Hiking Sugarloaf Loop Trail in Sedona, Arizona

Hiking Sugarloaf Loop Trail in Arizona was so fun! Here is our guide for how to hike this trail in Sedona and where to find parking.

One of our visits to Arizona we decided to go to Sedona as we had heard that it is beautiful out there. Sedona has gotten the nickname Red Rock Country from the rock formations surrounding the city.

On our first day we were exploring the city and drove up to some of the sights, but on our second day there we were already eager to hit some trails and see the nature.

There were so many trails close by that it was difficult to choose, but we wanted to find something suitable for kids too. Our kids are eight and three, so we mostly do easy trails at the moment.

Finally we found the Sugarloaf Loop Trail which sounded like something we were looking for. And so we headed out to the trail.

HOW TO FIND PARKING at SUGARLOAF LOOP TRAIL

Sugarloaf Loop Trail is in Coconino National Forest and the trail starts from a a little parking lot in a residential area.

We had trouble finding the trailhead at first, since Google Maps seemed to have two entrances to it.

Just by searching for the Sugarloaf Loop Trail we didn’t end up at the parking lot, even though we knew that there was supposed to be one. So I had to find the more specific address in order to find our way to where we wanted to go.

The parking lot is on Buena Vista Dr.

Luckily we were there early in the morning, since the parking lot was already getting full. I think we actually got the very last spot. And so we headed out towards the beautiful red hills.

HIKING SUGARLOAF LOOP TRAIL

We excited to explore this area and see the trail. The whole area seemed full of little trails criss crossing each other in many spots. Sometimes it was hard to figure our if we were on the right path.

Our big help was the AllTrails app which I like to use while I’m hiking and which tracks your progress on the trail. This way we were able to see exactly where we were going. Also, the trail was identified with markers made from rocks, but first we weren’t sure which trail they belonged to.

In order to get to the Sugarloaf Loop Trail you will begin your trek at the Teacup Trail first, which confused us regarding the markers. After about 0.3 miles multiple trails separated at an intersection, and the Sugarloaf Loop Trail continued to the right.

We saw many other hikers and multiple houses from the trail, so there was no concern about getting lost.

The Sugarloaf Loop is a hike around one of those beautiful red hills that I mentioned earlier. From the crossroads of Sugarloaf Loop Trail and Teacup Trail, you can also choose to hike up to the Sugarloaf Mountain summit to see the amazing views.

I read that many people just climb up without actually hiking through the loop around the hill. Maybe that is why we didn’t run into very many people while we were there.

We walked all around the trail before we even noticed that there was also a trail that took you up to the summit.

Sugarloaf Loop Trail follows the sides of the hill, going both uphill and downhill.

At some point we thought we had accidentally entered someone’s backyard, since the trail passed some houses from so close. All I can say is that these residents really have quite the access to hiking trails! Then the houses disappeared and in front of us were some beautiful rock formations.

The trail was pretty light and easy, and our kids enjoyed jumping on the rocks and running back and forth on the trail. The only thing you will have to look for with kids is many cactus plants along the trail.

The best part of this trail was the view of the beautiful red rocks further away. From most of the trail you will be able to see Coffee Pot Rock, which of course looks like a pot. Also Chimney Rock and Capitol Butte can be seen while hiking the Sugarloaf Loop Trail, as they are very close by.

But if you look at the photo below, can you spot Coffee Pot Rock?

HIKING IN SEDONA

The weather in Sedona can vary greatly during the year, so it really makes a difference when you are visiting. Even though Sedona is located in a valley, it is still 4,350 feet up.

During the winter time, snow often covers the hills surrounding the city, so you should dress accordingly. For example, when hiking Sugarloaf Loop Trail, it is recommended to bring micro-spikes for shoes, since the edges of the hill that the trail follows can get very slippery.

We were in Sedona when there was no snow yet and the weather was perfect for hiking. Spring and autumn are often the best times for hiking; they are usually sunny, but not too hot.

The Summer months in Sedona are hot and dry, and not ideal, at least for me.

For anyone planning on hiking trips to Sedona, I would say that the earlier you can hit the trails, the better. Especially weekends can get very crowded and finding a parking spot can be challenging.

To get to the most popular trails, you might have to park further away and then walk to the trailhead.

So if possible, time your trip during the week and avoid public holidays. Sedona is not very big, but moving around there can be slow due to traffic created by all the visitors.

Sugarloaf Loop Trail was definitely a great trail for families with kids or those who are looking for something easy. It’s also quite close to Uptown Sedona, so you don’t have to drive too far to get there.

We loved that there were so many plants along the trail and it wasn’t just a dry, sandy path with nothing to see.

It took us about an hour and a half to walk this trail with our three-year-old, who loves to stop to flip around rocks and draw in the sand, so most people will probably walk it through faster.

You can find our tips to hiking with kids from here.

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There is so much to see in Sedona and the nature there is just amazing! One of the must sees is definitely the Montezuma Castle National Monument. And make sure to stop by at Rachel’s Knoll as well. It was so beautiful up there!

Depending on where you are coming from there are many great stops along the way to Sedona. If you are coming from north then you will be passing by the Walnut Canyon National Monument. You could also include visits to Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Meteor Crater or Petrified Forest National park on your trip.

We had such a great time in Sedona and someday we want to return to hike more demanding trails there!