GREAT SEDONA HIKES

HT Trail Hike

Summary: An in-out hike between the Bell Rock Pathway and the Templeton Trail providing excellent views and access to the foot of Cathedral Rock

Challenge Level: Easy to Moderate

Hiking Distance: About 5.5 miles round trip to the base of Cathedral Rock. Add another 0.5 miles if you hike up the Cathedral Rock Trail to the "saddle" of Cathedral Rock and the vortex there

Trailhead Directions: From the "Y" roundabout (the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 179), drive south on SR 179 for 3.5 miles. Once you pass the Back 'O Beyond roundabout, the northbound and southbound lanes of SR 179 split. Shortly you'll see a "Scenic View" sign. Turn left here and proceed across the northbound SR 179 to the parking area.

Description: Once you park, hike south on the Bell Rock Pathway. You'll intersect the Little Horse Trail after 0.3 mile. Continue south another 0.2 mile and you'll come to a bridge that spans a wash. Continue across the bridge to the intersection of the HT Trail and the Bell Rock Pathway just on the other side. Turn right on to the HT Trail. As you hike along the HT Trail, you'll pass under both the northbound and southbound lanes of SR 179. There are Pinion pines in this area and you are partially shaded. You follow along the wash you crossed just before turning to the HT Trail. After 1.4 miles, you'll intersect the Templeon Trail. Turn right and proceed toward Cathedral Rock. As you approach Cathedral Rock, the landscape changes to a desert environment and you'll see Ocotillo plants, which likely will have their red blooms displayed in mid to late April. Continue west along the Templeton and you'll intersect the Cathedral Rock Trail coming up from the parking area on the Back 'O Beyond Road.

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