Five years ago our GPS routed us via Schnebly Hill on our return to Sedona from Mormon Lake - not passible by standard vehicles, luckily we had rented a Jeep - we were still concerned as it was a rental vehicle but it was quite the adventure. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Ace - Fairway Drive Grade Separation Project - Ace Project Helpline (888) Ace-1426. Joy Loy set out in 1896 to improve the trail and by 1901 had scratched out a rough and winding passage called the Verde Cut-Off Road. Still, improvements to the road were badly needed, and in 1902 the Coconino County Board of Supervisors awarded a $600 contract to Civil War veteran J.J. Thompson to perform the work. Then turn left before entering the highway maintenance building area. I'm hoping to attend a spiritual workshop at the Sedona Creative Life Center on Schnebly Hill Road. We only drove in the first 2 miles but were able to find a great spot. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest, Id give Schnebly Hill Road a difficulty rating of 6 for truck campers and a 3 for Jeeps. Had I known I would have recommended they turn around. The owner even gave me her English saddle to ride. I drove over one rock that stopped me on my front cross member but thankfully I was going slow and damage was minimal. Jeep JK Tailgate Tire Carrier by Rugged Ridge, Jeep JK Front & Rear Driveshaft by Adams Driveshaft, Jeep JK Stainless Steel Extended Brake Lines, Jeep JK Security Tailgate Enclosure by Tuffy, Jeep JK tailgate MOLLE panel & fold-down table, Jeep Wrangler JK and JL Factory Bolt Sizes, Jeep JK A/C Blend Door Actuator Replacement, Jeep JK multi-function switch replacement, Jeep JK 3.6L V6 thermostat housing replacement, Jeep JK Steering and Suspension Torque Specs, Moonlight Trail / San Tan Trail hiking loop, RedRock 44 Fastback Soft Top Black Diamond, TeraFlex JK/JKU Heavy-Duty Forged Adjustable Front Track Bar. I feel this is the most scenic direction as the views of Sedona are ever present from the vista parking area to the end of the trailfor your passenger. It features some paved parts at the beginning and near the end. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. 5 National Park Sites Where You Can Boondock (or Find Boondocking Closeby), Best Campgrounds Near 4 of Baja Californias National Parks, How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Where to Camp, The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures, How to Visit Prescott National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, How to Visit Coconino National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, 5 Mid-Atlantic State Parks Worthy of a Detour, Reviews of Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location, lead_photo_url_cache => ["https://campcdn.com/photos/3/3/33355/284562/large/schnebly-hill-dispersed-camping.jpg?v=1633649967", "https://campcdn.com/photos/3/3/33355/284552/large/schnebly-hill-dispersed-camping.jpg?v=1633883411"], longitude => [-111.674505, -111.64400146209591], latitude => [34.897197, 34.91146902224841], website => ["https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55036&actid=64", "https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/home/?cid=stelprdb5313620"], description => ["Coconino National Forest has changed dispersed camping in the Sedona and Flagstaff Arizona areas for 2022. As far as I know there are no lodging on Schnebly Hill Road. Note, during the winter months road closures from the so-called Merry-Go-Round to the vista are common, especially after winter storms and snow. Awesome drive up from Sedona in our Jeep Wrangler. Officials remind drivers to drive with caution and avoid driving on open roads that appear to be dangerous. Beyond mile 4 there are only five campsites, the road quickly becomes rocky at mile 5 and is best accessed with smaller rigs with 4wheel. Take a right to get on I-17 back to Phoenix or take a left to get to Flagstaff. If your diligent in watching your lines (as I was) it can be made without any scraping. It was smooth most of the way out and back around the south side of Thunder Mountain. My 24 Class C RV towed my car, hauling a mini-bike in without a problem. Iowa Trail, 100' North Of Crooked Trl to 100' South Of Crooked Trl. So the next time I will carefully use my own car to venture out into the back country. You will be fine! Elkhart, Indiana, might be the RV capital of the world, but most travelers would be surprised to Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps. We turned around at the next opportunity and again thanks to my wifes help from outside the vehicle made it back up to the overlook with only a few scrapes on the rims. We enjoy off roading on Schnebly Hill Road, however, this December, the road was closed halfway. If you stop a lot you could possibly take 2 hours. We camped here at the end of April and enjoyed daytime temperatures of 75 F and nightime lows in the 40's. A couple of additional points. Not for the faint of heart. Use caution at 2.1 miles as you navigate the first switchback. The trail continues northeast, remaining fairly uneventful other than a scenic meadow at 8.7 miles. Area Status: Unreachable There are typicaly seasonal road closures to the vista (Merry-Go-Round and above) as well as the occasional closure of the entire lower road from Huckaby on up. Not for low-slung cars. The grand finale of the entire drive is to the so-called Schnebly Hill Vista at the top. