Overview
Difficulty: Easy Class 1
Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 580 feet
Hiking to the top of Sugarloaf is a great and easy way to see nice close up views of nearby
Capitol Butte, Coffeepot Rock and Chimney Rock as well as distant views of Sedona’s other prominent red rock formations. The climb consists of an easy class one trail that gradually climbs to the top. There are some tempting scrambles, however, along the side that could take you right up to the top but
please stay on the designated trail. Parking is only available for about 6-10 cars so if you intend to do this particular trail, I recommend getting an early start as it can fill up pretty fast.
Capitol Butte as seen from the Sugarloaf trail
Coffeepot Rock from Sugarloaf
Chimney Rock from Sugarloaf Getting There
From 89A heading South:
Once you reach the intersection of Highway 179 and 89A continue south along 89A for about 1.9 miles until you reach Coffee Pot Drive. Take a right here and follow it for about 0.6 miles and then turn left onto Sanborn. Follow Sanborn for about another 0.1 mile and then turn right on Little Elf Drive. Go another 0.2 miles and then take a right onto Buena Vista Drive. The parking lot will be obvious, park in it and start the ascent.
From Phoenix
Follow I-17 North until you reach Exit # 298 (AZ-179). Follow this exit towards Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon. Right after taking this exit, take a left onto AZ-179 for 14.5 miles. Then turn right onto AZ-89A towards the town of Sedona. From this point you will take a left on Coffee Pot Drive and then follow the above directions to the trailhead.
Red Tape
You will need a Red Rock pass, which are actually excellent deals.
One Day Pass - $5.00
Weekly Pass - $15.00
Annual Pass - $20.00
Weekly and Annual passes can be purchased online
here
Rather than creating a very huge list of where you can buy passes either in person or by phone, I will just add a link with all of those details. Click
here to see that list.
Camping
No camping allowed on the mountain.
When to Climb
Sugarloaf can generally be climbed anytime of the year. During winter months, Sedona does get snow occasionally, but I wouldn't foresee that as a problem on this trail. Spring and fall would be great times to climb, and in the summer just be very cautious of afternoon thunderstorms and the heat, as it can reach 100 degrees.
My wife braves the muddy trail in winter 2016. Weather Conditions
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/satellite/