This hike may be your new favorite way to start your morning! Coffee pot rock in Sedona, Arizona, is an iconic, aptly-named red rock that’s a must-do hike for tourists and locals of all skill levels and ages. This short-and-sweet trail is open year-round. At just under 3 miles, it’s well suited for kids, older folks, plus dogs on a leash are welcome!
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Skill Level: Beginner friendly, all skill levels and ages can enjoy.
- Elevation Gain: 290 ft.
- Distance: 2.7 miles (out-and-back trail).
- Cost: $5 daily Red Rock Pass or use the America The Beautiful Pass.
Why is it Called Coffee Pot Rock?
The coffee pot rock formation earned its name because of its resemblance to a percolator coffee pot. At the very top, you can see how the different layers of red rock in beige and orange colors seem to form a lid and spout.
Sedona, AZ, shows its personality with its fun and cheeky names of the red rock formations that are simple, yet, very well-fitting. For example, look at Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Coffee Pot Rock. These formations resemble their names so well, which makes them even more memorable, especially for kids!
Coffee Pot Rock Trailhead
The most convenient way to access the trail leading to coffee pot rock is to park at the Sugarloaf Trailhead parking lot off of Buena Vista Drive. This parking lot is small, and you’ll need a Red Rock Pass (or America The Beautiful Pass) to park here. The trailhead is highly accessible and surprisingly close to homes in a suburban area.
If you come early enough, or during weekdays, you should be able to snag a spot. The lot can quickly fill up as this is a very possible trailhead for multiple trails in Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness of West Sedona. If parking is full here, try parking at the Andante Trailhead off Andante Drive.
Coffee Pot Rock Hike
At the trailhead, you’ll see a map sign of the area of Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness surrounding you. Starting the trail, you’ll see the tall and striking Capitol Butte (6,342 ft elevation) straight ahead in the distance. To your right is Sugarloaf Summit, a wide and tall mound that people often climb (4,872 ft).
Follow signs for Teacup Trail. There will be a junction with Thunder Mountain Trail, where you will keep right to stay on Teacup Trail. You will pass by the spur trail for Sugarloaf loop that encircles the summit.
Continue walking and shortly after turn left onto Skidmark Trail (the true Coffee Pot Trail). There may be a bush encircled with rocks, a rock carin behind the bush, and a trail marker across from the carin.
This trail will take you gradually uphill all the way to the base of Sedona’s coffee pot rock. With a height of 5,246 ft and powerful red, orange, yellow, and beige hues, it’s considered one of the most iconic rocks in the area. You’ll be surrounded by prickly pear cactus and broom snakeweed with scenic views of nearby rock landmarks.
Coffee Pot trail is not well marked. Reports of people going off trail around this area are common! However, even if you step off trail accidentally, it’s relatively easy to find your way back onto the well-beaten path. Plus, you will likely not be alone out there.
Skidmark trail is technically a loop, however, if you’re more comfortable with returning the way you came, there’s no significant difference in elevation or distance so do whatever you’re more comfortable with.
Other Accessible Trails in the Area
If you’re eager to keep hiking after seeing Coffee Pot Rock, there are many more adventures to be had without needing to get in the car and drive elsewhere. Teacup Trail offers connections to hiking to Chimney Rock to the west, or to the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen, and Soldier Pass to the north east. Teacup Trail also offers shade with not too challenging terrain, making it an ideal way to experience another beautiful aspect of exploring outdoors and learning about the geology of the Southwest.
Tips for Hiking to Sedona’s Coffee Pot Rock
- I’d highly recommend this hike for sunrise or sunset to soak in all the powerful rock colors while avoiding the most intense heat of the day.
- Bring the whole family on this hike, including your four-legged friend!
- This is a highly trafficked area, so you will likely see other hikers on the trail.
- Please stay on the marked trail and practice Leave No Trace principles.
- You do not need to be the most fit person to complete this hike, but being confident in your fitness level and ability to complete a 2.7 mile hike is necessary.
- Respect the wildlife, plants, and rocks around you – littering and vandalism by marking rocks is a crime and punishable by Federal Wilderness governing bodies.
- Bring plenty of water as there are no refill stations at the trailhead.
- There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, so please plan wisely.
- You may see others praying, meditating, chanting, or doing yoga at this site as some consider it an energy vortex.
Resources on Preserving and Protecting Sedona
- When visiting this precious place, please follow Leave No Trace principles to respect and protect this special area.
- Pledge to take care of the environment by joining the Sedona Cares Challenge.
- Understand the importance of Public Land Preservation.
