Cockscomb Trail

Cockscomb Trail is part of the Cockscomb Trail System on the northern edge of Sedona near Dry Creek. The trail runs along a jeep road route and skirts the face of Doe Mountain before linking into the broader system (including intersections with Dawa Trail and later connections that continue toward the Dry Creek drainage).

From the trailhead, Cockscomb Trail initially goes south on a jeep road for about 0.3 miles, then bends west for about 0.2 miles. After that it trends southeast along a closed jeep road that parallels Doe Mountain.

At about 1 mile, Cockscomb Trail meets Dawa Trail. From there it turns to the southwest, with the route continuing until it reaches about 1.8 miles near the Cockscomb before continuing onward as the route that the system describes as Rupp Trail.

In typical use, Cockscomb Trail is done as a moderate out-and-back or linked into loops using other trails in the system. One reference route description gives 2.4 miles as a moderate hike with about 318 feet of gain, and a time range around 1–1.5 hours for completion.

Surface is described as ground, and the trail is shared-use within the system (including mountain biking and horseback riding). The management guidance for the area also emphasizes that these trails generally have easy-to-moderate grades with little overall elevation change, with sparse shade.

The Cockscomb Trail System is set up so you can reach Cockscomb/Fay Canyon via the Boynton Pass Road / Aerie Road trailheads. The system description also notes that multiple loop and one-way options are possible by combining segments or using arranged transportation at a second trailhead.

More information: Visitor information, Cockscomb-Outer Limits-Ground Control Loop Trail Sedona, AZ, COCKSCOMB TRAIL | 101 Hiking Trails