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock I actually prefer this direction because amazing views are constantly before you as you wind your way down from the top. Tucked away on the northern part of Arizona, the road tops out at 1.986m (6,515ft) above the sea level. There are typicaly seasonal road closures to the vista (Merry-Go-Round and above) as well as the occasional closure of the entire lower road from Huckaby on up. The Forest Service paid to improve the road in 1902. He also does some RV consulting, repairs, and inspections on the side. However, I had a 2 very negative experiences and will never go back!! The views from the back of Sedona are awesome, and the view from the top of the trail can't be beat. We booked a tour with Safari Jeep Adventures and had Wyatt as our guide. in only a handful of places. By Holly Andres | handres@scng.com | Daily News. Beautiful National Forest area on Schnebly Hill Rd. This forest provides Sedonas four million visitors a year with instant access to recreational activities, including hiking, biking, camping, and four-wheeling. I had stayed here for a while without any issues. The elevation of these camping spots is about 6,100 feet which makes for a pretty cool retreat during the summer months. Get it with Truck Camper Adventure's weekly newsletter. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Although the road is wide and well-maintained, expect a bumpy ride. We want your experiences too! You have to go by jeep..hire Red Rock jeep tours unless you are very experienced at a very difficult jeep road. So many awesome spots.lots and lots, and no need to be rubbin' up against any neighbor unless you like that sort of thing. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites 8-16, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, Video: Where to Camp in Quartzsite, Arizona. Signs recommend only trucks or off-highway vehicles, but cars (not low-slung) can make it in good weather. Always abide by on-the-ground closures/barricades. Other than that the road is very very rough and Rocky. Flagstaff, AZ 86001 No problem getting the skoolie in. Whether you're driving, hiking, riding, or exploring, you will find this free, full color, GPS-enabled map a handy reference to have on your mobile device. We were just passing through I am unsure of camping facilities It is a magnificent area Have a great time, Is the road open from the top I'd like to go this weekend. Also known as Forest Road 153 (FR153), Schnebly Hill Road is a 12-mile dirt road connecting Arizona's I-17 at Munds Park with SH-89A in Sedona. We camped for three nights at a beautiful and secluded campsite on Schnebly Hill Road appoximately four miles from I-17. The history of Schnebly Hill Road is pretty interesting. We hiked 1-mile down the road from our campsite to view the red rocks, WOW the views are majestic! So prior to coming here, I was considering coming from the east side of Schnebly road but everything I read was to come from the west..so we did. At one point the car completely turned off from the jostling. Assume you mean Jeep Compass? Arizona DOT's Twitter. We have the receipts. is a jeep road. Forest Roads off of US-180 (From Flagstaff to SR-64) Forest Roads off of I-17 Forest Roads off of I-40 Forest Roads off of I-40 and Winona Forest Roads off of FR 303, Walnut Canyon Area Forest Roads off of SR-89A (Flagstaff to Sedona) Note, during the winter months road closures from the so-called Merry-Go-Round to the vista are common, especially after winter storms and snow. Excellent walk for seeing back toward the downtown area. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Mello Mike is an Amazon.com associate. The scenic route began life as a cattle trail blazed by pioneer Jim Mund in the late 1800s. A communications expert and licensed ham radio operator, he retired from the U.S. Navy in 2004 as a CWO3 after 24 years, holds a BS degree, and now runs Truck Camper Adventure full-time. Simply put, there are few places in the American west more beautiful than the red rocks of Sedona. You are warned off if you have a bad back and I would agree that there are other great rides and views such that missing this will not ruin your trip but if you do take it, it can make your trip!! Warning! Baldy Rd, Lockwood Rd, Corral Cyn Rd to Corral Cyn Rd, Glendora Ridge, Mt. Why go further? Schnebly Hill Road Sedona, AZ 86336 928-527-3600 Official Website GPS: 34.9115, -111.644 Location submitted by: Nick Add Photos View 16 Photos Overview Q&A Cell Service Reviews (9) Amenities Overview of Schnebly Hill Dispersed Camping Coconino National Forest has changed dispersed camping in the Sedona and Flagstaff Arizona areas for 2022. Youll quickly find yourself away from the city on this trail, but be sure to keep an eye out for Jeep tours, who use the lower half of this road frequently. All Rights Reserved. It was filled with drops of rocks 1-2 feet deep and at times we didnt know which way to go. Can fill up on the weekends and is almost empty during the week. Get some pictures, check out the trail you were just on, and enjoy the moment. No Red Rock Pass required. ), BUT, it opens back up on April 1 of each year. Please follow dispersed camping recommendations so that all may continue to enjoy the area.