Mesa

Located in northern Arizona, Schnebly Hill Road is one of the most well-known and scenic routes in the Sedona area, with twists and turns, steep cliffs, wash out areas and great views from the pull off spots. It’s one of the premier drives in Arizona. This infamous road is tightly hairpinned and bumped, an exquisite winding mountain drive with sharp and blind curves and hairpin switchbacks leading the traveler over the mountains. Also known as F/S Road 153, it's a steep, twisty, unpaved and wonderfully scenic route that drops more than 2,000 feet from a wooded mesa into the wonderland of Sedona.

The drive is definitely worth it. There are many excellent photo opportunities here. Don’t forget your camera! Along the way, narrow turnouts provide an opportunity for travelers to marvel at the unfolding landscape. Schnebly Hill Vista, at 6,000 feet, overlooks the Verde Valley and Sedona below the summit, Steamboat Rock at the mouth of Oak Creek, and the mineral-rich Mingus Mountains to the west. The views from the back of Sedona are awesome, and the view from the top of the trail can't be beat. The overlook at the top of Schnebly Hill Road provides on of the most spectacular views in Arizona. It's especially good in the early morning when the sun is at your back, making it worthwhile to get up for sunrise and endure the very rough drive.

The road is 16.6 miles long, but when I made this photograph, the drive from beginning to Sedona took 5 hours! The journey begins just South of Flagstaff on I-17 and at the beginning it's on asphalt, but after the pavement ends you have about 2 miles before it gets really rough and there are few turn arounds. The road is dirt, steep and bumpy. People take cars and crossovers on it but the hubcaps and mufflers lying on the side of the road prove it is better to have a truck or off road type vehicle. The road is very bumpy and not meant for average cars. Not for the faint of heart. It’s somewhat like an amusement ride at times.

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photophile Loc: Lakewood, Ohio, USA

That image looks worth the trip and I like the light flaring.

jak86094

I agree with Karin. Lovely picture. Sounds like an interesting place. I love Sedona in general.

jak

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'm familiar with the road and your photo is a good depiction of the view.
--Bob

MT native Loc: Big Sky Country — Montana

Outstanding image for sure !! You've got a wall hangar for sure. I've been to Sedona but not on the road you describe. Would like to see more of your images.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Very nice.

Meadwilliam

Take your off road vehicle.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

That is truly an extraordinary photograph! I salute you. One of the best I've ever seen from the area.

Bill_de Loc: US

Very impressive!

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Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

Wow ..., I’ll put that one on the bucket list ....great shot .

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Wow, light is amazing!

MorrisT Loc: Chattanooga, Tn.

Mesa,
Have been through there several times. It is very beautiful just like your photo. If you are in a hurry don't go! As it was said the road is somewhat crude. It is my understanding that originally it was a bulldozer blade wide and was used to move livestock to and from the valley for summer grazing. My first trip was about 25 years ago--not my last. When crossing the country, I always made a stop at "Black Bart's Campground and Steakhouse" in Flagstaff their Steaks were cooked over oak and were delicious very different from being cooked over hickory. They used College students as servers and the servers also entertained their customers.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

That’s a beautiful photo.

I’ve taken the back highway from Flagstaff down to Sedona, but not the one you’re describing. I’ll have to try it the next time I’m out there with my truck.

fourg1b2006 Loc: Long Island New York

What a magnificent view...i love this one.Very nice work.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Great info & I agree, a wall hanger.