Hangover Trail

Hangover Trail (also referenced as Hangover Loop) is an expert-level hiking route in the Sedona area that centers on slickrock and exposed, high-consequence edges. The Hangover section is where the commitment shows up—rock hangs over the tread in spots, and the trail follows narrow ledges and knife-edge-style traverses with substantial drop-offs nearby.

A common start pairs the Hangover Trail with Munds Wagon Trail: hikers begin on Munds Wagon, then reach the Hangover Trail junction after roughly 1.7 miles. From there, the route climbs via a series of switchbacks up toward a saddle above Oak Creek Canyon.

After arriving at the saddle, the route continues with a short steep ascent and then transitions into a narrow ledge/higher traverse style along the hillside. Multiple sources flag route marking as mostly white blazes on slickrock, which matters when you’re navigating exposed terrain on desert stone.

As you near the upper portion of the Hangover Trail, the route rides the side of the canyon and stays close to the rock; the trail character shifts between slickrock segments and dirt riding/footing tight to the edge. Expect sustained ruggedness until the route reconnects back toward the Munds Wagon Trail for the return.

For planning, mapped versions of the hike vary: one commonly described long-distance outing is about 2.3 miles roundtrip from the paved Schnebly Hill parking area (with about 1,288 ft gain), while other route renderings describe a longer loop/hike in the ~8-mile-plus range. Either way, treat it as a short-but-tough outing where exposure and slickrock footing drive the difficulty.

The route is part of the same system trail network that sees heavy mountain bike traffic. Expect encounters with bikes, and plan the timing accordingly so you can manage narrow, exposed passing zones.

More information: Hangover Trail | A hidden gem in Sedona with birdseye ..., Hangover Loop, Best Trail In Sedona - The Hangover Loop In 2026