Hi Everyone... I was looking at route options for Saturday and thought it might be fun to do the route outlined below. Take a look and let me know what you think. T-Six Canyon Loop (highlighted in blue) is a little more technical compared to the rest of the route, so for those who want to skip it, they can head up to Munds Park for an extended lunch break while the rest of the group does the loop and catches up.
Potential Revised Itinerary for Saturday
- 8:45 am – Meet at Bar M Road off of I-17 (exit 320 – Munds Park)
- For those staying at or near the Hilton Grand Vacations Sedona Summit, we’ll look to depart the hotel around 8:15 am
- 9:00 am – Bar M road to Sheep Springs Road (11 miles)
- 9:40 am – Sheep Springs Road to Casner Park (11 miles)
- 10:05 am – Casner Park (brief connector) to Mud Puddle Lane
- 10:20 am – Mud Puddle Lane to FR 226 (3 miles)
- 10:45 am – FR 226 to T-Six Canyon Loop (about 1 - 2 miles)
- 11:05 am – T-Six Canyon Loop (about 5 miles)
- 11:55 am – FR 226 to I-17 (1 – 2 miles )
- 12:30 – 1:30 pm – Lunch
- 1:30 pm – Drive to Schnebly Hill Road
- 2:00 pm – Schnebly Hill Road (12 miles)
- Merry-Go-Round Rock (mile 4.0) - Photo opportunity
- 4:30 pm – Arrive in Sedona – Air-up tires
- 4:45 pm – Head to dinner (Location TBD)
Description of the various roads/trails in the route:
Bar M Road - This rough forest road has sporadic pull-through primitive campsites scattered throughout, though sites are more densely dispersed closer to the I-17. With no obstacles over 12", this road is clearly unmaintained and could prove challenging after rain or snow. You'll weave between the mixed pine of the Coconino Forest. On the way, stop off at the Observation Tower at the top of Lee Butte.
Sheep Spring Road: Sheep Spring Road is a wide forest road that takes you into the heart of the Coconino National Forest. This road often dances between ponderosa pine groves, and expansive alpine meadows, called parks by the locals. Sheep Springs Road traverses three large parks;Tie, Brolliar, and Long. Along this road you might encounter elk, mule deer, and pronghorns. Don't be surprised if you see hikers in the woods, as this trail crosses the historic Arizona National Scenic Hiking Trail.
Mud Puddle Lane: This trail is Forest Service Road 228 and connects Casper Park and FR 226, which are both Guided Trails. The southern part of this trail is a dirt road with a handful of areas that may hold mud puddles. As you continue North, the mud puddles get bigger and the trail's surface gets more rockier. Be cautious while going through some of the deep mud holes with standing water. There are hidden rocks under the bigger puddle surfaces that could blow a tire if you are going too fast. These bigger mud puddles can cover the entire trail's surface for a good 10 to 15 yards. As you approach Jones Tank, there are deep ruts to watch out for. The area around Jones Tank is another location where deep mud puddles can be present. After a good rain, this area looks like it could be flooded because Jones Tank is right next to the trail on the South side. After passing Jones Tank, the trail becomes much more rocky. The rockiest section is past a Forest Service gate. Please shut the gate behind you. There are large exposed rock gardens after this gate. So, pick your lines wisely to avoid bumps and scrapes to your rig. From there, the trail becomes less rocky and ends to the North at Casper Park Guided Trail.
T-Six Canyon Loop: The beginning of this trail is the start of Forest Road 226C. Right away, the trail starts off rocky and narrow as you climb a small incline. In this area, there are lots of exposed rock outcroppings and loose rocks on the trail. After this section, you will pass over a cattle guard that has a good-sized lip to get on and over the grates. From there, the trail becomes a dirt trail with off-and-on rocky sections. These rocky sections consist of small rock gardens and loose rocks. There are lots of trees that are hanging over this trail so be aware that there may be downed trees blocking the trail in the future. The area right before the loop is prone to mud holes after any good rain. At the loop intersection, you can traverse the remainder of this trail clockwise or counterclockwise. The roughest part of the loop is on the West and Southwest sides. There are larger rock gardens with short and steep grades. Some of these rocks accompanied by a slight grade are more than a 12" obstacle but not up to 18". If you prefer climbing obstacles, go clockwise. If you prefer descending obstacles, go counterclockwise. There are also a few mud-hole-prone areas around this loop.
FR 226: Forest Road 226 runs Northwest to Southeast, opposite the famous "Schnebley Hill". This rocky trail will take you through the mixed pines of the Coconino National Forest through burn scars and past many primitive large pull-through-type campsites. With no obstacles over 12", this dirt road is unmaintained after rain or snow and could prove challenging during the wet season.
Schnebly Hill Road: Schnebly Hill Road is one of Sedona's most iconic and scenic routes, connecting the red rock canyons below to the pine-covered Mogollon Rim above. Best traveled east to west, this trail is known not for technical obstacles, but for its unrelenting rock garden--a bumpy, rough surface that stretches from bottom to rim overlook above. Despite the lack of true obstacles, the continuous loose rock, embedded boulders, and ledges make for a slow and methodical drive. Drivers will be constantly picking their line to avoid tire damage or excess vehicle rattle, especially in stock rigs. It's not difficult--just rough. Along the way, there are several pullouts and side paths that lead to incredible red rock viewpoints, some requiring a short walk for the best perspective. The Schnebly Hill Vista near the top offers a stunning overlook and is the natural endpoint for most travelers. There are campsites along the rim, tucked into the trees - some with primitive fire rings. Remember, if you do have a fire, please check local and county regulations, as this area is prone to large and uncontrollable wildfires. Expect heavy traffic, especially during peak months. The route is a favorite of the Pink Jeep Tours, and their presence adds to the energy but can slow down progress. This is a classic Arizona off-road experience--not hard, but relentlessly bumpy with big payoffs in views.
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