- Region
- AZ, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements and ac…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest
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Photos of Munds Mountain Wilderness
How to get there
Munds Mountain Wilderness is immediately southeast of Sedona and about 30 miles south of Flagstaff. Access uses paved state highways and gravel Forest Roads. Roads border the wilderness on three sides; access routes include FR 153 (Schnebly Hill Road), FR 179F, FR 179, FR 793, and FR 647. Use a Forest Service map to match the approach road to the intended trail.
- Schnebly Hill Road (FR 153)
One of the main road approaches to the wilderness. Identify the intended trail access on a Forest Service map before driving.
- Jacks Canyon Trail #55
Trail access leading from canyon bottom toward a high overlook, with a connection to Munds Mountain Trail at a narrow saddle.
- Hot Loop Trail #94
Trail access climbing from canyon country toward Horse Mesa and higher viewpoints.
Sources: recreation.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
AZ, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Backpacking
- Horseback Riding
Red rock canyons and high mesas
Munds Mountain Wilderness covers 18,150 acres in Coconino National Forest immediately southeast of Sedona, between Arizona State Route 179 and Interstate 17. Its terrain reaches from Munds and Lee mountains down into Jacks, Woods, and Rattlesnake canyons. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are the best-known landmarks, but the broader landscape includes high mesas, sandstone cliffs, and basalt flows. Elevations on Munds Mountain range from 3,600 to 6,825 feet, with moderate to steep slopes along the Mogollon Rim. Canyon-floor trails put the red walls overhead; higher routes open views toward Oak Creek Canyon and the San Francisco Peaks. Choose a hike by the terrain and elevation change, rather than assuming that proximity to Sedona makes every outing a short walk.
Choosing a trail and a turnaround
Jacks Canyon and Hot Loop offer two ways to move from canyon country toward higher overlooks. Hot Loop climbs six miles to the top of Horse Mesa, while a 4.3-mile stretch of Jacks Canyon reaches a narrow saddle and a junction with Munds Mountain Trail. Those figures describe specific stretches, not complete round-trip outings. Munds Mountain Trail adds steep terrain and views across the Sedona-area formations. Other trails and areas lying partly or wholly within the wilderness include Woods Canyon, Schnebly Hill, Margs Draw, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte Loop. Decide whether the goal is a canyon walk, a mesa ascent, or a longer connection before setting out. Carry a trail map and establish a turnaround that leaves enough time and energy for the return.
Habitats and practical preparation
The elevation range supports a mix of desert sagebrush, grasslands, chaparral, oak brush, oak woodlands, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Riparian habitat occurs in canyons along Horse Mesa, and pools are part of the landscape. Carry drinking water rather than planning around finding a usable pool. Wildlife includes desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, and Gambel's quail; watch without approaching or feeding animals. For hikes that climb from canyon bottoms to exposed overlooks, bring sun protection and layers, check the forecast, and match the route to the day's conditions. Roads border the wilderness on three sides, but convenient access does not remove the demands of steep terrain. Download a Forest Service travel map or carry the Sedona and Munds Mountain topographic maps, and confirm current access conditions with Coconino National Forest.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Munds Mountain Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 34.8145, -111.7053
- Latitude (DMS)
- 34° 48′ 52.1″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 111° 42′ 19.1″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Munds Mountain Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Arizona is well known for its red-rock formations, conjuring up images of magnificent crimson outcroppings set against azure skies. Munds Mountain Wilderness is home to many of these ruggedly beautiful...
Key takeaways
- Region: AZ, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 34.814, -111.705
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Munds Mountain Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Desert Hiking
Water carries and heat management drive the plan.
