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Schnebly Hill Road is one of the premier drives in Arizona, a steep, twisty, unpaved and wonderfully scenic route that drops more than 2,000 feet from a wooded mesa into the wonderland of Sedona.
The road quality varies greatly, depending on weather and how recently the grader has been through. Although it’s not a necessity, you might feel more comfortable with a high-clearance vehicle.
12 miles
From azcentral.com:
Things to note along the way:
Schnebly Hill Trail: Several great hikes start, or end, off Schnebly Hill Road. One of the best is the Schnebly Hill Trail, which begins nearly a mile past the Schnebly Hill Vista. There’s not much shade at the lower levels, but as you near the mesa top you’ll slip into thickets of oak, juniper and pine. Once atop the ridge, you’ll pass a series of outstanding overlooks just off the trail.
Schnebly Hill Vista: “Keep your eyes on the road!” Every driver down the road hears this at least once. That’s why the vista is a welcome respite. Finally, drivers can relax and drink in the sweeping views. Look for Munds Mountain to the south-southeast, Airport Mesa (formally Table Top Mountain) to the west-southwest and Chimney Rock and the Cockscomb farther west. The low, dark silhouettes of Mingus and Woodchute mountains stretch across the southwestern horizon.
Casner Canyon Trail: This trail has just about everything: a burbling creek, a strenuous trek up a scenic canyon and panoramic vistas of Sedona’s grandeur. The hike starts from a small, unmarked turnout on the east side of Arizona 89A, not quite half a mile north of the Grasshopper Point Picnic Area. It’s a tough 1.8 miles to the mesa top, an additional 1.2 miles of sketchy trail to Schnebly Hill Vista. Be sure to pay attention to the last quarter-mile of the route, as there aren’t any signs to Casner Canyon Trail from the vista. Unless you know the way, it’s not easy to find the route back.