\r\n\r\nCurrent status of access roads to the area can be found on the [Flagstaff District Road Status website] (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5339811)\r\n\r\nAccessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Schnebly Hill Road will be closed until Aug. 15 due to scheduled road maintenance to repair and replace culverts as well as improve and construct road drainage features. The trail certainly isnt difficult but isnt suitable for passenger cars either. At this time the safety concerns are such that the Munds Wagon Trail may be closed for about three days but the trailhead will remain open. [1] It is near the Supai Group. dangerousroads.org is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. California Winter Weather. Private Colorado Plateau Jeep Tour from Sedona, Private Diamondback Gulch by Off-Road Jeep from Sedona, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Tour from Sedona, Introduction to Glassblowing Workshop in Sedona, Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend Private Luxury Car Tour, 2.5-Hour Sedona Sightseeing Tour with Sedona Hotel Pickup, Sedona Scenic Half-Day Private Luxury Car Tour, Hangover Trail via Munds Wagon Trail and Cow Pies, Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art. Great views, Bad idea without skid plates. !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src='https://weatherwidget.io/js/widget.min.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,'script','weatherwidget-io-js'); Remember: trail conditions, fire restrictions, weather, and land ownership change constantly so everyone must take responsibility for themselves, both for their safety and complying with all laws. That isnt to say that theyre arent some smooth and sandy stretches along the scenic route, there are, but theyre few and far between. [2] He currently rolls in a 4WD Ram 3500 outfitted with a SherpTek truck bed with a Bundutec Roadrunner mounted on top. Schnebly Hill Road OHV Route Moderate 4.3 (882) Coconino National Forest Photos (2,243) Directions Print/PDF map Length 13.5 miElevation gain 2,805 ftRoute type Point to point Explore this 13.5-mile point-to-point trail near Sedona, Arizona. You will love the scenary in Sedona. This is a Wildlife Area and is closed to motorized traffic beginning December 15th thru April 1st. With picks and shovels, Thompsons men labored hard until work on the road was completed six months later. Pine forest and open ground. Yes, the road is very rough at times, but it isnt daunting to the point that you should avoid driving it. Just two years prior, entrepreneur Carl Schnebly settled in Oak Creek. There may have b The only negative is the amount of Jeep traffic that can be heavy at times, though this tapers off before dusk. Their number is (602) 697-8306. However I would not attempt this road without a Jeep Wrangler that is jacked up. Baldy Rd, Shin Rd to Glendora Ridge Rd, Chantry Flats , Arno Drive to Forest Route 2n40, City Of Arcadia,City Of Sierra Madre,Angeles National Forest,City Of Monrovia, Mulholland Hwy, Lower Brewster Rd to Seminole Dr, Fairway Drive, Business Parkway to East Walnut Drive North, Ace - Fairway Drive Grade Separation Project - Ace Project Helpline (888) Ace-1426, This list shows closed roads within unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County that affect disaster routes. Check your inbox or spam folder now to confirm your subscription. Indeed, Sedona is consistently ranked as one the most beautiful places in America by TV shows, newspapers, and magazines. Park here and walk 100 yards down the road to the signed trailhead for Schnebly Hill Trail on the east side. Snow was coming down and it was dark for the entire ride. The right vehicle means skid plates and all terrain tires preferably with some sidewall armor to help protect against those sharper boulders. Trail Conditions: Coconino National Forest, Red Rock Ranger District. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. It is closed in the winter. where the pavement ends but the views aren't that special either. $$ - $$$ Mexican Southwestern Wine Bar, $$ - $$$ Quick Bites American Gluten Free Options, $$ - $$$ Mexican American Steakhouse, $$ - $$$ Mexican Southwestern Vegetarian Friendly, Points of Interest & Landmarks Shopping Malls. Road Closures Affecting Disaster Routes. I always bring my friends that have never been to Sedona, here. Fax: (928) 527-3620 Hey, there! The road consists of a variety of terrain that's easy enough to navigate for the beginner trying their first self-guided Jeep tour in Sedona. After 4.3 miles, the trail makes a large swooping right turn as it continues to skirt up the edge of the rim. Anyway, as noted by someone else, 8" just enough, but the drive will be very slow (probably close to 2 hours for about 10 km.) Schnebly Hill road closure. Would stay here again. Evidence that wagons used this road extensively over the years can still be seen in places today through deep and narrow ruts in the bedrock surface. The views are so worth it. Yes, we counted 40 sites, some of the campsites could accomadate 2 or 3 RVs. The first 6-miles of the road from Munds Park in the east are filled with numerous camping opportunities, all of which are free, primitive, boondocking sites. Schnebly Hill Road, Sedona, AZ 86336 Save Scenic Sedona Tour 408 Book in advance from $75.80 per adult Check availability View full product details Kevin K Chicago, Illinois, United States 96 65 Closed Review of Schnebly Hill Road Reviewed March 26, 2015 We rented a Wrangler when in Sedona and I was excited to drive and experience this. It lies between Coconino Sandstone and the older Hermit Formation. From the next roundabout, continue northeast onto Schnebly Hill Road. The majority of this work will occur from the Huckaby trailhead up to the Schnebly Hill Vista, approximately five miles.There will also be minor road maintenance on two areas that are approximately two miles east of Interstate 17 on Schnebly Hill Road. How difficult is Schnebly Hill Road? Only go on this road if you have no ortho problems!! 