Ascending Sugarloaf Summit: The Complete Hiker’s Guide

Sugarloaf Summit | 02

Summit Series: Essential Hiking Guides is a series dedicated to providing hikers of all abilities clear and concise information in an easy-to-read format that is readable in just a few minutes while providing you with all essential information in just one place.

Overview: Hiking Sugarloaf Summit

The Sugarloaf Summit hike in Sedona, Arizona, is a relatively short but rewarding trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding red rock formations.

Location: Sedona, Arizona, USA – Coconino National Forest
Trailhead: Sugarloaf Trailhead, accessible from Coffee Pot Drive in West Sedona
Trail Length: Approximately 1.9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail Surface: The path is well-maintained and marked, though it includes some rocky and uneven sections that require careful footing.
Ascent: The ascent to the summit is gradual, with a few steeper sections, but it is manageable for most hikers.
Trail Type: Loop
Accessibility: The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for most hikers, including families and those with moderate hiking experience.

Highlights

Scenic Views: The summit provides panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock landscape, including landmarks like Coffeepot Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Chimney Rock.
Flora and Fauna: The trail passes through typical desert vegetation, including juniper trees, cacti, and wildflowers in season.
Suitable for Beginners: The hike is accessible to beginners and those with moderate hiking experience.
Family-Friendly: It is a good option for families with children and older adults who are reasonably fit.

Getting To Sugarloaf Summit

Trailhead Location: Teacup Trailhead, 2050 Buena Vista Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336
Parking: Parking is limited to about 12 vehicles

Sugarloaf Summit Trail Description

The hike begins at the Sugarloaf Trailhead and initially follows the Teacup Trail. After a short distance, you’ll reach the junction with the Sugarloaf Summit Trail. The ascent to the summit is gradual, with some rocky sections requiring careful footing. As you climb higher, the views become more expansive and impressive.

Best Time to Hike

Spring and Fall: These seasons offer the most pleasant weather, with moderate temperatures and clear skies.
Early Morning or Late Afternoon: To avoid the midday heat, especially in summer, it’s best to start early or hike later in the day.

The Sugarloaf Summit hike can be a beautiful experience at both sunrise and sunset, each offering its own unique advantages. Here are some considerations for both times of day:

Sunrise – my favorite!

Pros:

Cooler Temperatures: Morning temperatures are generally cooler, making the hike more comfortable, especially during warmer months.
Fewer People: Sunrise hikes tend to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful and solitary experience.
Stunning Light: The rising sun casts a warm, golden light on the red rock formations, creating dramatic and beautiful scenery.
Wildlife: Early mornings are often a good time to spot wildlife, as animals are more active during the cooler parts of the day.

Cons:

Early Start: You’ll need to get up early to reach the summit before sunrise, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Dew and Moisture: There might be some dew or moisture on the trail, making it slightly slippery.

Sunset

Pros:

Golden Hour Light: The setting sun provides a warm, golden light that enhances the colors of the red rocks and makes for great photography.
Relaxing End to the Day: Hiking at sunset can be a wonderful way to unwind and reflect on the day.
Cooler Evening Temperatures: The temperatures cool down as the sun sets, making for a more comfortable hike.

Cons:

Crowds: Sunset hikes can be more popular, so you may encounter more people on the trail.
Time Management: You’ll need to plan your hike carefully to ensure you have enough daylight to descend safely after the sun sets.
Limited Wildlife: Animals might be less active during the late afternoon compared to early morning.

Summary

Sunrise: Offers cooler temperatures, fewer people, and stunning morning light, but requires an early start.
Sunset: Provides beautiful golden hour lighting and a relaxing end to the day but may be more crowded and requires careful timing to descend before dark.

Both sunrise and sunset hikes at Sugarloaf Summit offer spectacular experiences, so the best choice depends on your personal preferences and schedule.

General Tips

Bring Water: Even though the hike is short, Sedona’s desert climate can be dehydrating.
Wear Sturdy Footwear: The rocky terrain can be uneven, so good hiking shoes are recommended.
Check the Weather: Be aware of the forecast, as conditions can change quickly in the desert.

Additional Information

Permits and Regulations: A Red Rock Pass is required to access this trail. For more information, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/recreation/?cid=stelprdb5416212
Facilities: none

Trail Etiquette Reminders

Hiking trail etiquette helps ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience for all hikers and preserves the natural environment.

Stick to designated paths to protect vegetation and minimize erosion.
Pack out all trash, including food scraps.
Leave natural objects and historical artifacts as you found them.
Uphill hikers have the right of way.
Step aside to let faster hikers and trail runners pass.
Yield to equestrians by stepping off the trail on the downhill side.
Avoid loud conversations and music to maintain the serenity of nature.
Use earphones if you must listen to music.
Observe animals from a distance.
Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
Keep dogs on a leash unless otherwise specified.
Clean up after your pets.
Carry sufficient water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Be courteous and greet fellow hikers.
Avoid blocking the trail when stopping for breaks.
Adhere to rules regarding fires, camping, and trail use.
Obtain any necessary permits.
Do not pick plants or collect rocks and other natural items.

By following these guidelines, hikers can help preserve the natural beauty of trails and ensure a positive experience for everyone.

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About The Author

Isabel is a single mother and avid traveler based out of Cleveland, Ohio. Just over one year ago, she established this travel blog as a passion project. Letting her ‘creative juices’ flow, she was able to combine to of her hobbies: writing and photography.

Isabel’s goal for this pursuit is to highlight a growing collection of destinations that cater to a wide variety of lifestyle and budgets. Isabel has undertaken a variety of projects including: general travel guides, guides to museums and other attractions, restaurant reviews, reviews on unique lodging and even commissioned work allowing her to work with in conjunction with tourism boards to promote a certain destination.

In addition to dedicating near-full-time hours to her job as a travel blogger and micro-influencer, Isabel is a full-time emergency room paramedic and part-time firefighter. Above all, Isabel is a devoted mother to her 8-year-old daughter, Lily.