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USA :: Sedona :: Munds Wagon - Hangover Trail

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Teapot and Pointed Dome from Cowpies Saddle.   Mt. Wilson center right,  distant Capitol Butte group in the Background

Dec 4, 2023

Overall probably the most advanced Trip I've done in Sedona area, until now at least.   Portions of Hangover trail traversing north side of Mitten Rock are not for faint of heart;  I still have problems believing some people tackle it on Mountain Bikes (no wonder many end in Hospital).  There are also significant route-finding problems, specially if you are just getting used to concept of following white paint blazes on Slickrock.  But overall reward far overweights the effort,  both in terms of Adventure/Accomplishment and superb Scenic Views. 

Hangover Trail loops around Mitten Rock Formation, starting/ending at Munds Wagon.  Access is via Schnebly Hill Road, branching off Hwy179 at Traffic Circle across Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.  It is possible to drive to Hangover Trailhead, but this road becomes really bad past end of pavement at Huckaby Parking Lot and is not recommended - even with 4x4.  It is far better to approach by hiking Munds Wagon which is also quite scenic reaching Hangover west end in 45-50min (Waypoint "1 - Hangover Junction", GPS Download Top of Page).   After finishing Hangover Loop below Cowpies (Waypoint "6 - Munds Wagon"), this trail is then descended back to Parking.  Loop can be done in either direction;  I did CW and this is how Gallery Photos are organized, but if first time here CCW is probably easier from routefinding point of view.

Shorter Option is  hike to Mitten Rock west end (Waypoint "2 - Mitten Saddle"), then return the same way.   This saddle is phenomenal viewpoint with in-your-face view of Mt. Wilson area, while iconic Midgley Bridge on 89A is directly below.  If continuing on Mitten backside, the most confusing part comes shortly after.   Trail follows some slickrock then disappears.  Which way?  Confused I continued mostly level for 10-15 minutes until I got into some bad bushwhack and cliffs.   Retreating, I saw mad mountain biker descending slickrock, and after brief conversation he directed me in correct direction.  Main lesson is:  Watch for White Paint Blazes.  They are not always readily apparent, but if you don't see any for awhile you are heading in wrong direction - backtrack.  From Waypoint "3 - Mitten Slickrock"  I headed directly up the rock.  There was some light scrambling, but nothing overly difficult. Eventually I intercepted reasonably well defined trail hugging north side of Mitten Rock.  Ensuing section to Waypoint "4 - Cowpies Saddle" is out-of-this world, culminating with fantastic panorama on the other side.  Trail then disappears again switchbacking the south side Slickrock, but white paint blazes are somewhat more abundant and I had no further problems reaching signed Cowpies Junction and further down to Munds Wagon.   Entire time accompanied with jaw dropping scenery.

For experienced hiker equiped with GPS and comfortable with routefinding / light scrambling this is very rewarding Sedona trip I am likely to repeat at some point.  Highly Recommended!

Gallery

Munds Pools Shallow Pools of Water as Munds Trail follows Creek Level between Mitten Ridge and Schnebly Road

Mitten Ridge Panorama Panoramic view of spectacular Mitten Ridge, already on Hangover Trial.  Pointed Dome left, Teapot Right