Schnebly Hill Trail

Total Miles
11.1

Elevation

1,981.43 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

3

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Summer, Fall

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Schnebly Hill Trail 9

Trail Overview

This 11.1-mile point-to-point trail takes you from the Verde Valley (Sedona) up to the Schnebly Hill Vista. You will pass through towering red rock buttes with a background of blue sky and green forest. The first 5 miles of this trail is a rough, bumpy road, that when dry is easily passable by high-clearance SUVs. At approximately 4 miles into the trail, you will reach a popular stop point of Merry-Go-Round Rock. This is an excellent spot to stop for a break and enjoy the views of Damfino Canyon. The trail from Merry-Go-Round Rock to I-17 is closed during the winter months (approximately December through April). Once you crest the vista, the trail becomes easier and is a maintained forest service road.

Photos of Schnebly Hill Trail

Schnebly Hill Trail
Schnebly Hill Trail

Difficulty

There are loose rocks and obstacles up to 12 inches in height.

History

Schnebly Hill Road started as the Munds Wagon Trail in the 1800s. Rancher Jim Munds created the trail to drive his cattle from Verde Valley to the pastures on the vista. In 1902, the trail was improved by J.J. Thompson, with funding from Coconino County, fruit growers, and ranchers in Sedona. 28 years later, in 1930 the existing Schnebly Hill Road was built.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

Darren Miller
Sep 01, 2024
SxS
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Colton Sellers
Aug 18, 2024
2020 Toyota Tacoma
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Started at the I-17 side of the trail. First quarter was very easy to get to the view part. After that it was all downhill. Very rocky but I managed to do it fairly comfortably with very little experience and a stock 2WD Tacoma OR with street tires. Not sure if I’d be able to go up starting from Sedona but down was easy enough. If you just want the views start from I-17 and turn afround after the view. But if you want a little challenge going up from Sedona would be your best bet. Fun drive non the less.
Chris Mac
Aug 17, 2024
2014 Lexus GX
Open
Rough/Deteriorated
Normal
J M
Aug 17, 2024
4x4
Open
Normal
Rough/Deteriorated
Very rocky but doable trail with most jeeps and 4x4s. Definitely recommend airing down and picking your lines very carefully to avoid potential tire issues

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