Doe Mountain Figure-8 Trail Under Way

Doe Mountain figure-8 trail under way sustainable trail to replace “social trails” that have confused hikers for decades Recreational use of Doe Mountain has a long history. Some locals even remember the days when a helicopter tour company provided gourmet dinners on the summit – flying clients there and back for a romantic evening. Those days are gone, but this relatively short hike is a favorite for hikers, rock climbers and anyone who enjoys drinking in spectacular scenic views of the Sedona landscape.

This popular trail begins at the Doe Mountain trailhead off Boynton Canyon Road. The trail climbs steeply to the mesa top and … abruptly ends. Beyond that point, users encounter a confusing labyrinth of social trails that is both frustrating and dangerous. Frustrating for those wishing to circumnavigate the mesa on a maintained, established trail with directional guides; dangerous due to the likelihood that visitors frequently get lost or injured and require rescue assistance.

The first phase of the new construction project rebuilds sections of the steep 0.8 mile approach trail, which has fallen into disrepair from weather and legions of hikers. The dilapidated staircases will be reconstructed with honed rock check steps. Next, construction starts on a new 2-mile, “figure 8” loop trail atop the 42-acre (approximately 32 football fields) mesa – built to a sustainable standard.

What does this mean? The new maintained trail will provide an erosion-resistant surface to access popular vistas, while steering clear of sensitive wildlife and archaeological resources. Where suitable, some of the ad hoc social routes will be reconditioned and adopted. Many of the other informal trails will be brushed over or otherwise remediated so they can return to their natural state.

Adding to the benefits of the project, the sheer cliffs of Doe Mountain provide habitat for the fast-flying peregrine falcon that is declining in numbers due to human disturbance across their range. The sandstone cliffs of the Sedona area offer some of the best – and unfortunately last – habitat in the Verde Valley. The new trail will be carefully located to limit negative impacts to the birds, yet provide wildlife enthusiasts with opportunities to watch the falcons show off their acrobatic prowess.

The SRRTF, a fundraising partner of the USFS Red Rock Ranger District, has been working on funding sources for this project for the past year. They have secured two grants from the Arizona Community Foundation totaling $8,000, and have collected approximately $2,500 from individual donors in the first month of fundraising. As of February 20th, $149,500 more is needed to complete the project. For more information on the project and how you can make a donation, visit redrocktrailfund.org.

Doe Mountain Trail is currently under hard closure through April 5th, Wednesday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm.

A 2-mile figure-8 sustainable trail will replace the labyrinth of social trails on the top of Doe Mountain. The trail closed W – SA from 8:30am to 4:30pm until April 5th.