Hike Brin's mesa near Sedona, Arizona
There are two directions you can take this hike. When we hiked this, we parked at the easily accessed East trailhead, so this write up will reflect this. From the well signed East trailhead, take the easy to follow trail to the West. Although you're hiking through a pine forest at this point, there isn't much shade to be had... yet. To your right, you'll enjoy impressive views of Wilson Mountain. The trail then climbs pretty steeply up some slickrock steps to Brin's Mesa. Be sure to turn around once in a while to enjoy the increasingly impressive views of the Sedona area.
Brin's Mesa is more flat, barren, and wide open with 360 views of the area. You'll soon pass the signed junction with the Soldier's Pass trail (stay right). The trail then gently descends all the way to the west trailhead at Dry Creek road. After dropping off down the mesa, the pine trees are thicker here and provide some welcome shade. When you reach the West trailhead at Dry Creek Road, turn around and return the way you came...
...or...
You could detour back on the Soldier's Pass trail and take the Cibola trail back to the East Brin's Mesa trail. This way you get two hikes for the price of one. This makes for a total hiking distance of a bit over 8 miles. The trail junctions are all pretty well signed. Once you get on the Soldier's Pass trail you will get to enjoy the Arches, Seven Sacred Pools, and the sinkhole. Just after the sinkhole, look for a signed trail marking the Jordan trail on your left. Follow the Jordan trail about 0.3 miles to the signed junction with the Cibola trail (marked as Jct 2 on the map). Stay left to get on the Cibola trail and walk the final 0.6 miles to the East Brin's Mesa trailhead and your car. If you decide on this option, plan for about a 4.5 hour total hike.
