We were determined to find a true hidden gem hike during our visit to Sedona, and we found it near the end of our trip on the Pyramid and Scorpion Loop Trail. It’s a great all-round hike with amazing views and absolutely no crowds in sight. So if you’re looking for off the beaten path hikes for your Sedona hiking itinerary, this is a trail you can’t miss.
In this guide we walk you through the peaceful Pyramid Scorpion Loop Trail in Sedona, based on our own experiences.
Our Experience
We’d already hiked all of Sedona’s popular trails and found a few other awesome but lesser known trails during our 8 day stay in Sedona. Then on our last day in town we drove down Red Rock Canyon and hiked Pyramid Scorpion Loop. We didn’t see a single other person, which is unheard of in Sedona, and it had some of the best front-on views of Cathedral Rock we saw on our entire trip.
Having the trail to ourselves was a welcome respite from sharing Sedona’s other hikes with hundreds of others. We walked the loop anti-clockwise, but it can be hiked in either direction without sacrificing views or too much difference in difficulty. It’s a hike we think works best for families or if you’re looking to escape the crowds. Read more about us.
Trail Versions
You can either hike a shorter loop trail (which we did) by parking at Pyramid Trailhead, or you can hike a longer version which also includes an out-and-back trail to the loop by parking at Scorpion Trailhead.
Both versions of the hike are extremely picturesque, but the longer version which includes all of Scorpion Trail has increased difficulty because it has more elevation gain and distance.
Pyramid And Scorpion Trail Loop (Shorter)
- Distance: 2.1 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 430 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2 hours
The shorter loop version is perfect if you have less time available or you want to tick off as many hikes as possible. Half of the loop hike is on Scorpion and half is on Pyramid. We hiked the loop anti-clockwise, starting on Scorpion.
Scorpion Trail Loop (Longer)
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 3 hours
Scorpion Trail is technically an out and back hike beginning near Sedona high school and ending at Pyramid Mountain Trailhead. If you include this portion, you’ll hike downhill to the loop, hike the loop anti-clockwise and then hike back up to the trailhead near the school. This version works better if you want a longer hike.
Trailhead Parking
Pyramid Trailhead Parking
Drive west out of Sedona on AZ-89A, turn left onto Red Rock Loop Road and after 1.8 miles you’ll reach a small gravel parking area on the right. A maximum of 6 or 7 cars will fit in the parking area, but very few know about this hike so you should have no problems getting a space.
- Here’s the Google Maps GPS location for Pyramid Mountain Trailhead
Scorpion Trailhead Parking
Again drive west out of Sedona on AZ-89A and turn left onto Red Rock Loop Road, but this time you’ll only drive 0.2 miles before taking the first right turn onto Sedona Red Rock HHs Dr. Almost immediately you’ll see a small square shaped parking lot with tarmac and dirt on the left side. There’s space for maybe 15 cars in this lot. The parking area is also known as Schuerman Mountain Trailhead.
- Here’s the Google Maps GPS location for Schuerman Mountain Trailhead
Hiking Tip: You do not need to display a pass to hike Scorpion Trail or Pyramid Trail.
Trail Map
Map key:
- Orange – Scorpion Trail
- Blue – Pyramid Trail
The map we created above shows you the two trailhead parking locations and the two trails. Remember, Schuerman Mountain Trailhead is also Scorpion Trailhead. You can of course hike the full trail including all of Scorpion, but we only hiked the loop trail starting and ending at Pyramid Mountain Trailhead.
Note: This trail is shared by hikers and bikers, so keep your eyes and ears open in case any mountain bikers come tearing towards you. We didn’t see anyone else on foot on bike, but as more people go in search of lesser known trails we’re sure this hike will get busier each year.
Pyramid Scorpion Loop Trail Walkthrough
1. Pyramid Mountain Trailhead
After parking at the trailhead, we quickly read the information boards and continued straight ahead for around 30 seconds to reach the trail split. We took the right turn for Scorpion Trail, so the end of our loop hike would be back here from the left side.
