One of the less well-know hikes in the Sedona area is the short Schuerman Mountain trail. The trail ascends to a viewpoint at the edge of an ancient volcano overlooking the full expanse of Sedona and Oak Creek.
You can knock this out and back hike off in an hour. The Schuerman Mountain trail is quiet, so parking is easy and you won’t see many people. It’s a great hike to do around sunset as you’ll enjoy some grand scenery from the viewpoint, especially of Cathedral Rock lit up.
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Schuerman Mountain trail hike summary
Distance: 1.6 miles return
Elevation gain: 360 feet
Time needed: 1 – 1.5 hours.
Difficulty: Easy and family friendly.
Dogs: Allowed on a leash. Bring water for them too.
Trailhead location: Just off Upper Red Rock Loop by the Sedona High School. You do not need a Red Rock Pass.
Best time to go: Do the Schuerman Mountain trail hike in late afternoon for the best lighting especially of Cathedral Rock to the south. Look northwest to enjoy views of the Verde Valley and Mingus Mountains. November through April is the prime time to hike the mountain.
Weather: Check the Sedona weather forecast before you head out.
Don’t forget: Pack the hiking essentials, take lots of water, a wide-brim sunhat, and sunscreen. There isn’t much shade on this hike.
Please: Practice the 7 Leave No Trace principles. That includes plan ahead and prepare, travel on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, respect wildlife, minimize campfire impacts (not relevant on this hike), and be considerate of others.
How to get to the Schuerman Mountain trailhead
Driving Directions: Turn south on the Upper Red Rock Loop Road off Highway 89A. From the main three-way intersection in Sedona it’s approximately 4.2 miles.
Continue for 0.3 miles to the third drive on the right, past a few entrances to the Sedona Red Rock Jr. Sr. High School. Drive up the road and turn left after 50 yards into a paved parking lot with a gate. The Schuerman Mountain trail takes off from beside a large sign.
There is also the option to park at a pull off on Red Rock Loop Road, directly across from Sedona Red Rock Heights Drive. See photo below.
Location map of the trailhead
Description of the Schuerman Mountain trail
The Schuerman Mountain trail, marked by cairns in wire cages, takes off behind Sedona Red Rock High School, past a mass of solar panels and through an old cattle gate.
The trail climbs up beyond the gate to a saddle. The climb is rocky in places but gradual as it passes through woodland made up of pinyon and juniper. In short order you are rewarded with good red rock views. At the top on the mesa, reach an intersection.
Go left along a short section of the Schuerman Mountain Vista trail to the mesa’s edge, set amongst trees, cacti and lava blocks. Enjoy far-reaching views including Bear Mountain to the north, Sedona, Oak Creek to the south, and many of the iconic red rocks like Cathedral Rock that Sedona is famous for.
If you go right at the intersection, you can climb to the top of Schuerman Mountain. It won’t take long – perhaps 20 minutes at most to go out, up and back from the intersection.
To return simply retrace your steps. We did see mountain bikers on the Schuerman Mountain trail so be prepared to pull over quickly.
Where to stay in Sedona
Sedona can be an expensive place to visit especially in high season. We stayed at the Briar Patch Inn on Oak Creek, though I think it was too far from the trailheads we wanted to use, given how bad the traffic was. You might want to think about the location of your accommodation based on what you plan to do while in Sedona. The following are a few suggestions.
- Alma de Sedona B&B – Great location, pool, excellent breakfast
- Sky Ranch Lodge – quiet, but a short drive to downtown
- Sedona Cathedral Hideaway B&B & Spa – Great location in front of Cathedral Rock and exceptional reviews.
- Inn Above Oak Creek Sedona – lovely location and individually decorated rooms
- El Portal Sedona Hotel – a boutique hotel within walking distance to shopping
Interested in more hikes in Arizona?
- The Courthouse Butte hike is a beauty – and it’s family-friendly. Parking is at a premium.
- The Bear Mountain hike offers a workout and phenomenal views without the crowds.
- Hike the Soldier Pass Trail and Soldier Pass Cave if you want to see some of Sedona’s iconic sights. It’s family -friendly though a small section is shared with jeep tours.
- The Aravaipa Canyon hike is a great one in hot weather as stream wading is involved multiple times over its length.
- Head to Arizona’s Superstition Mountains for some scenic hiking.
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