 Airport Mesa Trail
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| The trail circles the upper slope of Airport Mesa (Table Top Mountain), described clockwise here. There is no shade until reaching the last mile where it is intermittent depending on season and time of day. From the parking area, climb to the southeast about 100 yards to the top of the small saddle(Airport Saddle- GPS coordinates: N34° 51′ 24.2274″, W-111° 46′ 45.912″). Turn right to pick up the trail which immediately bends to the left to follow the southeast slope of the mesa. There are great red rock views from northeast to south over lower Oak Creek Valley. It is a mostly level trail for the first mile and then it begins a gradual and then moderate ascent over basalt boulders to the top of the south corner of the mesa at 1.4 miles. The trail levels out, turns north and follows the airport perimeter fence for a time. It drops down to cross a small wash and climbs out to the west where it intersects the Table Top Trail at 1.7 miles.
The Table Top Trail is a half-mile (one-way) spur which climbs gradually on a finger of land extending to the southeast. It ends at at point with great panoramic views taking in the Red Rock Loop Road area to the west and many of the area’s most noted formations all around. Return by the same route to the main trail and continue north. Soon, the trail begins a moderate descent and turns to the northeast. Just past the 2 mile mark, the trail intersects the top of the Bandit Trail on the left which leads down into West Sedona. As you continue ahead, the trail descends some more and levels out after a switchback. The final stretch of the trail is a gradual climb eastward. The views here are over West Sedona and of Capitol Butte and Wilson Mountain. The trail ends at Airport Road across from the starting point at the parking turnout. |
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The Hike House Sedona Trail Rating System provides actual hiker feedback and ratings of each of the Sedona hiking trails. The cumulative trail ratings for the Airport Mesa Trail submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. Your trail feedback and ratings are an important resource for fellow hikers and provide a personal account of your trail experience from which others may learn. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today! |
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Airport Mesa Trail
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 By 7 Comments
Difficulty rated 4 due to the narrow ledge and drop off at the start of the hike. Not for young kids or those with a fear of heights. A great hike once past the area mentioned above.
A very easy trail but long – views are spectacular, 360 degrees as you travel the circuit. Take plenty of water, as there’s not much shade.
Hi, I’m a local that hikes every day. I love trails like bear mountain, wilson mountain and ab young… but i have to say that the airport loop is by far my fav trail in sedona — i hike it every day and just love love love love love it.
Good hike overall. The trail is narrow and a little tricky (steep and sloping) in some places, pay attention to footing and you will be fine. We enjoyed discovering all the heart rocks tucked here and there by previous hikers. The views are great as you traverse around the mountain. Good hike for those who like a little more adventure, not for young kids.
Easy hike with magnificent views, Hike out as far as you ca to view Courthouse, Bell Rock and Cathedral. Sit, absorb, enjoy!
The trail was much rockier than expected and narrow. It was more of a walk, than a hike. I would not recommend it.
The trail was a good start for two novice hikers in Average shape had some small climbs with some outstanding views. We did not bring enough water so we decided to cut the hike short only went out for 30 minutes and turned back. It was harder than expected as it was very narrow I would reccomend it for other new hikers