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Chuckwagon - Mescal - Long Canyon

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (113)
  1. Areas
  2. AZ
  3. …Flagstaff and Northern AZ
  4. Sedona
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“The best introduction to the red rocks and magnificent views of Sedona. ”

Leslie Kehmeier
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Map Key

9.1

Miles

14.6

KM

100%

Singletrack

4,710' 1,436 m

High

4,482' 1,366 m

Low

805' 245 m

Up

791' 241 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

13%

Max Grade (8°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Overview

The Chuckwagon - Mescal - Long Canyon loop is an ideal first ride in Sedona; moderately challenging with plenty of smooth singletrack to get your legs prepared for everything else in the area.

The ride is a figure eight loop starting with a counter-clockwise tour of Chuckwagon that tranistions to a clockwise combination of Mescal, Deadmans Pass and Long Canyon Trail.

As with every ride in Sedona, the views are spectacular in every direction.

Description

Start at the access point along Long Canyon road just south of Long Canyon trailhead. Take the Chuckwagon Connector down the hill to the intersection of Chuckwagon. This portion is a loop itself and youll be pedaling in a counter-clockwise direction. The first third of the ride is rolling, playful trail that contours in and out of slickrock washes. Along the way there a few techy challenges that require some extra strength to get up rock steps.

The middle part of the loop is a gradual and climb and descent through the intersection with Brins Mesa trail. Stay left to continue on Chuckwagon, crossing a drainage and the road before climbing again up a small hillside.

The route levels out and heads south after a quick punchy climb up a section of exposed slickrock. From here the trail twists and turns through the pinion/juniper forest towards Long Canyon. A few sections of the gradual descent are loose and rocky so judge your speed accordingly.

The Chuckwagon Loop across the road from the Long Canyon Trail. Cross the road and turn left on Mescal to continue the ride. Youll be cranking on the pedals right away to get up the initial climb. Its short, rocky and quickly transitions back to rolling trail.

Mescal tops out and then travels toward Mescal Mountain, a gigantic butte. Youll be traversing the southern side along a long continuous slickrock ledge. Theres one big push to get onto the rock from dirt. Its a little off camber so some will have to dismount and push up. Once on the sandstone surface youll pedal along a fairly level elevation, occasionally going up down or around short sections of steps or boulders. There are two optional splits on the slickrock traverse. Difficult is the easier line while Expert is for very experienced riders who are comfortable with off-camber and exposed moves.

As Mescal rounds the butte on the west end, the view becomes breathtaking into Boynton Canyon. Take in the scenery before a somewhat rowdy quick descent to the end of the trail. Turn right here to start the trek back to the trailhead via Deadmans Pass. Alternately you can turn left to add miles, connecting to Aerie Loop.

Deadmans Pass starts with a sandy grind up a few steep and crumbly pitches. Youll top out in the middle of a wide canyon. The beauty of the surrounding landscape definitely makes up for the trail. The descent is mellow and uneventful. Stay right when you hit the Long Canyon Trail and continue the mellow descent.

The route finishes on easy going with long sweeping turns on sandy trail. Near the end the singletrack changes to doubletrack as it reaches the Long Canyon trailhead. To reach the parking area where ride began you can either hop on the road or ride Mescal to the first intersection and turn left to cruise out to the access point on Long Canyon Road.

Contacts

Local Club: Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition

Land Manager: USFS - Coconino National Forest Office

Shared By:

Leslie Kehmeier
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 113 votes

#2

in Sedona

#46

Overall
  4.6 from 113 votes
5 Star
64%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Sedona

#2

in Arizona

#46

Overall
319 Views Last Month
64,151 Since Feb 24, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
0%
1%
48%
25%
25%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

Dropping off the second 'extreme' option on Mescal.
Feb 24, 2014 near West Se…, AZ
Although there are some sketchy sections, most of the trail is rideable by intermediate riders.
Nov 1, 2016 near West Se…, AZ
The slickrock singletrack is endless on Mescal
Feb 24, 2014 near West Se…, AZ
Mescal Trail approaching its namesake butte.
Feb 24, 2014 near West Se…, AZ
The west side of Chuckwagon climbs through some slickrock to get some great views of Dry Creek Canyon.
Feb 24, 2014 near West Se…, AZ
With such amazing surroundings, it's difficult to keep your eyes on the trail - but make sure that you do, even a minor spill could leave you full of cactus needles!
Sep 4, 2015 near West Se…, AZ

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Check-Ins

Oct 8, 2024
Jason McClellan
Sep 24, 2024
Tara Tripoli
May 25, 2024
Efrain Martinez
Apr 21, 2024
Andrew Rich
Jan 9, 2024
Allister Dueker
Oct 7, 2023
Anthony Lanata
Aug 26, 2023
Gabriel Salazar
Top notch, definitely revisit
Apr 10, 2023
Bill Kerr
River is flowing well. 8.3mi — 1h 46m

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