- Canyoneering
Narrows, downclimbs, and flash-flood timing.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Animals around Munds Mountain Wilderness
Red rock canyons and high mesas
Munds Mountain Wilderness covers 18,150 acres in Coconino National Forest immediately southeast of Sedona, between Arizona State Route 179 and Interstate 17. Its terrain reaches from Munds and Lee mountains down into Jacks, Woods, and Rattlesnake canyons. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are the best-known landmarks, but the broader landscape includes high mesas, sandstone cliffs, and basalt flows. Elevations on Munds Mountain range from 3,600 to 6,825 feet, with moderate to steep slopes along the Mogollon Rim. Canyon-floor trails put the red walls overhead; higher routes open views toward Oak Creek Canyon and the San Francisco Peaks. Choose a hike by the terrain and elevation change, rather than assuming that proximity to Sedona makes every outing a short walk.
Choosing a trail and a turnaround
Jacks Canyon and Hot Loop offer two ways to move from canyon country toward higher overlooks. Hot Loop climbs six miles to the top of Horse Mesa, while a 4.3-mile stretch of Jacks Canyon reaches a narrow saddle and a junction with Munds Mountain Trail. Those figures describe specific stretches, not complete round-trip outings. Munds Mountain Trail adds steep terrain and views across the Sedona-area formations. Other trails and areas lying partly or wholly within the wilderness include Woods Canyon, Schnebly Hill, Margs Draw, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte Loop. Decide whether the goal is a canyon walk, a mesa ascent, or a longer connection before setting out. Carry a trail map and establish a turnaround that leaves enough time and energy for the return.
Habitats and practical preparation
The elevation range supports a mix of desert sagebrush, grasslands, chaparral, oak brush, oak woodlands, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Riparian habitat occurs in canyons along Horse Mesa, and pools are part of the landscape. Carry drinking water rather than planning around finding a usable pool. Wildlife includes desert cottontails, black-tailed jackrabbits, and Gambel's quail; watch without approaching or feeding animals. For hikes that climb from canyon bottoms to exposed overlooks, bring sun protection and layers, check the forecast, and match the route to the day's conditions. Roads border the wilderness on three sides, but convenient access does not remove the demands of steep terrain. Download a Forest Service travel map or carry the Sedona and Munds Mountain topographic maps, and confirm current access conditions with Coconino National Forest.
Route options
- Jacks Canyon to the Munds Mountain Trail junction4.3 miles to the saddle and junction
Follow Jacks Canyon to a narrow saddle where it joins Munds Mountain Trail. The stated distance is the stretch to the junction, not a round trip.
- Hot Loop to Horse Mesa6 miles to the top of Horse Mesa
Climb toward the top of Horse Mesa for a higher perspective on the red rock country. The stated distance describes the climb to the mesa, not the full Hot Loop Trail or a round trip.
- Munds Mountain Trail #177Steep
Connect from Jacks Canyon for views of major Sedona-area rock formations and other regional landmarks.
- Courthouse Butte Loop
A loop option associated with Courthouse Butte, one of the area's prominent red rock landmarks. The route lies partly or wholly within the wilderness.
Sample itineraries
- Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte · 1 day
Explore the Bell Rock area and Courthouse Butte Loop for a day focused on two prominent red rock landmarks near Sedona and Oak Creek. Check the trail map before setting a route; listed recreation areas lie partially or completely within the wilderness.
- Jacks Canyon to the Saddle · 1 day
Follow Jacks Canyon Trail toward the narrow saddle where it joins Munds Mountain Trail. The route rises from canyon terrain toward high overlooks. Choose a turnaround that leaves enough time and energy for the descent rather than treating the junction as a required destination.
- Two Days of Canyon and Mesa Hiking · 2 days
Plan separate day hikes from the Sedona or Oak Creek area: Woods Canyon Trail first, then Hot Loop Trail toward Horse Mesa. This pairs canyon scenery with higher terrain without assuming a connecting backpacking route. Adjust each day's turnaround to conditions and fitness.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Check conditions for your chosen elevation
The wilderness spans canyon bottoms and high mesas. Check the forecast for the actual route, not just nearby towns, and carry layers for changes between lower terrain and exposed overlooks.
