With temperatures in Phoenix predicted over 100°, and with the cooler and beautiful red rock country of Sedona beckoning, fourteen trailblazers headed north for a day of mild weather and scenic hiking.

Preceding us was Jim Munds, a rancher who drove cattle down Bear Wallow Canyon. Because it was such a rough trail, in 1896 he began converting it into a wagon road for bringing produce and livestock to Flagstaff. He completed that project in 1902.

The road served well until 1914, when a new road up Oak Creek Canyon opened and relegated Munds Wagon Rd. fell to secondary status. Use of the road feel even more in the 1930s after construction of Schnebly Hill Rd. Neglected, the old road fell into disrepair.

Recently, however, the National Civilian Community Corps and U.S. Forest Service restored the trail, and the state of Arizona recognized it as historic. And then we came along.

Our fourteen hikers started their expedition at the Sombart Lane Trailhead, which is just a few hundred yards east of State Route 179. From there, we took an easy mile northbound on the Marg's Draw trail, already enjoying the beautiful red rock scenery and foliage along the trail.

Our next stop was the Huckaby/Margs Draw Trailhead, where we stopped for a break and to regroup. Then, with all hands present, accounted for, and ready to go, we started on the Munds Wagon Trail itself.

The Munds Wagon trail soon began dropping into Bear Wallow Canyon. The route included a mix of wooded, rocky, and slickrock footing. The wooded sections were especially pleasant because of both the shade and the smooth hiking surface, a welcome change from the rocky trails around the Valley.

The low point of our hike – elevationally speaking – was an interesting slickrock crevice where Bear Wallow Creek apparently flows. The bare rock, the smooth surface, and the large contours seemed almost surreal.

After this the trail headed upward. Three hikers dropped out and waited for us at the four-mile mark, and then about five miles out the rest of the group started looking for our turnaround point.

Gary G first suggested a shaded wash and several of us ate lunch there while the rest scouted ahead. Then before long, we had returning scouts urging us, “C’mon, you gotta see this!” And they were certainly right! The fabulous lookout certainly made the extra distance worthwhile.

Our return trip was, of course, equally as beautiful as the outbound. The main difference was that we were figuring out how to retrace our steps rather than find out way.

Ed tripped over a low branch but he was perfectly OK and finished the hike.

After finishing the hike we headed for the Hideaway Restaurant in Sedona. The view from their double-decker terrace seating was wonderful, the food was fair, and the camaraderie was wonderful.

After eating we all said goodbye and headed home in our separate carpools. But most importantly, everyone finished safely with great memories and with no regrets. With all that red rock scenery and beautiful weather, what else could you expect?

Thanks to Quy, who provided most of the wonderful photos in this report.