Innovative Healing Arts 

Have you done much hiking around beautiful Sedona? Would you like to explore new or lesser known places? Below are a few of my favorite, fun, 2 to 3 mile hikes between Sedona and Cottonwood. 

S1 - Sedona
Cultural Park Place. Turn onto Cultural Park Place - the last stop light at the west edge of town. Drive past the red and green parking lots and all the way down to the end and park.
Hike is a loop trail just under 2 miles with one very steep climb at the half way point. Bikers occassionally use this path, as do other hikers, so this one is not as remote.


S2 - Sedona
Lower Red Rock Loop Rd. From Sedona, head west of town on 89A for one steep mile - get in the left lane and turn left onto Lower Red Rock Loop Rd. Continue for approximately 1/2 mile and turn left, park on red bedrock.

S3 - Sedona
Lower Red Rock Loop Rd. From Sedona, head west of town on 89A for one steep mile - get in the left lane and turn left onto Lower Red Rock Loop Rd. Continue for 1 mile (pass Elmer Rd. on the right), turn right into a dirt parking area and park. Trail goes past houses for 1/4 mile and then, continues downward. Length = 1 to several miles. Trail = moderate. Some hiking can occur along dry creekbed full of rocks and boulders but is not mandatory. 

C1 - Cottonwood
Forest Service Rd 525. This road is accessed from 89A between Sedona and Cottonwood. From Sedona: head west on 89A for approximately 5 miles and turn right onto 525. Drive 1/8 mile and park in dirt area on left side of dirt road. From Cottonwood: head east on 89A past Mingus/Cornville Rd. towards Sedona for 8 miles. Turn left onto 525 (there is a left turn lane for it).

C2 - Cottonwood
Bill Gray Rd. From Cottonwood, head east on 89A towards Sedona. Continue 1 mile past Mingus/Cornville Rd. Turn left onto Bill Gray Rd - look for a huge Catholic diocese building. The road curves sharply to the left and becomes dirt. Drive to the 2nd cattle guard and turn left immediately after and park.

C3 - Cottonwood
Bill Gray Rd. Numerous side roads to hike on.

C4 - Cottonwood
East 89A directly across from Bill Gray Rd. From Cottonwood, head east on 89A towards Sedona. Drive past Mingus/Cornville Rd. for 1 mile. Turn onto paved area immediately after railing and park. Hike is on very moderate terrain. Length: 1 to 3 miles.

1) WATER. Lots of it, at least 1 quart per person. Always be prepared for dry, desert conditions. This one is mandatory.

2) Good, strong hiking shoes. Hikes are often along rocky creekbeds or involve some climbing. No sandals.

3) Backpack - recommended. You can carry more water or a jacket, plus, you may find treasures to bring back!

4) Hiking stick(s) are not mandatory but sure are useful. They utilize more muscles than merely walking, relieve some of the weight from the knees when climbing up or down steep terrain, can brush away a spider web or two and can be used for protection if ever necessary.

5) Long pants are highly recommended. There is often a lot of brush to walk in between or through and I've yet to encounter a rattle snake but would prefer to do so in long pants.

6) White, long sleeve shirt is helpful to prevent sunburn in the summer.

7) Sunblock.

8) Hat to keep the sun off your head or keep your hair in place when windy.