With several days off and some nice weather forecasted, Carolyn and I jumped in the car and headed to Sedona after I got off of work. Being a Thursday, traffic was not too bad and we arrived at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock in the Village of Oak Creek just in time to check in and walk down to the ending of happy hour at the Cucina Rustica. (Love my Hilton Benefits) Place was packed but they found us a seat so we could get a couple bargains.

Being that the night was young we finished up and walked up the road to PJ’s Village Pub a local gathering place in the village that serves up one of our favorite craft beers, the 928 Local, a farmhouse ale from Wanderlust Brewing Company. PJ’s was packed and an elderly lady directed us to her table so we would have a place to sit. It just happened to be a local’s 50th birthday party so the place was rocking and rolling. The DJ was amazing and really worked up the crowd and we jointed in the dancing and festivities. (Sort of crashed the party.)

Back to the Hilton after an early evening, we slept in, got a great breakfast (Hilton Honors Gold Member benefit) and had one of our usual servers Patti take care of us. We aren’t quit regulars but we’ve spent quite a few nights and always good to see the same faces. Carolyn and I debated about postponing our scheduled hike and taking it easy but we decided that after falling off the wagon, it was time to get back on the wagon. ie the Munds Wagon Trail #78.

What a beautiful day for hike. Mid 50’s, sunny, off-season in Sedona, just perfect conditions. Munds Wagon Trail follows along Schnebly Hill Road. One of the complaints about the trail is that during the busy times, there is a lot of noise from all of the jeep tours that roll up the road. We were in luck as there was little activity on the road due to off season. Passed only a few people on the trail and we loved the quiet time together as we hiked the almost four mile trail. The trail gains about 1100 feet in elevation but it is gradual and the trail was hard-packed from the recent moisture. We saw snow in the shaded areas but no wildlife. The trail passes Merry-go Round (Carousel) Rock and many have probably seen pictures of this area as it is very popular for wedding photography due to the spectacular views down into Sedona. Munds Trail ends at Schnebly Hill road and the beginning of Schnebly Hill Trail. (that’s for another day)

Carolyn and stopped often to enjoy the views, take some photos, and just take in the red rock experiences again.

The last time we had hiked the trail was about 10 years ago and it was great to revisit. The trail is moderate and has few rocks to stumble over. For me it was a five star adventure. Along the trail you pass Hangover Trail (probably a joke in there) and Cow Pies Trail that loop together and is close to about a nine mile hike start to finish.

Hangover Cow Pies Loop

Carolyn and I decided to tackle that on our next Sedona outing, weather permitting, if we can get out and get going earlier in the morning.

Our total hike time was about 3.5 hours and that time included plenty of stops along the way. Perfect time of year to be out and about in the Red Rocks. No vortex this time but one can sure feel the energy flow no matter where you are in the Red Rocks.