Loam
Red rock, Verde Valley, and Mingus Mountain
Bell Rock, Broken Arrow, Dry Creek, and Village of Oak Creek are close enough to compare, but exposed rock and low dirt sections can respond differently to the same storm. Mingus Mountain is a separate, higher riding area above Jerome and Cottonwood, where winter conditions can outlast those around Sedona. The full Sedona directory includes the rest of the catalog.
What affects drying time
Clay pockets
Check dirt sections as well as exposed rock. Soft soil can deform under tires even when nearby rock is dry. If wet soil sticks to your tires or holds ruts, it needs more time.
Monsoon rain
Summer storms can hit hard and leave dangerous runoff in washes. Clear skies do not mean the crossings have cleared.
Elevation and shade
Open trails around town get more sun than the forest on Mingus Mountain. Check mountain conditions and winter access notices separately.
Sedona in winter
Winter is a popular riding season in Sedona. It is also when Pacific storms bring rain, and snow at the higher elevations nearby. Cold nights can freeze wet ground that softens again as it warms. Read more about the freeze-thaw window.
Before you ride
Check the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District for Sedona and the Prescott National Forest for Mingus Mountain. Respect closures and wait if the trail is soft. Some Red Rock trailheads require a Red Rock Pass for parking.
Loam estimates conditions from recent weather, soil, terrain, and tree cover. Use the network pages below to check the latest estimate before you leave, then use the trailhead firmness check when you arrive.
Sedona trail conditions
13% tree cover near the mapped location. Slope: 0.6°. Elevation: 1307m.
23% tree cover near the mapped location. Slope: 6.6°. Elevation: 1340m.
18% tree cover near the mapped location. Slope: 1.6°. Elevation: 1421m.
15% tree cover near the mapped location. Slope: 1.9°. Elevation: 1341m.
A separate mountain riding area above Jerome and Cottonwood in the Prescott National Forest.
Sources and method
Loam estimates conditions from weather, soil, and terrain. It does not measure the trail surface directly or override an official closure. Read how the estimate works and see the published checks and their limits.
- USDA NRCS: Hydrologic Soil Groups, soil infiltration and runoff.
- USGS: Infiltration and the Water Cycle, saturation, land cover, and slope.
These references explain physical processes, not the accuracy of Loam's predictions.
