Sedona is packed with world-class hikes, but if you want panoramic red rock vistas without the grueling technical climbs or ledge drops found on trails like Cathedral Rock, Little Horse to Chicken Point is one of the best bangs for your buck in town.
Clocking in at roughly 4 miles round trip, this route takes you through classic high-desert scrub, skirts beneath sandstone formations like the Two Nuns, and finishes at the expansive rock terrace of Chicken Point. You can include an optional, heart-pumping scramble toward the infamous White Line (though we recommend staying off the line itself). Here is what you should know to tackle this trail, avoid the trailhead chaos, and beat the crowds. And yes – bike riders ride that thin white line (there’s a video of it later on).
Planning a trip to Sedona? Read our full Sedona Trip Planning Guide for itineraries and shuttle tips, and check out Where to Stay in Sedona to find the best base camp.
Chicken Point Trail Stats
- Trail description: Out and Back
- Location: Chicken Point Overlook (Opens in Google Maps)
- Parking lot: Little Horse Trailhead (Opens in Google Maps)
- Round trip mileage: ~4.0 miles
- Average time: ~2 Hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: ~550 feet
- Best time to visit: Spring through Fall
- Amenities: Trail information, fee parking, shuttle drop-off (seasonal hours apply), restrooms (primitive)
- Entrance Fee: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass Required. Currently $5 for Red Rock Day Pass (pricing subject to change).
What to expect on the trail
Bell Rock Pathway to the Little Horse Junction
The hike begins directly from the Little Horse parking area by joining the wide, gravel Bell Rock Pathway heading south.
You share this short opening stretch with plenty of early morning cyclists and casual walkers.
After about 0.3 miles, watch for a signed junction veering off to your left onto the actual Little Horse Trail. The path drops slightly to cross a dry, sandy wash before beginning a gradual, steady ascent into open red rock terrain.
Climbing Past the Two Nuns and Chapel Trail
Once through the wash, the trail follows an old dirt track that transitions into a traditional dirt-and-rock footpath.
The elevation gain is steady and gradual. As you climb, look up to your left to spot the towering East Twin Buttes and the distinctive spires known as Madonna and the Two Nuns.
Around 1.5 miles in, you’ll pass the junction for the Chapel Trail (which branches left toward the Chapel of the Holy Cross). Keep straight/right on Little Horse. Wire-basket rock cairns and carved trail signs mark the rock sections where foot paths fade into bare sandstone.
Arriving at Chicken Point Overlook
The trail passes through a wooden wilderness-style gate and wraps around the rock base to deliver you onto Chicken Point.
This plateau opens up sweeping views of Lee Mountain, Munds Mountain, Submarine Rock, and Bell Rock in the distance.
Chicken Point is the turnaround terminus for the Broken Arrow 4WD trail, meaning Pink Jeep tours often pull right onto the adjacent rock apron. If jeeps are idling when you arrive, hang out for five to ten minutes and they typically leave quickly. We had several groups arrive and leave while we were there.
Scrambling Toward the White Line
For hikers wanting a little extra adventure, an unmarked route continues up the red rock bench behind Chicken Point toward the infamous White Line. This is a narrow band of white sandstone known in mountain biking lore for daredevil cliffside rides.
- The Reality: Hiking all the way across the White Line loop involves severe exposure, steep friction pitches, and serious drop-offs. We strongly recommend skipping that actual loop.
Here’s a short clip on YouTube of a bike rider taking on this insane line.
- The Viewpoint Compromise: You can (weather permitting) scramble up the lower rock approach just to the base of the white band (seen in the photo above). Grippy boots are essential here on the angled sandstone, but the elevated perspective looking back down over Chicken Point is well worth the extra few minutes of effort.
Once you’ve taken in the scenery, simply turn around and retrace your steps down Little Horse to the trailhead.
Is hiking to Chicken Point trail worth it?
What we liked:
- It’s a short and sweet hike rated as “moderate,” but we felt it was on the easier side. The trail is uneven and you can do a little scrambling, but in comparison to other trails in the area it was a breeze.
- The scenic views from Chicken Point were great and if you are willing to venture up to the start of the White Line, they improve. Note: there were a few people complaining about the “end of the loop” on Alltrails, which is essentially the White Line itself. No need to complete that part (it’s steep and scary) – but consider venturing up towards the beginning if you want better views (and you’re ok with a little scrambling).
What we didn’t like:
- This is a popular stop for the Pink Jeep Tours and other tourists with 4WD capable vehicles. If you want a chance of having the trail to yourself, you’ll need to arrive before 8 a.m. when the first tours start.
- Parking can be a bear at this location. The Sedona Shuttle is a popular option if you want to guarantee trail access. It runs every day during high season and Thursday through Sunday the rest of the year. You can check out their schedule here.
- Lots of complaints online about the trail being poorly marked. We didn’t have any issues on our out-and-back trek, but hiker beware I guess.
Verdict: Yes! We felt the hike was worth it.
Practical info for your trip
Current trail conditions
- Check US Forest Service for current closures or restrictions.
- Check Alltrails for recent trail conditions.
- Check the National Weather Service for temperature forecasts.
What to bring
Be sure to check the weather conditions and pack appropriately. This is what we brought for this hike:
Standard Gear:
- The 10 Essentials. These are a must for us on every hike.
Special Items of note:
- Hiking Boots or closed toe shoes – There were a lot of rocks on the trail. We recommend wearing either hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip on them. Good grip is key.
- Clothing – Be sure to bring appropriate clothing for rapidly changing conditions. Weather can change extremely fast, especially during monsoon season or even Spring time snow flurries.
- Water / Snacks – There is no running water available at the trailhead. Bring plenty of water (especially in the hot summer months) and extra snacks.
- Navigation – We use Alltrails (no affiliation) on all our hikes. We didn’t have any issues navigating this trail, but there are some compliants online about it. Be sure to bring something to navigate.
Parking
If you want to reach Chicken Point via Little Horse, you’ll need to either park at the Little Horse Trailhead or take the Sedona Shuttle if it’s running.
You’ll need a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass to park at the lot. Contrary to some websites, the parking lot does not close to private vehicles when the shuttle is running. This could change, so be sure to check the Sedona Shuttle website.
Even if you plan to drive yourself, consider taking the shuttle or arriving at first light. We pulled in one morning at 7:30 a.m. in 33-degree temperatures and were the only vehicle in the lot. By the time we got back only 2.5 hours later, people were actively fighting over spaces and stalking departing hikers across the lot.
Our best advice is to arrive before 7:30 a.m. or utilize the free Sedona Shuttle from the SR-179 Park and Ride.
Trailhead Amenities
There’s not a lot at this trailhead:
- Trail map and information about surrounding hikes
- Bathrooms
- Parking for around 30 vehicles