Chimney Rock Loop Trail
Chimney Rock Loop Trail
A moderate, short loop around the base of Chimney Rock (aka Three Fingers Rock) with panoramic views of West Sedona, accessible from Thunder Mountain Trailhead.
From the Visitor Center at 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A for 3.2 miles. Turn right on Dry Creek Road for 0.5 miles to Thunder Mountain Road. Turn right for 0.6 miles to parking on the left at Thunder Mountain Trailhead.
Know Before You Go
- 📵 Cell service: Expect limited or no signal. Download offline maps before you leave the trailhead.
- 🗺️ Access varies seasonally: Trail and road conditions shift with weather and snow. Verify current status with the local ranger district before you go.
- 📅 Last verified: Information current as of April 2026. Conditions change — always double-check locally before heading out.
Packing Checklist
- ☐ Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
- ☐ 1-2L water (no refill sources)
- ☐ Trail snacks / energy bars
- ☐ Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
- ☐ First aid kit basics
- ☐ Map or downloaded trail (no cell service expected)
- ☐ Layers — mountain weather changes fast
Source: https://visitsedona.com/sedona-secret-7/hiking/chimney-rock-loop-trail/ Summary: Chimney Rock Loop Trail offers a moderate 1-mile hike around the base of Chimney Rock (also known as Three Fingers Rock) with panoramic views of West Sedona. Starting from Thunder Mountain Trailhead, the trail features interesting rock formations, potential hot air balloon sightings in early morning, and opportunities to spot the “Lizard Head” formation.
Verified Facts
- 1-mile loop trail starting at Thunder Mountain Trailhead
- Moderate difficulty with some rock steps
- Pet friendly (leash required)
- Parking: 20 spaces at Thunder Mountain Trailhead
- Views include Chimney Rock/Three Fingers formation and potential Lizard Head sighting
- Hot air balloons often visible to the west on early morning hikes
- Directions: From Visitor Center (331 Forest Road), right on 89A (3.2 miles), right on Dry Creek Road (0.5 miles), right on Thunder Mountain Road (0.6 miles) to trailhead parking
Actionable Takeaways
- Start early to avoid limited shade and parking challenges
- Look for the “Lizard Head” formation when passing the Lizard Head trail intersection
- Watch for Chimney Rock to appear as the “Three Fingers” formation on the western side
- Consider bringing poles for the rock steps that rival a stair master
- Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty in the area
Gear Recommendations
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for rock steps and desert terrain
- Water: Plenty of water - no water sources along the trail
- Sun Protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses - limited shade on the trail
- Camera: Great photo opportunities of rock formations and vistas
Open Questions / Caveats
- Trail can be hot and exposed with limited shade - best hiked in cooler months or early morning
- Parking limited to 20 spaces - arrive early especially on weekends
- Some reviewers note trail could be better marked - consider using a trail map or app
- Rock steps may be challenging for those with mobility issues
Status: verified Tags: #hidden-gem #sedona-az #chimney-rock #hiking #three-fingers