This morning’s adventure started at the Yavapai Vista trailhead. Given how crowded the parking area had been just a few days prior, we decided to start a little early.
Instead of cars, surprisingly we found an almost empty parking lot, but a very chilly shade as the sun still hid behind Munds Mountain. Folks were quickly adding layers of clothing, and two intrepid souls who normally hike in shorts even had long pants on. It was just a smidge above freezing.
Tempted by the possible warmth of sunshine up on the Hiline trail, we quickly read the rules, discussed safety and the route for the day, and formed into two groups. Crystal Marty would lead the first group, and Amanda Maxwell had the second. Today was my day to be tailgater. In other words, I had to exercise my math skills periodically during the hike to make sure everyone was still there and things had not been left behind on the trail.
Navigating the labyrinth of trails in that area, we headed up to the junction of Hiline and on up the hill, as the shadow line still beckoned to us. After about 250 feet of elevation gain we broke into the sunlight, and with that warmth, the layers of clothing just added in the parking lot were coming off, destined to ride out the rest of the day stuffed in our packs.
I tend to rate Sedona hikes using a view to effort ratio. A trip that offers a good view with little effort gets a high number. A regular view with lots of effort gets a low number, and so on. Hiline is one of those great “bang for your buck” hikes in that it offers stellar views in many directions, with only moderate effort required to get up to the main part of the trail. It rates a very high number, and today it did not disappoint.
As we traversed the trail toward Cathedral Rock, we could see many little ant people starting to crawl around the base of Bell Rock. Around the bends, which were sometimes still shady and cool, we were treated to views of State Route 179, the airport, Wilson Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and Cathedral Rock, and eventually of the Turkey Creek area and the area along Verde Valley School Road.
Thanksgiving dominated the conversation along this section of trail, with hikers discussing a plethora of activities. Traditional turkey dinners with friends and family were the overall favorite, but there were a few who enjoyed the special holiday meals of Verde Valley area restaurants and even one brave soul who attempted his first fried turkey. It was such a success that he is supposedly out looking for another one to do.
After more clothing adjustments near the intersection of the Hiline and Baldwin trails, we enjoyed our snack break on the flanks of Cathedral Rock. Cathedral is mesmerizing from all angles, but from the southeast, and up close, you get a full appreciation of the spires and the features that lie between them. A beautiful deep “Sedona Blue” sky certainly enhanced the views.
Next, we made our way to Templeton trail. Poles were definitely a help on this portion. The use of poles is an interesting topic.
Different members use two poles at all times, two poles only when descending, just one pole, or never use poles. Whatever your reasoning, it can be handy to have them. I use one pole coming down steep descents. I know there are times they are doing nothing more than just lightly touching the ground, but the peace of mind they offer is comforting.
Merging onto Templeton, we started our trek back to the parking area. This section can be a mecca for mountain bikes, but today there were only a handful.
Before joining Slim Shady, and after observing numerous scat offerings, we had a considerable discussion of the animals and birds we had recently seen at our respective homes. Deer families and javelina squadrons seem to dominate the wildlife sightings, with many reports of hummingbirds. One of the stories involved javelinas that regularly stroll past prickly pears near the house and strip the fruit off the paddles.
Arriving back at the trailhead, we thanked our leaders and said our goodbyes after a wonderful five-mile excursion with about 900 feet of elevation gain. As tailgater, it was a victorious day since we arrived back at the trailhead with the same number of hikers we left with. Our visits there were short, however, since there were many cars waiting for our coveted parking spots.
The Sedona Westerners always welcome new members, and we have hikes multiple days of the week for all abilities. If you are interested in joining the club, visit our website at sedonawesterners.org. You will find an interesting history, the whole season’s list of planned hikes and a handy membership link. It only takes five minutes to sign up and start your new adventures here in the Red Rocks.
Sedona Westerners, written this week by Dick Williams, appears every Friday in the Sedona Red Rock News.
