Little Horse Trail to Chapel and Chicken Point

The day dawned crisp and cold, but I was glad of the early start. There, through my windshield, I saw the nirvana I sought that winter morning — a coveted parking spot at the Little Horse trailhead. 

This location has become more popular in recent years, but fortunately, you can catch the Sedona shuttle if none of the limited parking slots open up when you arrive. It’s the perfect jumping off spot for several area trails, especially now that there is no parking off Mystic trailhead. 

Why should you take this hike when you visit Sedona? In short, the views. You’ll take in spectacular vistas, including Cathedral Rock, arguably the most photographed site in town, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Castle Rock and the Seven Apaches. Lee Mountain lies to your west, fronted by spectacular red rock spires and popular landmarks like the nuns — which you’ll pass on this trek. 

My path followed Little Horse trail to the junction of Chicken Point and Chapel Trails. Chicken Point is one of the most popular 4-wheeling sites in Sedona — in one photo below, you can almost see the tiny figures of tourists listening to their guide regale them with area lore. The area is named, like many other Sedona spots, for a rock formation. However, it’s arguable that the name also refers to how you might feel braving the narrow trail that circles it on a mountain bike.

Cool random Jenn fact: I once took my Jeep here — but didn’t tackle the slope. I was “chicken.”

If you go beyond Chicken Point, you’ll hit the trails off Broken Arrow, including Mystic, High on the Hog, Hog Heaven and Twin Buttes. I chose to double back, as it was Sunday and I wanted to take me to church. 

Chapel Trail leads to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, and it’s arguably an easier, if longer, way to reach it than trudging up the steep slope. It was so crowded, I assumed they had Sunday services and hung back, although had I known it was the usual overflow of tourists, I might have browsed the gift shop. 

Both Chapel and Chicken Point trails take you less than ¾ of a mile from the junction, which is roughly 1.75 miles from the Little Horse trailhead. From my Jeep door and back again, I traveled exactly five miles on the dot, out and back. 

If you go: Take Highway I-17 north and exit on SR-179, Sedona. Travel through the Village of Oak Creek and follow the 179 past Bell Rock. Little Horse Trailhead will be on your right before the main traffic circle at Cathedral Rock. Alternatively, travel just a bit further to catch the shuttle (to the left) if the parking lot is full. 

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