Rustlers Respect the Locals, Including Javelina

May 08, 2026

The Rustlers of the Sedona Westerners set out on what was forecast to be a beautiful but windy spring day in early April. We had sunny skies, a high of 74 degrees, and what the weather report described as winds of 10 to 15 miles per hour, with gusts between 12 and 20 miles per hour.

Despite the gusts, the Rustlers embraced the day, weaving their way through a dynamic loop of interconnected trails: Adobe Jack, Power Plunge, Shorty, Grand Central, and the Ant Hill Loop. One of the many joys of hiking in this area is the ability to string together a myriad of trails. Each turn offers something different, smooth stretches of singletrack, rocky sections that demand a bit more attention, sweeping views up high, and shaded pockets down low near washes. With so many trails, it is necessary for this hiker to keep track using a hiking app or one of the helpfully-placed trail maps. However, at the end of the day, at least when I am in the lead, a wrong turn or two is just part of the adventure!

The group made their way toward the top of Ant Hill, a short but rewarding climb that offers remarkable views of the surrounding red rock landscape including Coffee Pot straight on, the Sphinx, which some hikers were seeing for the first time, and the Fin, just to name a few of the iconic rock formations visible from the top of Ant Hill. It is such a pleasant spot it is common for us to linger a bit on top. On this day, however, the wind had other plans. The higher elevation exposed us to stronger gusts, and while we reached the top, we did not linger long.

This hike had been scouted the week before, a customary practice to make sure we know the trail and identify any potential hazards. That earlier outing had delivered a memorable wildlife encounter as well which we shared with everyone on the hike. During the scout, a large family of javelina had been spotted along the trail, a reminder that Sedona’s trails are shared not just with fellow hikers, but with the wildlife that call this landscape home.

As many of the Uptown stickers humorously remind us, “Respect the Locals” often accompanied by the unmistakable silhouette of a javelina. It is advice worth taking seriously as these are wild animals with big, sharp teeth.

During the scouting hike, we came upon the javelina family in the midst of what could only be described as brunch. The scouting group paused at a respectful distance, allowing the animals to continue undisturbed. Eventually, most of the herd moved along. All but one.

A mid-sized javelina had taken up position squarely on the trail, proudly guarding what appeared to be a freshly unearthed cactus root. It was clearly a prized find, and this particular diner had no intention of sharing. We waited patiently as it enjoyed its meal, standing its ground with quiet determination.

The moment brought to mind the famous scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, where the Black Knight insists, “None shall pass.” That javelina, in its own way, seemed to be delivering the same message. And we listened, at least, until brunch was complete.

Back to our windy Saturday, as is often the case with Sedona Westerners’ hikes, the Saturday outing offered not only scenic beauty but also opportunities to learn. One hiker pointed out the Smooth Arizona Cypress (Hesperocyparis glabra), known for its distinct reddish, peeling bark. It is a tree I have seen many times but, like so much in Sedona, can easily be taken for granted. Up close, it is a striking reminder that the landscape here is full of subtle details beyond the dramatic rock formations.

Another helpful tip I picked up on this hike was one I had not expected, and that is using mustard for leg cramps. Just a small amount, about one to two teaspoons, can reportedly stop a cramp within minutes. A quick internet search later confirmed that while scientific studies are limited, compounds like acetic acid may trigger a reflex that calms the nerves causing the cramp. One to two teaspoons are about the amount in the small packets available at most fast-food restaurants. It is simple, portable, and might just earn a place in my pack going forward.

Hiking often provides these small moments of shared knowledge: practical, unexpected, and passed along casually on the trail. Over time, they become just as valuable as the miles themselves.

In the end, the Rustlers’ windy adventure served as a perfect example of what makes hiking in Sedona so memorable. Even familiar trails can feel entirely new under changing conditions. A breeze becomes a challenge, a wildlife encounter becomes a story, and a simple observation becomes a lesson. And in Sedona, it is often those unexpected elements that make the hike worth remembering.

Not many hikes left in this season! On Saturday May 9 the Rustlers are going to Kelly Canyon and the Drovers will hike Mushroom View on May 10. The Spring Cookout is Thursday, May 14 and marks the end of another hiking season for the Sedona Westerners!