I spent time over Christmas break 2019 hiking the trails in Sedona, AZ . One of my favorites is the Huckaby Trail which is a 5.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail. The trail will lead you downward to Oak Creek leaving you to climb back out with an elevation gain of 902 feet.
You'll find the trail parking lot off to the left on Schnebly Hill Road about 100 yards after the pavement ends turning into a dirt road. It's a popular hiking area so it's a good idea to arrive early ensuring a parking space. An added bonus is you'll have a better chance of spotting wildlife along the trail.
Start out on the trail behind the Ramada and keep your eyes open for this sign marker.
I love how the trail starts out smooth and easy allowing my muscles to warm up .
You'll wind through the brush opening up to a rock lined trail that curves around to a spectacular view of Cathedral Rock.
Slowly you'll start descending towards Oak Creek. Turning the corner you'll find a perfect resting place to stop and take in your first glimpse of Oak Creek. A bench awaits for you to take in the view and soak up the scenery.
Now it's time for some serious descending to where the water runs off the mountain into the creek. My hike this morning rewarded me with a Cooper Hawk perching along the river bank.
Further along the trail, turning we took in the breath-taking view of the Midgely Bridge off in the distance.
Pines provide the perfect shade cover on warmer days as you meander downward.
Arriving along the creek another reward awaited us, a Great Blue Heron.
Once down at the creek my excitement grew at all the wonderful photograph opportunities.
But my favorite shot was looking downward along the creek taking in the splash of winter colors.
