Sedona, April 23, Oak, Mescal, Aerie, Dawa, OK trails

Francine on Mescal

 Today, we finally did our favorite Dry Creek loop.  We really wanted to get Tom and Scott out on this ride, but a week is not nearly enough time for all the trails Sedona has to offer.  We decided to skip Chuck Wagon trail, originally made by mountain bikers, now overcrowded with hikers.

We drove down Dry Creek Rd. turned left and immediately looked to park.  This seemed like a good low point on which to loop back.

Started on Oak trail, a bypass to get bikers off the road.  Climbed up Mescal trail and rode as it contoured Mescal Mountain.  At the end of Mescal we went left on Long Pass Trail to start on Aerie Trail.  Aerie was super smooth and fun, with banked corners up and out of the washes.  Once we started the climb up Doe Mountain, the rocks and technical aspect came back.  Rode that up and around Doe Mountain to the intersection of Cockscomb Trail and Western Civilation Trail.  Descended on Cockscomb Trail to Rupp trail.  Here Francine wanted to explore more non-system trails (not official trails on any maps).  North of Rupp trail, is a maze of fairly obvious trails the locals are riding.  We finally made our way to Dawa Trail.  Went Right and descended to AZ Cypress Trial (real sandy).  Rode by Anaconda trail (which we originally planned to ride up and over Garnet Hill on Anaconda), but decided we were heading to the mini-van.  Went left onto AZ Cypress Trail.  Took a left and climbed a little on OK trail.

Intersected with Dawa Trail again (sandy) and rode out to the paved road.  Went right for a little bit and ran into the mini-van.

11.85 miles.

Francine on Mescal Trail

Kev on Aerie Trail

Francine on the backside of Doe Mountain, on Aerie Trail