces the cliffs below the Cockscomb |
Kudos to
whomever came up with the name for one of the newest trails in Sedona. The
Ground Control trail, which opened in January 2020, delivers exactly what the
aerial-themed moniker implies, lots of exposure and terrific fly-over views.
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| Fog covered Bear Mountain seen from Outer Limits trail |
The compact
but complex trail is located in the still-evolving, 29-mile Western Gateway
Trails system that spins off from the old standard Girdner Trail in the Dry
Creek area on the western edge of Sedona. The 0.7-mile Ground Control trail is
situated in the middle of the system and can only be accessed by way of
connecting routes. The quickest way to get to is from the north at the Aerie
trailhead off Boynton Pass Road not far from the hyper-popular Bear Mountain
and Doe Mountain trails. From this relatively under-the-radar trailhead, a
3.8-mile loop using the Cockscomb, Outer Limits and Ground Control trails gets
to the good stuff post haste but also has options for building longer circuits.
Begin by
hiking 1 mile on the Cockscomb trail then hang a right at the Ground Control
junction.
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| Doe Mountain seen from Cockscomb trail |
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| Agaves and cacti on the Cockscomb trail |
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| Pinnacles of the Cockscomb formation on Ground Control |
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| Blackfoot daisies bloom in sunny spots on the trails |
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| Ground Control trail opened in January 2020 |
The freshly
re-aligned single track was adapted by the forest service from a user-created
bike route that traces on the edgy west face of the iconic Cockscomb rock
formation. While the trail begins with an easy, twisting climb, its wonky
character take hold once it reaches a deck-like passage of sandstone shelves.
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| Ground Control trail begins with a mild ascent |
Lodged
between the towering red rock escarpments of the Cockscomb and miles of open plains
300 feet below, the slick rock path hangs close to the brink and in places,
walking the uneven exposed ledges mimics the rolls and bumps of a small aircraft
flying through turbulence.
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| Gregg's ceanothus is a common shrub on the route |
Tight turns,
abrupt down steps and glimpses of Sedona landmarks Capitol Butte and Courthouse
Rock define the final quarter-mile of the trail that slips off the rocky flanks
landing on calmer tread for the next leg of the hike. At the base of the
Cockscomb formation, the route meets the Outer Limits trail. For the loop hike,
head right. Otherwise, consult the trail maps posted at every junction to
create a longer trip or car shuttle hike using the Cultural Park trailhead off
State Route 89A.
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| View of Thunder Mtn (Capitol Butte) from Ground Control |
Continue on the Outer Limits trail through
beautiful high desert terrain accented with junipers, cypress, scrub oak,
yuccas, cacti and acres of ocotillo. With its ample sunshine and watery
drainages this 0.8-mile path is a productive destination for spring wildflower viewing in
March and April.
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| Lots of ocotillo on the Outer Limits trail |
Back at the Cockscomb junction, head left and retrace your steps
back to the trailhead to complete the hike.
LENGTH:
3.8 mile loop
RATING:
moderate
ELEVATION:
4,454 – 4,714 feet
GETTING
THERE:
Aerie
Trailhead (described here):
From the State Route 179/89A traffic circle in Sedona, head
3.2 miles west (left toward Cottonwood) on SR 89A 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. There are no fees or facilities
at the trailhead.
Cultural Park trailhead (optional south access):
From the State Route 179/89A traffic circle in Sedona, head
4.2 miles west on 89A Cultural Park Place on the right at the traffic signal.
Go north 2.2 miles to the parking area. Follow the Outer Limits trail north to connect with Ground Control. There is a
picnic ramada and interpretive displays at the trailhead. No
fees.
INFO:
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