Friday, October 12, 2018

Huckaby Trail: Our Accidental Find in Sedona



We were on our way to the Visitor’s Center in Uptown Sedona when we made a wrong turn and ended up on Schenebly Hill Road.  The small, winding road was not exactly ideal for our 35 foot RV, but with no way to turn around we continued up the road until we found ourselves at a trailhead.  We had intended on going to the Visitor Center to find a trail to hike, but being that we stumbled upon this one, we decided to check it out.  A local woman was there walking her dogs and recommended Huckaby Trail.  And a wonderful recommendation it was!



The trail starts out level but then descends rather quickly down to Bear Wallow Wash.  Water was flowing and there is no bridge, but we were able to rock hop our way across without getting wet.  There is little shade along the trail, so I’m sure on warmer days the creek crossings would be welcomed!  Which reminds me, be sure to bring plenty of water!



The scenic views are beautiful, but the trail is never far from the sights and sounds of Sedona.  The smell of BBQ taunted us most of the trip 🤣.



This was probably the first hike that I have ever felt like we were hiking in the middle of town and nowhere at the same time!  You'll catch some amazing views of the red rock formations.  Each turn on the trail has its own surprise!



There are some parts of the trail that are narrow with some steep drop offs.  It was difficult in some parts to walk and hold the hand of the younger children.  There is also a lot of up and down on this trail, but it was never too steep.



Our 1 year old of course loved being carried the whole way!   But, for the most part I was comfortable with all the other children (ages 3-9 years old) hiking the trail and they had no difficulties. 



We did not see a lot of wildlife (of course we are not exactly a quiet crew), but we did enjoy the vibrant color of this unique Pointleaf Manzanita.  Various kinds of cacti also line the trail.  The kids have really enjoyed learning about the different kinds of cacti.  Did you know that Fishhook Barrell Cactus is also called Compass Cactus, because it always leans pointing southwest.  This could be a handy tip to know if you ever get lost in the desert!  



Huckaby Trail is a 5.3 mile out and back trail that turns around after another creek crossing (Oak Creek) and a view of Midgley Bridge.  Unfortunately, the weather turned on us and at the first crack of thunder in the distance we turned around.  We did not want to get caught in a storm with 6 small kids and a flowing wash to cross.  So we only hiked out 1.8 miles (3.6 miles round trip) and never made it to the bridge.  Shortly after we made it back to the RV the skies opened up and there was torrential rain, lightening, and even some small hail, so I feel that we made the correct decision even though we were disappointed that we never made it to Midgley Bridge.  We will just have to come back and do this hike again sometime!



All in all, a wonderful, unexpected find!



For more of our adventures, be sure to check out our Travel Page on the blog and follow us on Instagram @pocketful_of_treasures.

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