Sedona’s Turkey Creek: 35 Miles of New Singletrack Carving Through Red Rock Wilderness
Construction has started on 35 miles of new singletrack trails in Sedona’s Turkey Creek area, expanding one of Arizona’s premier mountain biking landscapes. This ambitious project promises varied terrain, technical challenges, and the unforgettable red rock scenery that draws hundreds of thousands of riders each year.
Trail Tips
Start Early to Beat the Heat
Desert temperatures climb fast; plan your ride for early morning hours to avoid intense midday sun and maximize cooler trail conditions.
Bring Adequate Hydration
Water sources are scarce on Turkey Creek trails—carry at least 2 liters per rider and consider a hydration pack for hands-free access.
Respect Trail Etiquette
Yield right of way to hikers and horseback riders, stay on designated trails to protect soil and vegetation, and pack out any trash to preserve trail quality.
Prepare for Variable Terrain
The trail includes steep climbs, loose rocks, and technical descents; a full-suspension or a capable hardtail bike with good tires will improve control and comfort.
Activity Level
High cardiovascular endurance and leg strength needed for sustained climbs and technical descents.
Photography Tips
Best Times
Best Viewpoints
- Transept vista overlooking Turkey Creek
- High points along the Del Sol trail
Sedona’s Turkey Creek: 35 Miles of New Singletrack Carving Through Red Rock Wilderness
Sedona’s red-rock backdrop is about to widen its invitation. Construction has begun on 35 miles of fresh singletrack trails in the Turkey Creek area—an ambitious expansion that promises to deepen Sedona’s legacy as a mountain biking hub. If you’ve navigated the tight crags and sunlit mesas of Sedona’s established spiderweb of trails, you’ll recognize the challenge: adding new routes without diluting the raw character of the landscape. Turkey Creek, positioned at Sedona’s southern edge near the Village of Oak Creek, is the answer, poised to deliver miles of natural flow, rocky ledges, and heart-thumping climbs.
Sedona isn’t just a postcard-worthy destination; it’s a magnet for biking enthusiasts, drawing over half a million riders annually. But mountain biking here wasn’t always welcome. According to Lars Romig—a Sedona firefighter and member of the Verde Valley Cycling Coalition—the journey started with friction between riders and land managers. Through steady collaboration, trust grew, and along with it, a comprehensive vision for sustainable trail development took shape.
The 2013 Red Rock Ranger District planning process laid the groundwork, bringing legal recognition to trails like Highline and conceptualizing ambitious projects like Hardline. Turkey Creek represents the culmination of this decade-long effort. It sits just beyond the iconic Hiline trail’s signature vista, a reminder of the area’s vast potential.
At present, Turkey Creek offers a demanding black diamond trail climbing over 1,000 feet across 4.5 miles. In contrast, Del Sol—a newly completed trail linking Transept to the Turkey Creek Trailhead—introduces riders to more approachable terrain with smooth flow, easing pedal strokes over 3 miles and dropping 445 feet. But don’t mistake “green” here for easy: Sedona’s natural rock ledges and technical sections raise the bar. The design intentionally balances challenge with opportunities to catch your breath and absorb the desert’s fiery beauty.
The Turkey Creek expansion will integrate freshly forged track with adapted social trails, meshing into the existing network while protecting the environment. From jagged rock faces daring you to ascend to the whispering pines shading quieter stretches, this trail system promises to engage riders with terrain that is fiercely itself.
Planning your ride means preparing for shifts in altitude and technical demands. It also means tapping into practices honed over years—carrying hydration, pacing climbs, and respecting trail etiquette. For those arriving in Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek offers a convenient staging point just minutes from Turkey Creek’s new trailheads, with lodging and rider services to fuel further adventure.
The addition of 35 miles isn’t just a gift to local riders—it’s a beacon for explorers seeking to push into fresh, red-rock territory, where the landscape keeps its secrets close and reveals them only to those willing to ride smart and ride strong.
Recommended Gear
Helmet
Protects your head from impacts on technical terrain and unexpected falls.
null specific
Hydration Pack
Enables easy access to water on long rides under Sedona’s sun.
summer specific
Full-Suspension or Hardtail Mountain Bike
Handles Sedona’s rocky ledges and uneven surfaces more comfortably and safely.
null specific
Layered Clothing
Allows you to adjust to temperature swings between cool mornings and warmer afternoons.
fall and winter specific
Seasonal Guide
spring Hiking
Spring brings mild temperatures and bursts of wildflowers amid the red rocks, making rides vibrant and comfortable. Stay alert for occasional rain showers that can soften trails temporarily.
Best For:
- wildflower viewing
- moderate temperatures
- optimal trail conditions
Challenges:
- sudden weather changes
- muddy spots after rains
summer Hiking
Summer demands early starts to avoid brutal heat. Trails bake under the sun, turning the landscape into a fiery playground best tackled in dawn’s cool embrace.
Best For:
- extended daylight
- desert heat training
Challenges:
- extreme heat
- risk of dehydration
- limited shade
fall Hiking
Fall is prime season for Sedona mountain biking, offering crisp air and fewer visitors. Keep an eye on daylight hours to finish rides safely before sundown.
Best For:
- cooler temperatures
- crowd avoidance
- clear skies
Challenges:
- variable daytime temps
- shorter days
winter Hiking
Winter brings quieter trails and cooler rides. Morning frost is rare but possible, so dress in layers and be ready for rapidly changing conditions.
Best For:
- quiet trails
- mild winter weather
Challenges:
- cold mornings
- potential frost or ice on shaded sections
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Turkey Creek trailhead located?
The main access point to Turkey Creek is near the Village of Oak Creek, just south of Sedona. It’s best accessed by car with parking available close to trail entry points.
Are the new trails suitable for beginners?
The Turkey Creek system includes a mix of trail difficulties. While some trails like Del Sol offer intermediate-level riding, much of the network is geared toward intermediate to expert riders due to technical features and elevation changes.
What bike type is recommended for these trails?
A full-suspension mountain bike is ideal for the technical rocky sections, but a hardtail can also manage some trails like Del Sol, which was designed for smoother flow and slightly lighter terrain.
Is there water available on the trails?
No. Water sources are not available along the Turkey Creek trails, so visitors must carry sufficient water to stay hydrated throughout their ride.
Are dogs allowed on Turkey Creek trails?
Dogs are generally allowed but must be kept on a leash. Be mindful of local regulations and sensitive wildlife habitats while riding.
How technical are Sedona’s green-rated trails compared to other areas?
Sedona’s green trails are often equivalent to blue or even black diamond trails elsewhere. Expect rock ledges and rapid terrain transitions, so skill levels should be assessed carefully before riding.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "Transept vista offers a panoramic view across Sedona's redrock valley to Turkey Creek."
- "Some quieter side paths off Del Sol reveal shaded pockets and quieter desert flora."
Wildlife
- "Keep an eye out for Gambel’s quail darting through brush and the occasional desert cottontail."
- "Raptors like red-tailed hawks often circle overhead, surveying the landscape."
History
"The Turkey Creek area sits on lands historically stewarded by native tribes and later developed through evolving land use agreements with conservation-minded cycling groups."
