New hiking trails near Sedona hint at bigger things to come
Occupying a hilly slice of high desert below the east flanks of Mingus Mountain, the new Blowout Wash trail system is shaping up to become a prime Verde Valley hiking destination.
The remediation project is a multiagency collaboration of local, state and federal land agencies working together to improve recreational opportunities in Prescott National Forest southwest of Cottonwood.
Trail construction began in 2019. Before that, the wash-riddled foothills surrounded by popular recreation hubs in Sedona, Jerome, Dead Horse Ranch State Park and the Woodchute-Mingus Mountain complex of routes were rife with user-created paths, shooting and dumping that were disrupting the ecosystems and decimating native vegetation.
The destructive, anything-goes arena is gradually being replaced with sustainable, nonmotorized trails that reduce erosion, protect natural assets and promote responsible use.
A map at the trailhead teases with an
overview of planned trail development, and a little loop that was completed in early 2020 provides a tasty tidbit of what’s to come.
Right from the trailhead, the freshcut nature of the Bullseye Trail and the Campus Trail that pair up for a short tour of the area is apparent. Behind the parking-area kiosk, brand new sign posts mark the beginning of the system’s inaugural loop.
To get the climbing part of the hike done first, head left on Bullseye Trail. The loopy single track that’s open to hikers, equestrians and mountain bikers heads west before making a twisting ascent of a ridgeline.
The path wanders among junipers, mesquite and crucifixion thorn trees, occasionally ducking into drainages and washes where spots of cottonwoods and Arizona walnut trees sink roots deep into the water table.
Taking on the long switchbacks that lead to the hike’s high point, the trail hangs on the edge of the ridge showcasing amazing views of Mingus Mountain and the emerald corridors of the Verde River and Oak Creek.
After a few dips and bends, the trail tops out on an ocotillo- and bear-grasscluttered knob with big views of the red rocks of Sedona and the green grids of vineyards in the valley below. From this vantage point, the trail begins a downward spiral through cactus-studded grasslands.
At the 2.2-mile point, the route meets
the back end of the loop where the Campus Trail spins off to the north and heads toward the Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus.
To complete the loop, head east (go right) and follow Campus Trail through a flatter landscape marked by rugged washes and a swing by a prominent pyramid-shaped mound with white limestone chunks spilling from its slopes.
Along this passage, you’ll notice white flag tape tied to trees and shrubs
as well as rocks blocking access to old roads and unauthorized paths. Please leave the flags in place and avoid crossing barriers as these are part of future trail development efforts.
One more short uphill segment completes the loop that gives a glimpse at an emerging trail system and the taking back of a formerly neglected corner of national forest.