This intermediate-friendly primer to Sedona's red rock will entertain expert-level riders as well.

Statistics

2 - 3

hrs

525

m

525

m

3

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

Trails like Hangover and the White Line have put Sedona on the map as an epicenter of gnarly, death-defying mountain biking...

but not every ride has to risk life and limb.

The Upper Dry Creek Area that this loop runs through is the perfect zone for intermediate riders looking to sample Sedona's famed red rock mountain biking and enjoy gorgeous views of the region.

Even expert-level riders can use a break from max-level exposure, and these trails are entertaining enough that just about everyone will enjoy them! This zone also provides more true singletrack riding, instead of just rock slabs all the time—Sedona's famous velcro rojo.

Swooping through the low pinion pines and spiny cholla cactus, even the mellowest of trails offers up a fun, flowy rip! The three main trails anchoring this loop are Chuckwagon, Mescal, and Aerie.

While Mescal is a bit tougher and more exposed than the others and could warrant a black-diamond rating, confident intermediate riders should still have a blast.

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 downhill rips, the gorgeous views, and the ever-changing character of this trail.