Huckaby Trail
Both trailheads open under the current orders
Huckaby Trail No. 161 and its Schnebly Hill and Midgley Bridge trailheads are not named in either current July 31 closure order. The broad Pocket Fire order that restricted the north end has been superseded.
A creekside traverse rather than a summit hike — 2.97 miles one way between the Schnebly Hill and Midgley Bridge trailheads, with only 170 feet of gain but a "moderately strenuous" rating from the Forest Service, which tells you the footing does the work rather than the climbing.
It crosses Oak Creek and gives you views up at the formations rather than down from them. Both trailheads are outside the current closure orders.
The facts
- Open right now?
- Open
- Forest Service trail
- Huckaby Trail No. 161
- Distance
- 2.97 miles one way
- Elevation gain
- 170 ft
- Difficulty (USFS)
- Moderately strenuous (USFS)
- Time needed
- About 1.5 hours one way
- Trailhead elevation
- 4,471 ft
- Pass required
- Red Rock Pass required to park at the trailhead
- Sedona Shuttle
- Not served
- Parking
- Schnebly Hill Road (south) or Midgley Bridge (north). Capacity not published.
- Restrooms
- Not documented
- Shade
- Partial near the creek
Getting there
Get directions →A different kind of Sedona hike
Most Sedona trails put you on top of red rock. Huckaby puts you beside water, looking up at it — it drops toward Oak Creek and follows it, with a crossing that can be wet depending on flow.
The 170-foot gain figure undersells the effort. The Forest Service rates it "moderately strenuous" because of uneven, rocky footing and the drop down to the creek and back up, not because of sustained climbing.
It's a good choice in warmer weather thanks to partial shade near the creek — though in monsoon season, a trail that follows a creek below a burn scar deserves a look at the forecast first. The classic outing is a point-to-point with two cars.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Huckaby Trail open?
Yes. Huckaby Trail and both trailheads are not named in either current July 31 closure order.
How hard is Huckaby?
Rated moderately strenuous despite only 170 feet of gain — the rating reflects rocky, uneven footing and the descent to Oak Creek rather than sustained climbing.
Will I have to cross the creek?
The trail crosses Oak Creek, and how wet that gets depends on flow. Expect wet feet in higher water.
Do I need a Red Rock Pass?
Yes — the Forest Service states a pass is required to park at the trailhead.
Facts on this page last verified August 3, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.