After getting my butt whipped hike-a-biking a good portion of Templeton Trail in Sedona, AZ, I chose a tamer –but no less magical — route along Chuck Wagon and Mescal.
Parking was a bit of a challenge at the Dry Creek Trailhead, and being so close to the road, Chuck Wagon heading north was busy for the first mile-and-a-half or so. After turning northeast, though, things cleared out and I mostly had the trail to myself.
Chuck Wagon makes a horsehoe-shape, eventually winding back around to Mescal south, connecting back up with itself, and dumping you back into the parking lot.
Overall, the route delivered tons of scenery (difficult to avoid in Sedona) and great flow, and was super easy to follow. A total of 9.4 miles, 800+ of elevation gain, and just shy of 1.5 hours’ ride time.
Highly recommended if you’re in the area!