This can be a uncommon hike that provides as a lot of the superb because the Secret Slickrock Path.
Brief in size however providing a beneficiant dose of Sedona surroundings, the 0.4-mile route with retailers on Chavez Ranch Street and Pink Rock Crossing Street seems on maps as if it is going nowhere particularly.
In truth, it goes in all places with out going too far. It might seem to be a contradiction, however the place of the path above Oak Creek is a singular platform for the eyes.
On paper it seems to be like a sightseeing outing, however when tied into an extended hike utilizing the Carroll Canyon Space Trails system, it is a sweet cornerstone.
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The best way to Discover Sedona’s Secret Slickrock Path
Positioned on the finish of a cobblestone avenue in west Sedona throughout from a well-liked lookout level, the Secret Slickrock Path is not so secret.
Marked solely by a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it site visitors signal that rivals the attraction of the marquee throughout the street, its low-key presence would not scream an epic journey. However, like an icy bathe, this one wastes no time delivering the shock issue.
Nonetheless, scenic highlights equivalent to this are finest skilled with a little bit of foreshadowing. Looping the Secret Slickrock path with the Outdated Put up, Ramshead, and Ridge trails, the journey is a gradual burn to the ultimate act reverse.
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The best way to Hike the Secret Slickrock Path Loop
Starting on the Outdated Put up trailhead, which is little greater than a dust bend, the circuit heads north to attach with the Ramshead path. Ramshead rolls out the teases with glimpses of Cathedral Rock, the distant Bradshaw Mountains and the verdant course of Oak Creek and its floodplains.
The path crosses a street and continues over crimson sandstone ledges to achieve the Ridge Path Junction the place hikers can go proper or left to get to Secret Slickrock. For this journey, go left, go 0.4 miles, then go proper and go 0.1 mile on paved Chavez Ranch Street to the scenic car parking zone.
A barren rock ledge overlooks Oak Creek and the Crescent Moon Picnic Space, world well-known for its entry to one of the crucial photographed websites within the Southwest, the towering spiers of Cathedral Rock reflecting within the creek.
Whereas it is a nice picture spot, the massive present is throughout the street the place junipers shade the signal for the Secret Slickrock Path.
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Look intently otherwise you’ll miss the cairns
A short part of the extent path opens up views of the chiseled landforms of Sedona throughout earlier than assembly a steep edge the place a steep stair-like path marks the descent to an enormous stone platform.
The bald outside scene is house to a convergence of blue skies, crimson rock towers, and the tree-crowded course of Oak Creek flowing beneath.
Little Paradise is a microcosm of all Sedona. It has reflecting swimming pools just like the distant and difficult Cow Pies Path with no effort to get there. Heavenly views of the long-lasting Cathedral Rock vortex overlooking Oak Creek, with out the crowds. A mixture of tall desert grasslands dotted with cacti and yuccas and 360 diploma mountain views multi functional place.
Shut loop hike might be difficult because the path disappears over the Slickrock. Solely cairns of fugitive baskets mark the sketchy route that descends to reconnect with the Ridge Path.
The path is there, however route discovering and a focus to uneven toes is critical for these seeking to improve to the 5 cent tour.
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Mountaineering in Sedona: Secret Slickrock Path
Size: 5 miles spherical journey as described right here.
Analysis: Average.
Elevation: 3,955 to 4,185 toes.
Getting There : Outdated Put up Trailhead: From State Route roundabout 179/89A in Sedona, journey 4 miles west (towards Cottonwood) on SR 89A to Higher Pink Rock Loop Street . Flip left and journey 1.8 miles to Chavez Ranch Street (Forest Street 216A), flip left and journey 0.1 mile to the Outdated Put up trailhead on the left.
To get to the Secret Slickrock trailhead, proceed on Chavez Ranch Street to the trailhead a couple of yards previous the FR 788A junction at a gate within the street. The path begins in entrance of the parking space and Forest Service kiosk.
Particulars: Coconino Nationwide Forest, https://www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.
Learn extra in regards to the Mare Czinar hikes on http://arizonahiking.blogspot.com.
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