Edges & Ledges Loop

Ready to experience Sedona from a place that feels almost impossible to reach? This extraordinary private hiking adventure follows an improbable route across Mitten Ridge, linking narrow ledges, rugged sandstone passages, and spectacular elevated viewpoints high above some of the most dramatic terrain in Red Rock Country.

This is not your typical Sedona hiking trail. The route winds through an intricate network of trails and narrow passages where the landscape becomes as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. 

At times, the path becomes surprisingly slender, requiring careful footwork and a willingness to navigate steep and exposed terrain. For experienced hikers seeking something truly different, the result is an unforgettable journey through a side of Sedona that few visitors ever experience.

A Trail Unlike Any Other

The character of this adventure comes from its remarkable route across Mitten Ridge. Rather than following a straightforward path from one destination to another, the trail connects a series of improbable passages and elevated sections that seem to weave through the sandstone itself. The terrain changes continually. 

One moment you may be walking along an elevated ledge with expansive views stretching across the valley; the next, you’re navigating a narrow sandstone passage or descending a steep section where careful movement becomes part of the experience. That unpredictability is precisely what makes the journey so memorable. Every turn presents a new perspective, and the trail seems to reveal itself one section at a time.

Panoramic Views from the Ledges

The reward for navigating this distinctive terrain is an extraordinary collection of elevated views. From the northern reaches of Hangover Trail, the landscape opens toward Wilson Mountain, Brins Mesa, Steamboat Rock, Oak Creek Canyon, Morning Glory Spire, Capitol Butte, and countless other formations scattered throughout the horizon. Rather than experiencing these landmarks from a distant roadside viewpoint, you’ll see them from high within the surrounding sandstone landscape. 

The elevation creates dramatic photography opportunities, with broad panoramas, towering formations, and deep canyon views providing a constantly changing backdrop. For photographers, this is an especially rewarding environment. The unusual angles and elevated perspectives make it possible to capture familiar Sedona landmarks in ways that feel completely new.

A Guided Adventure Through a Complex Trail Network

One of the most valuable aspects of having a private guide on this adventure is navigation. The route incorporates numerous trail intersections and less-obvious transitions, making local knowledge particularly valuable. Rather than spending your vacation trying to determine which direction to take at every junction, your guide handles the route-finding while you focus on the experience. 

This creates a greater sense of security and allows you to concentrate on your surroundings, your footing, and the remarkable scenery unfolding around you.

For an adventure of this nature, the guide is more than a source of information — they are an integral part of making the experience approachable, safe, and enjoyable.

Cowpies Trail and Sedona’s Local Character

Along the route, you’ll encounter the locally revered Cowpies Trail, an area with its own history and character within Sedona’s outdoor community. The landscape has previously served as a setting for Western film productions and has also attracted spiritual gatherings, including drum circles and sacred ceremonies. These details add another layer to the journey, connecting the remarkable scenery with the people and traditions that have been drawn to this sacred land for centuries.

A Challenge That Rewards You

The trail’s narrowness and exposure contribute to its moderate-to-hard character. Certain sections can require careful scrambling, and steep descents may occasionally have you using your hands for additional stability. Because of the exposed nature of portions of the route, this adventure is not recommended for those who are uncomfortable with heights, narrow ledges, or significant exposure.

For confident hikers, however, those same characteristics are what make the experience so rewarding. There is a genuine sense of accomplishment in navigating terrain that feels both wild and improbable while knowing that you have a knowledgeable guide helping you through the more complex sections.

Experience Sedona Beyond the Ordinary

If you’re searching for an adventurous Sedona hiking tour, a unique Mitten Ridge experience, or an opportunity to explore narrow sandstone trails with extraordinary elevated views, this adventure offers something far beyond a conventional hike.

It is a journey through terrain that challenges your comfort zone, rewards your curiosity, and continually reminds you just how remarkable Sedona’s landscape can be.

Come leave the ordinary trails behind, follow your guide across the edges and ledges of Mitten Ridge, and discover a side of Red Rock Country that feels almost too extraordinary to be real. Some hikes give you a view. This one gives you a story you’ll be telling for the rest of your life.

**Booking Note: This hike is not recommended for hikers uncomfortable with challenging hiking terrain, scrambling, exposure to narrow ledges, or suffering from vertigo/acrophobia.

Outing Includes

• Private Hiking Guide
• Red Rock Pass
• Sedona Resort/Airbnb/VRBO Transportation (Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Oak Creek Canyon)
• Healthy Packaged Trail Snacks
• Fruit & Veggie Bento Box
• Bottled Water
• Ultima Electrolytes
• Osprey Daylite Hiking Backpack
• Trekking Poles (By Request)
• 500 Lumen Black Diamond Headlamp
• Gloves, Beanies, Neck Gaiters (During Winter Months)  
• UPF 50 Sun Hoodies  
• Disposable Rain Ponchos  
• Micro Spikes for Snow (If Needed)  
• Osprey Poco Plus Kids Carrying Pack (By Request) 
• Kids Car Seats & Booster Seats (By Request)
• Full List of Supplies Included

Logistics

• Duration: Half Day/5.25 Hour of Hiking & 1 Hour of Logistics
• Distance: 9 Miles
• Elevation Change: 875ft
• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
• Capacity: 1 - 14 Hikers
• Transport: 1 Vehicle
• Sites Visited: 1 Site
• Map of Hike: View Map of Half Day: Edges & Ledges Loop
• Trails Used: Munds Wagon Trail, Cowpies Trail, and Hangover Trail
• Seasonal Features: Waterfalls  (Winter/Summer), Wildflowers (Fall/Spring/Summer)
• Best Season: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
• Hike Type: Scenic Loop, Vortex Hike, Sunrise/Sunset Start
• Start Times: 5AM, 5:30AM, 6AM, 6:30AM, 7AM, 7:30AM, 8AM, 2:30PM
• Upcoming Availabilities: Edges & Ledges Calendar
• Cost: $295 + Tax/Hiker (Private Group) & $535 + Tax (Private Solo Hiker)

*PRIVATE ONLY TOURS: TWO PERSON MINIMUM FOR PRIVATE GROUPS OR PLEASE REFER TO SOLO HIKER PRICING

**WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CONSIDERING PEEK PROTECT COVERAGE AND REVIEWING OUR CANCELLATION POLICY BEFORE BOOKING YOUR RESERVATION

***WE REQUIRE ALL HIKERS/ATTENDEES TO HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE TO ATTEND ANY OF OUR OUTINGS OFFERED