Margs Draw Trail

MARGS DRAW TRAIL

Margs Draw Trail is in Munds Mtn Wilderness

One of the most amazing things about hiking in Sedona is that, from many trailheads, it’s just a few steps from pavement to paradise.

The central Arizona destination known for its red rock formations and creek-side attractions is a cluster of low-slung buildings, two-lane roads and structural color schemes that nix the glitz.

High desert vegetation on Margs Draw Trail

Even fast-food giant McDonald’s acquiesces to the mood by swapping out its signature neon golden arches for a recessed teal roadside logo.  The freeway-and-high-rise-free zone allows Sedona to settle in with a minimally disruptive footprint among the high desert hinterlands of Red Rock Secret Mountain and Munds Mountain Wilderness Areas.

A sandstone ledge over Margs Draw

The deep gorge of Margs Draw

Although tame by wilderness standards, Sedona’s easy-access trails provide excellent ways for just about anybody to experience protected areas where only foot traffic and equestrian travel is allowed.  One old standard to try is the Margs Draw Trail.

Prickly pear cactus thrive in sunny spots on the trail

Located close to the city center, the out-and-back route is easy to follow, has three convenient access points and links up with other trails at both ends for longer hikes. 

The trail is within the Munds Mountain Wilderness

Beginning at the north end of the 2-mile straight-shot route, the hike follows a short access path from the Schnebly Hill trailhead before crossing a road and stepping into the Munds Mountain Wilderness Area. 

Arizona cypress trees shade parts of the trail

The north-south running trail traverses foothills below the chiseled pinnacles surrounding 6,834-foot Munds Mountain.  A brim of weather-sculpted sandstone pillars bolsters the trail’s eastern edge. 

Snoopy Rock (center) is a highlight of the hike

Within the first half-mile, the iconic Snoopy Rock formation that resembles the beloved Peanuts cartoon canine reclining, belly-up on his doghouse appears on a ridge overhead. 

Jagged pillars of Munds Mountain Wilderness

Jogging among cypress woodlands, sunny ledges and rocky drainages, the trail also showcases views of Chimney Rock, Wilson Mountain and Capitol Butte.  At the half-way point, there’s a junction for the Sombert Lane trailhead which can be used to create a shorter version of this hike. 

Capitol Butte (far right) seen from the trail

About a 0.2-mile from the junction, the trail meets the gorge of Margs Draw. 

Easy access at the urban-forest interface

Blackfoot daisies bloom March- December

The deeply incised channel is marked by a curved sandstone overhang hovering over a slickrock passage dotted with cottonwood trees and pools of water left by monsoon rains. 

Sacred datura bloom April - November

Sweet-smelling wilderness woodlands

Moisture funneled through this major drainage feeds a colorful collection of pollinator-attracting wildflowers and blooming shrubs.  Soon, the prominent profiles of Twin Buttes and distant glimpses of the mountains and mesas of Prescott National Forest comes into view.

Crucifixion-thorn bloom May - August

A final downhill dip ends at the Broken Arrow trailhead where hikers may double back or use the map kiosk to continue to the loopy, piggy-named trails orbiting Twin Buttes.

Flat-topped Wilson Mountain seen from the trail

LENGTH: 4.4 miles roundtrip

RATING: easy

ELEVATION: 4,231 – 4,451 feet

GETTING THERE:

North, Schnebly Hill Trailhead

From traffic circle located at the Oak Creek bridge on State Route 179 in Sedona, turn right onto Schnebly Hill Road and go one mile to the trailhead on the left. Roads are suitable for all vehicles. There is a restroom at the trailhead. FEE: A Red Rock Pass or equivalent is required. There is a permit kiosk at the trailhead.

Midway, Sombart Lane Trailhead

From State Route 179 about a mile before the traffic circle over Oak Creek, turn right onto Sombart Lane and continue 0.2-mile to the parking area. Hike the 0.2-mile access path to the trail.  No fee or facilities.

South, Broken Arrow Trailhead

From State Route 179 1.4 miles south of the SR179/89A traffic circle, turn right onto Morgan Road and continue 0.5-mile to the trailhead.  No fee or facilities.

INFO:

Coconino National Forest

https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=55206&actid=50