MRT Day 6: Oak Creek & Hot Loop Trail

Daily Miles: 23.8, Total Miles: 75.7

I took the Verde Lynx bus from West Sedona to Uptown, free, at least early in the morning. I then walked to the connection to the Jim Thompson Trail and continued the MRT journey. This trail, with nice views, skirted along the edge of redrock heading north up Oak Creek Canyon.

I headed down to Midgley Bridge (Hwy 179), then further down to Oak Creek. Made a manageable but cold crossing and grabbed one more liter of water. Casner Canton Trail took me up a side canyon to the Mogollon Rim and Schnebly Hill offering incredible views of redrock country and Sedona. So much so, I had to stop for lunch.

I followed the edge of the rim for some distance before turning east on the Hot Loop Trail. A very scenic and enjoyable (except for the lack of water) ten miles, dropping off the rim through the colorful sandstone formations.

I was kind of counting on water at Horse Mesa Tank but bone dry. My back up plan was Woods Canyon in another four miles but it was too dark by the time I got there. My back up to the back up plan was put on my headlamp and continue the march. Fortunately on a good detour trail to the USFS Red Rock Visitors Center and their 24/7 water filling station.

Called Mrs. Haze, took a selfie with Smokey the Bear, drank a lot of water, filled water bottles and retreated a short distance back to the trail. So completed a long, dry but beautiful day.