Airport Mesa is a very scenic hiking trail located in Sedona, Arizona. It can be accessed by driving along 89A west for just over a mile and then taking a left turn onto Airport Road for half a mile where there is a parking lot on the left. It is approximately a 120 mile drive from Phoenix International Airport.
This three and a half mile loop trail offers wonderful views of Sedona's best known red rock landmarks and is a relatively easy hike with only a slight 20 foot elevation. As a result visitors can reach the top of the knoll in just a few minutes and enjoy the breathtaking views. When visitors reach the car park there is an unmarked tangle of paths, so it is advisable to keep to the right until they find the Loop Trail sign.
Appropriate clothing should be worn as the first half of the loop gets very hot during the summer as well as being very slippery after rainfall. That said in the cooler weather hikers need to bring warmer clothing and comfortable shoes, but perhaps the most important thing to remember is a camera. Many people also bring along a picnic and enjoy the views and tranquillity for several hours at a time.
The views of other rocks are spectacular and include Courthouse Butte over in Oak Creek, which is just to the east of another geological formation called Bell Rock. As they walk along the trail visitors will then be able to see the amazing Cathedral Rock formation and on to the end of the Sedona airport runway, which is roughly the halfway point of the walk. Cockscomb and Chimney Rock are next followed by Capitol Butte, Coffeepot Rock and Steamboat Rock.
The best times to experience a trip to Airport Mesa is early in the morning for sunrise or sunset in the evening with the vibrant bursts of orange and red in the sky. Many people believe there is an energy vortex here and at some of the other rocks helping them to feel rejuvenated. For early birds who have enjoyed the views at sunrise and taken lots of photographs they can head of to the Coffee Pot restaurant for breakfast and try one of their 101 omelettes.
Reviews from visitors who have come to Airport Mesa in the past have in the main thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The little effort of the walk is well worth it as the views are terrific and could be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical ability. There is also a bi-plane tour of the area available to visitors offering a different perspective of the rocks.
There are other hiking trails available at some of the other rocks such as Chimney Rock, Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock, which is short but steep. While in the area hikers may also like to visit Slide Rock State Park, which also has a popular swimming area. Another attraction in Sedona is a 55 minute guided tour of the town on a Trolley, providing visitors with an insight in to the history and architecture of the area.
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