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.
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!
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
For out-of-towners who only have time for one hike are in moderate condition and want great views, this is the one hike to take.
Difficulty is based on: length without shade, narrow trail, sharp drop-offs (in sections). Kids will be fine if they are used to staying undercontrol and ON trail. No room for wandering. But the elevation changes are not rough. “Hike” for costal couch-potatos, but “Walk” for seasoned hikers.
Bring water, sunscreen and your camera!
If you only do one on your way through, this is the one.
JNW
I’m an out of shape 50+ and hiked the Airport Loop and the Tabletop Mesa Spur in 80-90 degree weather in June. It took me about 4 hrs. with lots of stops.
The beginning of the hike does have some steep drop offs and could be anxiety causing for those with a fear of heights. (also not ideal for families with younger children) The trail itself is easy to follow, some rocky terrain but mostly just easy walking. There is little to no shade so wear a hat and bring lots of water! The hike, including the Tabletop Mesa spur is almost 4.5 miles which is a little long for a pleasure hike. I was ready to be finished about a half mile before I finished the loop. The views are beautiful though…
This is a great hike. Went counter clockwise. It’s a little difficult at times with steep dropoffs in many parts. The length was longer than I thought and the Tabletop trail was the highlight of the hike.
This is not an easy trail and not for young kids due to steep dropoffs and uneasy footing on 1st mile of hike. If you have fear of heights, this is not for you. This is by far one of my favorite hikes due to the 360 degree views you will encounter if you complete the entire loop. The two sides of the mountain are completely different in both terrain, plant life and geological formations. It is hard to believe you were on the same mountain after experiencing both. It is not a strenuous hike at all, but will take at least 3-4 hrs if moving at a moderate pace taking in the spectacular views.
Overall this is the one hike you don’t want to miss, but be prepared with good shoes, plenty of water and enough time not to lose sunlight.
I recommend going counterclockwise for those with young kids, fear of heights, not in the best of shape, or not having 3 or more hrs to hike. You can do the 1st mile and turn around and go back. The views are still spectacular.
Start by crossing street from parking area at sign for Airport Loop Trail. Keep on trail by checking signs as a few trails intersect this one. Enjoy!
Well I’m not an advanced hiker though I am in pretty good shape. This was not what I was imagining. The first half of the hike there was no where to put your feet. Plus you are just on a cliff the entire time. I would not rate this EASY. I wish you could see the pictures my husband got of me freaking out. I don’t know how you could ever take a dog on this trail. One wrong move and down you and your dog go. It was great scenery especially at the top with planes flying above you. I just don’t get how it’s rated easy. Good luck everyone. Glad I did it just shaking in my boots the whole time.
The views are absolutely spectacular and the hike is tricky due to the narrow steep nature of the trail. Go in the morning and you can watch the sun over the red rocks, and there are fewer people. This was my favorite hike I did while I was there! The summit of the rock at the trail head was icing on the cake! The views were 360 amazing!
This is by far my least favorite trail in Sedona so far. The trail was had a lot of loose rock on a precipice and circumvented the airport. With the noise and fencing around the area I didn’t feel like I was out in the wilderness at all whereas plenty of other trails pull back so you don’t feel like your in the city.