This zone also provides more true singletrack running, instead of just scrambling up and down rock slabs all the time. The singletrack here swoops through the low pinion pines and spiny cholla cactus, allowing you to open up your stride and really cover some miles.

The three main trails anchoring this loop are Chuckwagon, Mescal, and Aerie. While Mescal is a bit tougher and more exposed than the others, it's still quite runnable. These sections of trail skirt the red rock slabs that Sedona is renowned for, with some of the upper reaches on Mescal especially offering jaw-dropping views from the side of Mescal Mountain of the greater Red Rocks Region.

Climbs and descents alternate back and forth in true Sedona style. Nothing kicks up for long... or descends for long, for that matter. Once you get into the rhythm of constant climbing and descending, you'll come to enjoy the short, techy downhills, the gorgeous views, and the ever-changing character of this trail.