Westerners Hike the Year Round with Patchwork Hikes

September 19, 2025

While the Sedona Westerners Hiking Club officially takes a summer hiatus from mid-May through early September, that does not mean the trails are empty. In fact, many members continue to meet informally to hike throughout the hottest months of the year, albeit with a little more planning, a lot more water, and a commitment to early starts.

On one such morning in July, a small but intrepid group of on-break Westerners gathered at the Little Horse Trailhead for a mid-summer outing. With temperatures forecasted to soar by midday, the group kicked off their hike at 7:00am. In Sedona, golden hour is not just for photographers, it is the safest and most enjoyable time to hit the trail when summer heat beats down.

Our chosen route was a creative combination of familiar trails, displaying how experienced Sedona hikers often craft their own adventure using a network of interconnected paths. From the parking lot, we followed Bell Rock Pathway to Little Horse Trail, then picked up Easy Breezy before connecting to the HT Trail. From there, we circled back on Little Horse and finished the loop along Bell Rock Pathway, returning to our vehicles. During the hike we were treated to views of Chapel Rock across the street as well as Courthouse Butte on our side of 179.

This kind of “Frankenstein” or “patchwork-hike,” is common among seasoned Westerners. It is a practical and imaginative way to explore Sedona’s red rock country while tailoring the route to the season, group, and conditions. The U.S. Forest Service lists all the system trails in the Coconino National Forest, which includes the Sedona area. Those trails are rich with junctions and connectors, allowing for endless variations of hikes. By stringing together segments in creative ways, hikers can customize loops that are short, long, shaded, or strenuous, whatever fits the day’s goal. Every hike is different and offers different views.

Parking at Little Horse Trailhead requires a parking pass. This hiking route also passes under State Route 179 twice via pedestrian tunnels, a feature that helps maintain continuity without the danger of crossing busy roadways. That is what HT stands for, Highway Tunnel.

Along the way, we were treated to a charming and unusual sight: red velvet mites. These tiny, brilliantly colored arachnids emerge during Sedona’s monsoon season, typically after a rainstorm. No larger than a pencil eraser, red velvet mites are hard to miss with their vivid scarlet hue and soft, fuzzy appearance. Although they look like something out of a science fiction film, they are completely harmless to humans and play an important ecological role. Red velvet mites are predatory as larvae, helping to control insect populations, and as adults, they feed on decomposing plant matter, essentially acting as tiny trail janitors.

Seeing the mites was a welcome bonus for the group, one of the myriad unexpected things that can make a hike memorable. Whether it is spotting wildlife, enjoying cooler-than-expected weather, or sharing enjoyable conversation and a snack at a summit, the Sedona trails never disappoint!

These kinds of informal hikes reinforce the sense of community that makes the Sedona Westerners more than just a hiking club. Even without a formal schedule, members stay in touch and organize outings through phone calls, emails, or text threads. There is something comforting about showing up at a trailhead and seeing familiar faces, hikers who know the area, know the conditions, and understand the importance of both safety and shared adventure.

While the club’s official hiking calendar runs from September through May, and includes over two hundred scheduled hikes, it is this kind of off-season camaraderie that highlights the heart of the organization. For Westerners, hiking is not just a seasonal activity, it is a way of life.

So, while the Sedona Westerners may technically be “off duty” during the summer, the red rocks are still calling. And for those willing to start early, plan smart, and embrace a little trail magic, Sedona’s backcountry continues to offer beauty, challenge, and joy, even under a summer sun.

Come join the Sedona Westerners. This week the Rustlers are going to Doe Mountain on Saturday, September 20, the Drovers are going to do the Aerie Cockscomb loop on Sunday, the Dogies will climb Cibola Mitten on Tuesday, September 23, and on Wednesday, September 24 the Drifters will go to Wilson Canyon. Thursday September 25 the Amblers are exploring Jacks Canyon, and the Mustangs are going to Flagstaff to hike Wild Bill Hill and Lava River Cave. Be sure to check sedonawesterners.com for the full schedule, group details, and the most up-to-date hike information. You can also join the Westerners at the website if you are not already a member.