Hiking Hotspot: The Sugarloaf Summit Trail in Sedona, Arizona
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Sedona is an oasis for outdoor and fitness lovers. More and more tourists are planning trips to the area to take in the beauty of the stunning ancient red rock formations. On the downside, this means that this beautiful red rock wonderland is becoming less of a hidden gem and more of a popular Southwest tourist destination.
Over the years since moving to Flagstaff (a cute mountain town just 45 miles north), I’ve seen a massive uptick in tourists each weekend. The parking lots for the most popular trails like Devil’s Bridge often fill up by mid morning, and the insane foot traffic on the trails themselves often make it difficult to feel like you are getting a true nature experience.
However, there are still many trails that remain underrated, and thus, remain underused. One of my favorites is the Sugarloaf Summit trail. It’s so easy and short and quite hard to believe that so many tourists pass this one up. My first time hiking here I was totally shocked by the jaw dropping red rock scenery and the only thing I could think of is why I was one of the only people hiking this marvelous trail.
Compared to some lengthy trails in this region, it’s crazy the limited time and effort it takes to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views on this spectacular trail. Your adventure begins on the Teacup Trail (0.3 miles), followed by a scenic journey along an easy loop trail until reaching the summit climb, a totally rewarding trek of just 0.2 miles.
The most breathtaking scenery in the region
Following a short climb up the mountain, you will be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the entire area. Once you reach the top, you will want to soak in these tremendous views for a while. It really is hard to make the trek back to your car after witnessing such incredible views! Really, I could stare out at this viewpoint all day.
Imagine being the only one soaking in this red rock scenery! Get out here and enjoy the quiet views to yourself while you still can as this area becomes more and more crowded each year.
An easy & well marked adventure
Trail markings are adequate. Unlike some of the more confusing, unmarked trails, numerous cairns (pictured below) help guide you along the way. Obviously, a well marked trail is a must in the desert, especially during the summer season when temps often crawl well past 90! Getting lost on a 100 degree day in an area with little shade is not fun! Be sure to bring plenty of water with you and set out early in the morning, if possible.
Another benefit of this hike is the close distance to the main tourist center, Uptown. While many other trails take a half hour or more to get to, this trail is no more than a 10 minute drive or so from the Uptown area.
And finally, the combined Sugarloaf/Teacup trail is one of the easiest & more picturesque options. It’s a great pick for the hot summer season when you don’t want to be out hiking for too long. It’s a great pick for first time visitors who want to enjoy the scenery without going all out.
Another advantage of this trail is the lush greenery and many prickly pear cacti which line the route. The cacti here seem so much greener and alive than the dead, brown cacti you encounter along most of the other trails.
An easy bucket list contender
Despite the close proximity to town, the trail remains pretty peaceful even on weekends. On any given day, you are not likely to see many other hikers, perhaps just a few locals walking their dog or simply enjoying a picturesque workout.
The laid-back, non touristy vibe of this hike add to its’ appeal. Low foot traffic and ease of finding parking definitely make it a more attractive option for any hikers seeking a nice relaxed stroll in the beautiful Sedona wilderness. This is definitely on my list for the best-of-the-best of Red Red Country. Check out my full guide to some of my favorite hikes in the region for more ideas.
Additional Details
- Location: Buena Vista Drive
- Distance: 1.9 mile loop
- Difficulty: Easy
- Parking: A Red Rock Pass is required
- Pet policy: Leashed dogs are okay
Learn more about the Coconino National Forest
Where to dine post-hike
Before your hike, I recommend a stop at the fabulous Indian Gardens Cafe on Oak Creek canyon if you are coming from Flagstaff. They serve the best food and you can sit on a lovely shaded patio. I really love the burritos and homemade pastries here. Excellent espressos and mochas too. In Sedona, Wildflower Bread in a great casual choice.
After your hike, I recommend checking out a local restaurant in Uptown since its’ so close. This is a touristy area where you can shop and dine while enjoying great views of the red rocks. You will find a lot of touristy restaurants and southwestern style boutique shops.
I recommend lunch at Wildflower Bread which is basically like a local version of Panera Bread. Only their soups, salads, and homemade bread are so much more delicious. And you can’t beat the views sitting on the outdoor patio, seriously. Try the broccoli cheddar or the 12 vegetable.
