Sedona Heritage SightSeeing

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Sedona, AZ, US

Route Overview

AZ Bike Garage

road, mountain, gravel

18 mi.

912 ft.

Native American Heritage Site Seeing in Sedona

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Route Details

Sedona is known for mountain biking but there are plenty of great gravel rides to be found.  On the northwest side, there are some easily accessible gravel roads that lead to two sites, the @poi[Palatki Heritage Site](7343433) and the @poi[Honanki Heritage Site](7343434).  To venture into the sites, you will need walking shoes & locks to keep your bikes safe.

The route is best ridden **EARLY** in the morning before the Jeep tours & ATV riders begin touring the area as well.  The roads are very dry and dusty so once traffic becomes heavy, the dust is plentiful.

# Route

* @point[Black Bear Trailhead](d,27.84) is a great place to park.  There is a fee to park there, but it's relatively cheap.  There is a kiosk that accepts cards or cash.
* You are on pavement only for a short time before the road turns to gravel.  Depending on the time of year, there will likely be plenty of washboard-type terrain to roll through.
* @slice[Loy Butte Road or Forest 525 Road](d,4353.36,4585.41) is where the adventure really begins.  The surface turns from primarily gravel to packed red dirt & rock.   
* At the next intersection you can choose to take a right to the @slice[shorter, easier climb to the Palatki Heritage Site](d,4680.66,7364.66) or...
* ...a left to the longer, rougher climb to the Honanki Heritage Site.  Loy Butte Road is a set of @slice[four rough, eroded climbs](d,10846.77,16733.14) each becoming progressively shorter as you approach the Heritage Site.
* The climbs are a mix of exposed slabs of rock and loose, soft dust and gravel.  At the bottom of each climb/descent is usually a soft area.  @slice[One in particular](d,13496.59,13773.1) was VERY soft. Be aware that the surface can change in just a matter of feet.
* On the way back, the climbs are now your descents.  Be careful to watch your speed to avoid sharp edges and small drops.  On a typical gravel or all-road bike, there are plenty of spots to ding a rim or pinch-flat.

# Notes

* Tourist traffic is **VERY** heavy in the middle of the day with multiple Jeep tours being led through the area.  These drivers are not used to seeing cyclists on these roads.  ATV riders can be a bit reckless as well.  Listen for oncoming traffic.  Try to make yourself noticeable and seen.
* Early morning, especially from April through October, is the best time to ride this route.  Motorized traffic is minimal.
* Carry as much water as you think you may need.  Although the distance is rather short, there is so many great views that you will likely be out there longer than usual.
* The terrain is rather rough and technical so basic mountain bike-handling skills are a plus.  
* Strong fitness is recommended as well as good climbing skills.

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Sedona Heritage SightSeeing

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