2. Start On Scorpion Trail
We gradually gained elevation on Scorpion Trail, stopping often to check out views in all directions. Most of the trail was on hard dirt packed red rocks with some light desert vegetation. It’s not the most well marked trail we’ve ever hiked, but we figured it out easily enough so you should be fine.
3. Turn Left Onto Pyramid Trail
Around 1 mile and 25 minutes later, we reached the trail important trail split where Scorpion meets Pyramid. We took a sharp left turn to continue the loop hike. If you decide to hike the longer version, you’ll see this fork after descending from Scorpion Trailhead to the loop.
4. Circle Pyramid Mountain
With the elevation gain over, we really took it easy as we began to loop back around the west and south sides of Pyramid Mountain. It had a very gradual descent and views of Cathedral Rock began to open up magnificently. All around us were cacti and juniper trees, which would contrast against the red rocks.
5. Complete The Loop
The trail turned slightly more interpretive on the south side, but we followed a very lightly trodden route. There was a large cave opening that we considered investigating but decided against in the end! After another 1.2 miles and around 30 minutes from the split, we arrived back at Pyramid Mountain Trailhead.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Genuine hidden gem hike in Sedona
- Exceptionally quiet trail
- Incredibly picturesque with amazing views of Cathedral Rock
Cons:
- Steep hill if full Scorpion Trail included
- Long way out of Sedona versus other hikes
- Trails are shared with mountain bikers
Best Time To Hike Pyramid And Scorpion Loop Trail
Typically in Sedona you have to be at trailheads around sunrise to stand a chance of getting parked. But that rule doesn’t apply to Pyramid and Scorpion Loop Trail because it’s relatively unknown. With that said, we recommend hiking it early in the morning or much later in the day for cool temperatures and soft light. It’s a very open and exposed trail, so you should avoid the middle of the day if you visit Sedona during a hotter part of the year.
Spring and fall are the two busiest seasons in Sedona. Although this trail is almost unknown to visitors, the chances of arriving to a full parking lot are higher during peak months. Summer is slightly quieter and winter is much quieter, so it’s even more likely the hike will be quiet in the off seasons. We hiked Pyramid Loop Trail during our trip to Sedona in December and had it to ourselves.
READ: 50 amazing hikes in the US
What To Pack
Footwear: You’ll need robust shoes with good grips and traction to help with navigating sections of slick rock and soft dirt packed trail. There are some sharp rocks and rough desert vegetation so open toed sandals aren’t the best idea here.
Water: You’ll be out hiking for anywhere between 1.5-3 hours on the Pyramid and Scorpion Loop Trail, which means you’ll need to carry plenty of water. Summer months require more water and maybe even electrolyte drinks.
Sun protection: Sunglasses, sun hats, long layers and sunscreen are vital if you’re visiting Sedona in summer. Most of the Pyramid and Scorpion Trail is open and exposed so make sure you’re prepared.
Winter: Early starts and late finishes can be cold in Sedona during winter. We hiked this loop on a late December afternoon and we both wore lightweight longer layers.
The Morgan Conclusion
What we liked about Pyramid Scorpion Loop Trail: We loved how quiet and relaxing this hike was. Not only did we have the whole trail to ourselves, but we also enjoyed amazing views over Cathedral Rock. It wasn’t too short or too long, and it wasn’t too easy or too difficult. So overall it had a great balance. Parking was also very easy because nobody else was around.
What we didn’t like about Pyramid Scorpion Loop Trail: Honestly, there’s not much to dislike. We think parking would be an issue if the hike became more popular, and we can imagine there being issues with bikers and hikers if that isn’t managed well. Also, it’s not exactly an thrilling hike, so don’t arrive with high expectations of adventure.
More Sedona Hikes
- Cathedral Rock Trail
- Bell Rock Trail
- Sedona Subway Cave Trail
- Birthing Cave Trail
- Devils Bridge Trail
- Soldier Pass Trail
- Doe Mountain Trail
Want more Arizona content? Head over to our Arizona travel guides to explore the best of Grand Canyon, Sedona and beyond.
We hope our Pyramid Scorpion Loop Trail guide helps with planning your visit to Sedona!
Please let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.
Happy Travels,
Mark and Kristen
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Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.
Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us.