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CAROUSEL-GIDDY UP CIRCUIT
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| Carousel Trail |
Anthropologists say that the fear of heights is adaptive.
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| Carousel Trail |
It’s an evolutionary trait with origins that date back to prehistory when fall injuries would mean pain, death or compromised ability to outrun sabertooth tigers. Natural selection favored humans that steered clear of cliffs, trees and steep slippery slopes.
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| The system is well-signed |
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| Woolly Morning Glory bloom May - November |
Thus, our modern brains are hard wired to avoid doing stupid stuff in high, exposed situations.
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| Carousel Trail |
At least most of the time. As many hikers know, any trail is more fun with a touch of adrenaline. Mountains, canyons, and edgy traverses maintain a magnetic appeal for hikers with enough experience, stamina, traction and sense enough to mitigate the stupid.
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| View from Giddy Up Trail |
But for those willing to admit to experiential deficiencies, maybe starting with a little adrenaline is a smart plan.
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| Scarlet Creeper blooms May - October |
Taking a cue from pop medicine, why not try adrenaline micro-dosing?
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| Carousel Trail |
Acclimating to trail exposure like cliffs and slopes is easy— just pick a path with short duration drop offs and multiple exit plans—-all within cell phone range.
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| Carousel Trail |
A good one to test out is the Carousel Trail that’s part of the Turkey Creek Trail System in the Village of Oak Creek.
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| Carousel Trail |
The 0.4-mile connector route in Coconino National Forest whips around the slick rock ledges of a small sandstone butte. It links up with several of the system's longer routes for dozens of loop options.
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| Camphorweed blooms March - November |
To find the Carousel Trail, begin at the Turkey Creek trailhead with a half-mile walk to the Giddy Up trail. Hike 0.3-mile on Giddy Up and pick up Carousel where a sign warns that the trail is not recommended for horses—a signal that the way is narrow with some steep slopes.
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| Carousel Trail |
Right from the get go, the route hugs red-rock walls, whipping around the butte in a wide arc. In terms of exposure, it’s not too bad, though the trail does hang precariously over some cactus-cluttered inclines.
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| Del Sol Trail |
Just nerve-jangling enough for a mild rush, the path also delivers some fine vistas of Sedona-area landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Capitol Butte and Napoleon’s Tomb.
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| Del Sol Trail |
After a few adrenaline surges, the trail rounds a bend and begins winding downhill. While still mostly on smooth red rock, the remainder of the route is more comfortably situated away from the queasy edges. At the 1.2-mile point, Carousel ends at the junction with the Del Sol trail. Here, white arrows help navigate the trails where they traverse bare rock. For a 2-mile loop, hang a left (heading downhill) on Del Sol and follow the arrows and signs back to the trailhead. Otherwise, continue south on Del Sol (a 3.3-mile trail) for a larger dose of height-related thrills. While you’re there, you might encounter trail workers building out the system.
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| Start of the Carousel Trail |
The system is already two years in the making and Phase III trail construction resumes in November for the 2026-27 season. Over 7 more miles of new construction, refinement and restoration are planned.
LENGTH: 2-mile loop
RATING: moderate
ELEVATION: 3,924 – 4,118 feet
GETTING THERE:
Turkey Creek Trailhead:
From State Route 179 in the Village of Oak Creek, go 4 miles west on Verde Valley School Road to Forest Road 216B on the left. Park in the dirt lot at the large forest service sign a few yards in. Follow the “trail” signs to access the route. There are no facilities or fees at this trailhead.
Roads are paved up to the last half mile which is maintained dirt suitable for all vehicles.
KEEP UP WITH TURKEY CREEK TRAIL SYSTEM HERE:
https://redrocktrailfund.org/turkey-creek-year-2-phase-iii-whats-coming-this-trail-season/
