I've been on a lot of hikes, and I mean a lot. From Backpacking in the Grand Canyon to hiking up to a hot spring in Colorado: I've had my share of difficult hikes. But one hike stands out among them all as the most difficult: Capital Butte in Sedona
Even though this trail is only 2.8 miles, don't let that fool you! Over this short distance you climb a total of 1,768 ft in elevation. Even with a map this trail was by far the most difficult trail I have ever had to navigate. It was a very difficult hike but sooo rewarding when you summit it!
Click here to View Capital Butte on AllTrails
At A Glance:
Distance: 2.8 Miles
Average Time: 6-8 Hours
Location:
Coconino National Forest near Sedona
This hike is located in the same place as the extremely popular Devils Bridge Hike.
Highest Elevation: 6,359 ft
Lowest Elevation: 4,603 ft
Total Elevation Gain & Loss:
1,768 ft
The trail is only 2.8 miles but climbs 1,768 ft of elevation! This is one steep hike y'all. This hike is basically scrambling mixed with climbing in very exposed and loose rocks.
Navigation:
Another challenge to this hike is the navigation. Even with a map it is extremely difficult to find your way. It is not well marked and so many different footpaths. You will get lost every five steps haha. Like for real, I am good at finding my way on trail but this hike made me get lost so many times.
People:
The trail itself is not popular by any means. When I went, in May, I did not see a single person on the trail. If you go you will most likely have solitude
That being said, the parking for the trailhead shares the same parking for the Devils Bridge Hike. That is arguably one of the most popular hikes in the Coconino National Forest. Therefore, the parking is CRAZY busy. I got to the hike at 8:00 a.m. and all of the parking was already taken. I had to find more spots a little down the road.
Getting There & Away:
The trailhead is located at the Dry Creek Vista Parking area.
There are NOT that many spots and like I said before, the trailhead to the Devils Bridge also starts there so it will get crazy busy. I recommend going as early as possible to get a spot or park further down the road and walk to the trailhead.
Season & Weather:
It is open all year round but I recommend going in the Spring/Fall so it does not get too hot. I went in May and the weather was solid 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
As with any desert trail, it is so important to check the weather before you go. Check the temperature and to see if there will be rain.
I highly recommend NOT going on this hike if any rain is in the forecast for the day because the hike already has exposed and loose rocks. It would be extremely dangerous to do this one in the rain.
Overview:
Start:
You begin at the Dry Creek Vista Parking area. The very being is easy and you just hike to the butte. Once you get to the butte things get more interesting... The elevation starts to get very steep and at 1 mile in you make it to the false summit.
False Summit:
At 1 mile in you make it here. This has some pretty epic views, and the climb up is not as strenuous. It is a good stopping point if you are scared of heights or unconfident in your navigation.
Trail to the Summit:
After the false summit (1 mile in), this is where shit gets real. The navigation this point forward is extremely difficult and you will get lost, so just be prepared for that haha! The elevation gets very steep here. In some parts you have to climb with two hands and the rock is very loose and very exposed. I am not scared of heights, but I remember I was shaking when I was climbing up because I looked down and it is straight cliff! I am not joking when I say if you slip or fall you are done for. But in all seriousness, this part of the trail is very difficult but just be prepared!
Summit
Once you reach the summit you will see the best views in Sedona! It is a full panoramic view of Sedona and Coconino National Forest. It is seriously amazing!
Then after the summit you go back down the same way. I found that it was easier to find the way going down and I did not get lost... as often lol.
Highlights:
The VIEW!
If you conquer this extremely technical hike you will be rewarded with 360° views that overlook Sedona and the Coconino National Forest. It is incredibly breathtaking!
What Makes this Hike so Hard:
The Route Finding:
One of the most difficult thing s about this hike is the navigation. It is not well marked and there are many different paths leading different way. It is challenging even if you are experienced and have a GPS! The loose rocks also make it hard to see the trail.
The Climbing and Terrain:
The trail goes along an exposed cliffside and is very high up. There are lots of loose rocks and it can get pretty sketchy.
The Plants:
There are lots of beautiful Agave and Catus on this trail. I loved looking at all of them!
However, with the climbing you have to do on this hike you probably will get scratched. I have a lot of scars from this hike because I got so scratched up by the plants haha!
Ending Thoughts:
This hike was so hard, but it was such an adventure! I loved the challenge and seeing the view at the top. I think this hike was a really transformative one and it really pushes you! It is a really cool experience.
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