We headed out early, and took on the Cathedral Rock loop trail, as recommended by Cosmic Ray. This ride took us from the Bell Rock Pathway out to the Templeton Trail, down some major switchbacks after circling Cathedral Rock, and down into Oak Creek. It then goes out to the Baldwin Trail and empties out onto Verde Valley School Road before winding back into town.
The Templeton Trail was amazing. Technical ups and downs, nothing too difficult, and some amazing scenery. There were two tunnels that went under the highway to get you to the opposite side of Bell Rock where Cathedral Rock is. Once on this trail, you a re treated to some nice views, and some awesome slickrock riding.
Once we rounded Cathedral Rock, we hit a series of STEEEEP switchbacks. There was some serious exposure on a couple of them, so we opted to walk the bikes down instead of riding and risking a bad tumble. You can see where the dropoff occurs in the above chart.
The respite on Oak Creek offers and amazing and relaxing time after the tough ride. The cool water is nice to ease your feet. If you go further down the trail and don't stop right at the first access point, you will reach Buddha Beach, where there is a "swimming hole". The water looks inviting, but the water doesn't seem to flow too well and appears a bit stagnant. This always makes me nervous, due to the presence of bacteria, so we avoided it and hit the Baldwin Loop.
Let me forewarn you: Baldwin loop should be ridden COUNTER CLOCKWISE if you are looking for some more fun. There is a fence marking the Baldwin Loop, and offering a left or right option. We chose the option to the left through the fence. Not a good idea. It was pretty much all uphill, no real downhills to speak of. We hike-a-biked through most of this area, and the afternoon sun was beginning to bake us. We made it out to Verde Valley School Rd. after cursing a good portion of this trail. If you ride it the opposite way, you're in for a treat, because it sure looked fun.
Being our last night in Sedona, we headed back to our camp after the ride, got cleaned up and ventured out into town for some exploring. The shops are pretty much all tourist traps, and offer a few cool items, but nothing you can't get in any gift shop at any other desert town.
We also took a short hike along the roadway and hung out and enjoyed the views.
Tomorrow, we head out to the Grand Canyon via Williams and then end in Page.
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