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Schnebly Hill Road is one of Arizona's most photogenic roads because of the spectacular red rock buttes, lush green vegetation, and clear blue sky that line it. We enjoyed your travelogue and glad you survived. Memorable hiking trails depart from several places along the road, and dispersed camping is allowed above Vista Point. more. more. At this point, youll notice the looming edge of the Mogollon Rim straight ahead. We only ventured about a mile along the road. To check on the status of open and closed roads, visit USDA.gov. Two Trucks and Two Campers! Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 36 min to complete. In the middle section it gets really rough with a few turns. We were thinking of starting from Wickenburg and turning onto 179 at Sedona to enter Schnebly via I-17, before following 89A up along Oak Creek Canyon. The road continues to be rough, requiring a slow pace and careful tire placement for a smooth ride. Map showing recreational areas. Because of this it would be a good idea to call the Red Rock Ranger . Bear left on a well marked dirt road at the first turn. The views are absolutely worth the pounding. Allow for about an hour to drive it at a decent pace. Schnebly Hill Road is one of the most beautiful Sedona off-road adventures in Arizona. Panda Express is expanding to east Flagstaff. Coconino National Forest has changed dispersed camping in the Sedona and Flagstaff Arizona areas for 2022. Most SUVs are not high enough. I took this trail at the end of April, and it was open all the way. Mixed reaction to boondocking here. You will love Sedona. 18 trails with 258 photos Driving and pedestrian alert issued for freeways and street closures on Nov. 7 due to the LA Marathon. Wyatt was so knowledgeable and was an amazing photographer and our photos turned out spectacular. connected to the .gov website. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. At that distance the sites were limited in number, taken and/or challenging to negotiate with a 21 ft trailer, as a relative newcomer to towing. We recommend booking Schnebly Hill Road tours ahead of time to secure your spot. This trail makes a great shortcut between I-17 and Sedona but is closed in the winter time. Took a long morning walk up the road to the observatory site. Today, Schnebly Hill Road terminates with Interstate-17. After 1.3 miles, the trail follows alongside a wash and begins its long climb. We camped for three nights at a beautiful and secluded campsite on Schnebly Hill Road appoximately four miles from I-17. Closed in winter. there are plenty of locations in Sedona, you should check them out online. However, I had a 2 very negative experiences and will never go back!! Would highly recommend the trip. We only drove in the first 2 miles but were able to find a great spot. When locals say that only a high-clearance 44 vehicle should attempt this drive, they mean it. Schnebly Hill Vista Observation Site Area Status: There are typicaly seasonal road closures to the vista as well as the occasional closure of the entire lower road from Huckaby on up. New Furnishings! , which provides up-to-date coverage on lane closures, seasonal travel, detours, and more. First 4 miles was moderately technical with multiple steps, stairs, ruts, grades, etc. Forest Road links to the road in Google Maps. We took a jeep tour up Schnebly Hill Road to the point where it levels off, about six miles I think. M-F 8 a.m. - 4p.m. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5339811, FR 128 at FR 82 junction near shooting range, FR 231 Woody Mountain Rd. It was hard to hold the wheel , navigate around the big boulders and keep the high beams on. For Sale: 8 beds, 9 baths 18762 sq. We got a late start, 4:30 pm in Oct., thinking we could make it up and over before sunset. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock . [This flyer] (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3839183.pdf) contains maps of the updated recommended dispersed camping areas around Sedona. Schnebly Hill Road, Forest Road 214, 618 and 229 have reportedly had the worst driving conditions in past years. The road snakes its way in an easterly direction as you continue to climb into the forest. Emery Cowan Nov 5, 2015 Nov 5, 2015 Updated Mar 2, 2020; 0; Facebook; Twitter; WhatsApp; SMS; Email; Print; Copy article link; Save; The Coconino National Forest will . This was an epic dispersed camping with a view! And finally, of course, high clearance vehicles are needed to get there from Sedona due to road conditions, no fee required, no trash service or toilets (pack it in/pack it out). 5 miles in May work well for Verizon but I got nothing on AT&T there. What did building this road really accomplish for the residents of Sedona? Oh, and yeah it's scenic alright. You certainly can't take your own vehicle unless is it a raised 4 wheel drive. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. At one point I was just going to leave my husband and the car and walk the rest of the way.