Summer
Use the current forecast to set hiking hours
Plan desert hikes around forecast temperatures and sun exposure. Carry sufficient water rather than counting on canyon pools, and shorten climbs when conditions make the return demanding.
Fall
Check weather and daylight before departure
Canyon-to-overlook hikes require time for both ascent and return. Set a turnaround based on available daylight, and pack layers appropriate to the forecast for the higher terrain.
Winter
Confirm upper-route and road conditions
Do not assume conditions near Sedona describe the mountain tops. Check the forecast and Forest Road access before departure; choose a lower route if higher terrain exceeds your equipment or experience.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Check conditions for your chosen elevation | The wilderness spans canyon bottoms and high mesas. Check the forecast for the actual route, not just nearby towns, and carry layers for changes between lower terrain and exposed overlooks. |
| Summer | Use the current forecast to set hiking hours | Plan desert hikes around forecast temperatures and sun exposure. Carry sufficient water rather than counting on canyon pools, and shorten climbs when conditions make the return demanding. |
| Fall | Check weather and daylight before departure | Canyon-to-overlook hikes require time for both ascent and return. Set a turnaround based on available daylight, and pack layers appropriate to the forecast for the higher terrain. |
| Winter | Confirm upper-route and road conditions | Do not assume conditions near Sedona describe the mountain tops. Check the forecast and Forest Road access before departure; choose a lower route if higher terrain exceeds your equipment or experience. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements and access rules with Coconino National Forest before visiting.
Reservations: Munds Mountain Wilderness does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov.
Official source: Munds Mountain Wilderness, Coconino National Forest Recreation · Verified November 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Moderate to steep slopes make canyon-to-mesa hikes demanding. Save energy and time for the descent.
- Sandstone cliff faces require careful footing and distance from edges; a scenic overlook is not an invitation to scramble.
- Jacks Canyon Trail reaches a narrow saddle, and the connecting Munds Mountain Trail is steep. Reassess conditions and comfort before continuing.
- Desert terrain and elevation changes call for deliberate water, sun-protection, and weather planning. Do not rely on finding usable water in canyon pools.
What to pack for Munds Mountain Wilderness
- Downloaded trail and Forest Road map
- Sedona and Munds Mountain topographic maps
- Charged phone and backup power
- Water sufficient for the full planned hike
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Food and extra snacks
- Footwear with reliable traction
- Layers selected for the route's forecast
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
Munds Mountain Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Munds Mountain Wilderness?
- It lies in Coconino National Forest immediately southeast of Sedona, between Arizona State Route 179 and Interstate 17. Its 18,150 acres extend from Munds and Lee mountains into Jacks, Woods, and Rattlesnake canyons.
- Which roads provide access?
- Roads border the wilderness on three sides. Access routes include Forest Roads 153, also called Schnebly Hill Road, 179F, 179, 793, and 647. Approaches include paved highways and graveled Forest Roads; confirm the appropriate approach for your chosen trail.
- Which trails climb to overlooks?
- Jacks Canyon Trail and Hot Loop Trail both lead from canyon bottoms toward high overlooks. Hot Loop climbs toward Horse Mesa; Jacks Canyon reaches a saddle joining Munds Mountain Trail. These are climbing routes, not simply canyon-floor strolls.
- What landscapes will hikers encounter?
- Expect red sandstone formations, high mesas, riparian canyon habitat, and vegetation ranging from desert sagebrush and grasslands to oak and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Mountain elevations range from 3,600 to 6,825 feet.
- What can be seen from the high country?
- High-country views extend from Oak Creek Canyon toward the San Francisco Peaks. Vantage points along Hot Loop Trail include views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Sycamore Pass, and Woods Canyon.
- Where can visitors get planning maps?
- Use the Coconino National Forest interactive visitor map, Digital Travel Map, or Sedona and Munds Mountain topographic maps. The Red Rock Recreation Guide is also available at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center.