The Ridge Trail Offers Spectacular Views of Iconic Natural Sedona Landmarks

February 07, 2025

Starting at 9am our winter hikes can be cold, usually not much above freezing. On this first hike of the new year for the Amblers group of the Sedona Westerners, we were grateful it was in the mid-40s. It was warmer than expected, though a little cold in the shade at our sign-in at Sunset Park.

After the sign-in was completed, Sedona Westerner hiking rules were read, and introductions were made. Hike leaders Donna Forsythe and Charlie Schudson gave a brief description of the hike. Including the walk from the park to the trailhead the hike and back to the park would be about 4.6 miles. The Ridge-Sketch Lollipop was rated as medium difficulty for the Amblers.

We left the shade behind and were finally in the sun for the quarter mile walk from Sunset Park to the Ridge Trailhead. Everyone immediately felt warmer.

The first mile of the Ridge Trail, shared with the Carroll Canyon trail, was pretty flat and didn’t require any exertion as it crossed the drainage four times. The trail climbed steadily up the west side of Table Top, passing the Sketch Trail intersection to the right. The climb continued for a half mile more with about 350-foot elevation gain providing ever improving views to the west.

The tip of the Pyramid formation near Lower Red Rock Loop Road appeared. Upon turning a corner, Scheurman Mountain came into view, quickly followed by Sedona High School and the Performing Arts Center. We stopped at the highest point of the hike and took in the spectacular views to the south and west for a few minutes.  The vista also gave us an excuse for a short rest after the climb.

Many of the iconic Sedona Red Rock formations laid before us: Courthouse, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, House Mountain, and of course Oak Creek through Cresent Moon Park and Red Rock State Park.

After the crest of Ridge, the trail became rockier, and hiking poles helped as we continued downhill. After losing about 100 feet of elevation we came to the second intersection of the Sketch Trail and made the right turn. The Sketch Trail followed the rim of Carroll Canyon, and we were now about 200 feet below the level of Ridge. The path narrowed with rocky ledges and drop offs on the left as we continued down the trail, which offered great views down into Carroll Canyon.

We stopped for our break at a point overlooking Carroll Canyon. The Assistant Ambler Boss, Deb Barnes, provided us with treats to supplement the snacks each of us brought. After the break hike co-leader Charlie Schudson gave a brief talk and demonstration of proper hiking pole use and backpack adjustment for hiking safety and balance. His advice was useful and informative, as usual.

The hike downhill was easier, though somewhat narrow, rocky, and steep in places. We rejoined the Ridge Trail, completing the lollipop, and made our way back to Sunset Park.

While the Ridge and Sketch Trails are often used by many locals walking their dogs it is normally not too busy. We only passed (or were passed) by less than a dozen hikers and a smaller number of bicyclists, most of whom were continuing on or coming from the Carrol Canyon Trail.

As we made our way back to Sunset Park, we reflected on this first hike of the new year and knew it was a good way to start the New Year. 

The Amblers will circumnavigate Mescal Mountain on Thursday. The Rustlers, Rough Riders and Drovers are hiking near the Village of Oak Creek this week (Slim Shady, Wise Cracks ad Rabbit Ears, respectively.)  The Dogies and Mustangs are hiking to Ice Cream Cone near Long Canyon and the Black Canyon Trail in Cottonwood. Our Trackers group have sponsored several educational and informative events this year including this week’s Directors Chair Tour. With several more Trackers events coming up before the end of the season, it’s a good time to check out our website at www.SedonaWesterners.org. Members can register for the Track events once they are announced. Membership is only $30 for the season.