The Schnebly Hill Windows Hike in Sedona: The Complete Guide
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I was scrolling through Instagram one day and saw one of the most amazing pictures of a hike in Sedona that I’d never heard of before. It was the Schnebly Hill Windows hike.
I knew then that I needed to figure out how to get here as soon as possible, so I did. However, many blogs I read about getting here were overly complicated.
Simply take Schnebly Hill Road to Munds Wagon Trailhead. From there, follow the trail to the Hangover trail, hook a left, and once you get close, start climbing.
You’ll be able to see the Sedona Windows during the beginning portion of your hike to the left, and you’ll know where to go.
This hike only took 3-4 hours, depending on how long you stay in the windows.
What is the Sedona Windows Hike?
The Schnebly Hill Windows hike, or Sedona Windows hike for short, is a unique viewpoint overlooking Sedona. This hike is a little off the beaten path and it might seem difficult at first to find but once you’re on the trail, it’s clear as day.
There are six different windows, but we only reached five of them. Once you reach the top, you’ll need to allocate some time to reach all of them.
What makes this hike so great compared to others in Sedona, like Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock, is how few people you’ll see on the trail.
We were completely alone at the windows for over an hour, and it was magical, to say the least.
Where is the Schnebly Hill Windows Hike?
If you look at a map of Sedona, the trailhead is on the eastern side of town. Getting to the trailhead is a short drive from any popular hotels in town.
You probably guessed it, but the trailhead and windows are right off Schnebly Hill Road.
There are many hikes near Phoenix if that’s where you’re coming from. Sedona is only two hours away, so these hikes can be done as day trips too.
How to Get to the Schnebly Hill Windows in Sedona?
We thought finding the Sedona Windows would be the most challenging part of this hike, but we were wrong. I’ll go over the few steps you need to take to reach the Schnebly Hill Windows.
Arriving at Munds Wagon Trail Parking Lot
To start this adventure, you can simply put Munds Wagon Trail into Google Maps, which will take you straight to the parking lot.
If you want to avoid worrying about finding a parking spot, I suggest getting here early in the morning.
Hike Along Munds Wagon Trail until Hangover Trail
You will begin to hike along Munds Wagon trail for around 1.7 miles until you see the marker pointing you to Hangover Trail.
The trail is easy to follow and doesn’t require too much incline. It’s pretty steady throughout. This part of the trail follows the Schnebly Hill road side by side.
You’ll come across a couple of picnic tables and very small “waterfalls.” This is also part of the trail where you’ll be able to get your first glimpse of the Schnebly Hill Windows.
Take Hangover Trail until Social Trail or Huckaby
This next section is what we thought would be the “hardest” part of this hike when trying to locate the Schnebly Hill Windows. It wasn’t that difficult.
Some maps will call this side trail either a social trail or a Huckaby trail, but it can be difficult to see.
I suggest downloading mapsme for a good offline map and following the trail. On here, you’ll see a trail cutting west on the left wing of the Hangover trail.
Simply take a left here and then another immediate left. Before getting here, you should know the mountain you need to climb.
You can see it throughout the trail, making it much easier to know where to turn.
Arrive at the Schnebly Hill Windows
The last section is short but steep. You’ll want a good-gripping hiking shoe. Find the best way possible, and go slow!
Once at the top, you’ll reach the first window immediately. But there are four more that are obtainable to get to!
What’s the Best Window?
If you’re looking at the map and mountain from the south, the best window, in my opinion, is on the far left. This section is where #3 & #4 are located. But you might need a little boost up to get to it.
There’s another window on a separate peak and it even has a little surprise for those who visit it!
Things to Know Before Hiking to the Sedona Windows
If you have any more questions about how to get to the Sedona Windows, they’ll be in this next section! Sedona is one of the most beautiful hiking destinations in the country, and it’s best to be prepared!
Things to Bring
The weather in Arizona, especially in Sedona, can vary greatly depending on when you visit. It’s a good idea to come prepared because the weather can change anytime.
Schnebly Hill Windows Trail Map
Is the Hike Difficult?
I would consider this hike moderate but the last section up to the windows will be difficult for some. The main trail is gradual without much elevation; almost all fitness levels can complete this section.
How Long Will It Take to Hike to the Sedona Windows?
It took us around four hours to complete the hike, including the time spent in the windows. You can go as fast as you want for most of the hike.
Once at the windows, it’s hard to leave because of the sheer beauty you see. So, how long this hike will take you might be different than it was for us, mainly depending on the time spent at the top.
Where to Park
There are two different parking options when hiking to the Sedona Windows. The first option, which I mentioned earlier, is to park at the Munds Wagon Trailhead.
This first option doesn’t require a 4×4 vehicle to reach it. If you do have a 4×4 vehicle, there’s a different parking spot you can use.
Drive along Schnebly Hill Road and follow your maps to the junction, where you’d hook a left.
This will make the hike much shorter, but I loved everything about the entire hike, so I still suggest starting at Munds Wagon trailhead.
Schnebly Hill Windows Hiking Details
- Distance: This is around a 6-mile out-and-back hike.
- Duration: On average, this hike takes 3 to 4 hours to complete, depending on how long you stay at the top.
- Difficulty: I’d rank this hike moderate because of the minimal elevation gain.
- Incline: The elevation for this hike is around 800 feet or 243 meters for the normal trail. The hike straight up to the windows will be another 100 meters or so.
- Hiking Guide: A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public
Other Hikes in Arizona
- Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale
- Horseshoe Bend Hike
- Holbert Trail to Dobbins Lookout
- Wasson Peak
- Piestewa Peak
- Tom’s Thumb Trail
- Sunrise Peak Hike
- Pinnacle Peak Trail
Best Places to Stay in Sedona
- Sky Ranch Lodge: One of the most reviewed accommodations in the area, Sky Ranch Lodge is a fantastic location with plenty of amenities.
- Sky Rock Sedona: A great deal for the area, Sky Rock has some of the best views coupled with a good price per night.
- Hilton Vacation Club: Priced as one of the cheapest places to stay in Sedona, Hilton Vacation Club won’t disappoint.
Final Thoughts
This hike was amazing, and I’d have to say visiting the Sedona Windows should be on everyone’s bucket list. I understand there might be some backlash when talking about hikes such as this because they are sort of “off-trail.” Always practice leave no trace principles but this hike is amazing because it isn’t crowded plus the views are amazing!
