This trail was originally built in 1896 by the Purtymun Family who lived where the current Junipine resort is now. The family would use this trail to trade goods in Flagstaff. They would leave a wagon on up on the rim and when they need to haul goods to Flagstaff they would lead a horse up the trail and hitch it to the wagon. There was no convenient road from Sedona to Flagstaff until Schnelbly Hill Road. The trail starts at the south side of the garage across from Junipine Resort.
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The trail can be difficult to find. Look for a painted fire hydrant next to the garage and walk a straight line back, between it and the rear of the garage. You soon should see the trail behind the structure.
Sometimes this trail suffers from lack of maintenance. The bottom part is usually easier to follow up some steep switchbacks. The upper part is loose dirt and rock. Walking poles recommended. My opinion is that this is a nice steep challenge, but there are better trails in the area for the occasional visitor. (I live here, so this is on my list of challenging hikes to do just to say I did.)
Do not do this hike in a rainstorm! Very overgrown and slippery! Hard trailhead to locate and hard trail to follow. Other Canyon hikes are much better. Pass on this hike.
Alternative names for the trail could be “Switchbacks Forever” “Deer Poop Trail” “Oak Creek Mudslide”. I hiked up this morning a few days after a big rain and snow storm. I knew I was in for a challenge when I saw multiple places where the deer slid on the mud.
I was looking for a challenging climb and a great view. I almost quit a few times but the view of the snow-capped peaks north of Flagstaff was amazing. The quiet warmth of the prairie on top of the rim was a great spot for a rest and amazing views of the canyon.