Riding Sedona’s Chimney Rock Trail: A Guide to This Scenic Loop

Shredding Sedona’s Chimney Rock Trail: A Guide to This Scenic Loop

Sedona, Arizona, is renowned for its rugged red rock landscapes and adventurous trails, and the Chimney Rock Trail is no exception. This trail offers mountain bikers a taste of Sedona’s natural beauty without a daunting commitment. With its figure-eight loop format, you can stitch together the Upper Chimney Rock Trail and Lower Chimney Rock Trail for a 3.16-mile excursion. However, there’s an important twist: the upper loop crosses into wilderness territory, where biking is prohibited. While you can tackle the lower loop on two wheels, the upper loop is best enjoyed as a hike.

By blending biking and hiking, you can make the most of Chimney Rock's dynamic terrain. The trail delivers sweeping views, a sense of solitude, and a chance to soak in Sedona's stunning desert environment, all within a short and manageable distance.

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Adventure Guide to Chimney Rock Trail

Key Details:

• Location: Sedona, Arizona
• Trail Distance: 3.16 miles (figure-eight loop)
  • Upper Loop: 1.79 miles (hiking only due to wilderness boundary)
  • Lower Loop: 1.39 miles (mountain biking permitted)
• Trailhead Access: Chimney Rock Trailhead

Recommended Approach:

Start at the Chimney Rock Trailhead. If you’re biking, limit your ride to the Lower Chimney Rock Trail. The loop is packed with fun, short climbs and sweeping turns, ideal for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. For hikers, the Upper Chimney Rock Trail offers a rewarding trek with side spurs leading to scenic overlooks atop nearby hills—perfect spots for panoramic views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations.

Interesting Facts:

• Wilderness Areas: Federal law prohibits biking in designated wilderness zones. The Upper Chimney Rock Trail traverses such an area, so hiking is the best option for this section.
• Views: Look for Thunder Mountain and Coffee Pot Rock—prominent landmarks visible from the trail's vantage points.
• History: The area’s red rock formations are millions of years old, shaped by wind and water erosion over millennia.

Take your time to savor this blend of biking and hiking, keeping the experience sustainable and respectful of Sedona's protected wilderness.