Best backpacking trails in Sedona, Arizona

The Little Horse Trail begins as part of the Bell Rock Pathway. Follow this wide trail southward for 0.25 mile. Here, at a signed fork, take the old jeep road branching to the left and marked with basket cairns. The road drops to cross a dry streambed, climbs a bit and ends at the 0.75 mile point. The trail continues to the left and climbs moderately, topping out on a large, flat expanse. Turn to the right here. The level trail leads into a stand of Arizona cypress and intersects Chapel Trail about 1.4 miles from the Chapel of the Holy Cross as it nears the "Madonna and the Nuns" spire rock formation. Continue for 150 yards passing the base of the knobs of Chicken Point on the left. Take the path left for a short climb onto the bare rock for wonderful views. This point is used by jeep tours via Broken Arrow Road.Show more

Note: Girdner has been rerouted with large sections of new trail, to eliminate almost all of the creek crossings. Trail now stays up higher, giving great views of the red rocks all around. Show more