Trail Guide: Mountain Biking Sedona’s Iconic Hiline Trail

Where to Start your Ride

There are a few places you can start your ride on Hiline. The two most popular starting points are:

• The base of Slim Shady by Bike and Bean. You’re probably not supposed to park in the Bike and Bean parking lot… If it’s full, you can park at the Bell Rock Parking area across the street, which requires a Red Rock Pass that can be purchased there.
• Yavapai Point parking – also requires a Red Rock Pass.

A Red Rock Pass is required for some (not all) parking areas in Sedona

I personally like to start at the base of Slim Shady because it’s a good warm-up climb and a really fun descent on the way back down. If you park at Yavapai Point, it’s a shorter initial climb, but you don’t get the fun downhill back to your car.

I don’t shoot video, but here is a clip from BCPOV of Hiline. Skip to minute 9 for the rowdy stuff.

What to expect on Hiline

One of the reasons that Hiline is so popular (and so fun!) is that it features a wide range of mountain biking entertainment. Here are a few things to expect during your ride:

A challenging climb

When most people hear of Hiline, they think that it’s a rowdy downhill trail, which it is. But you gotta get up there first, right?

The climb up to the start of the descent is pretty technical in sections with one really mean rock garden at the start and a handful of tricky sections throughout the upper traverse.

I’ve cleaned all of the technical ups, but not on the same ride. #goals.

Trail traffic (including hikers)

Hiline is one of the most popular trails in Sedona for mountain bikers as well as hikers. Definitely expect there to be some trail traffic when you ride it and please be respectful and courteous to other trail users.

The last time I rode Hiline, there was an agro (white male…) who blew past us without a word and scared some hikers down below. Don’t be that person.

Multiple alt-lines

One reason I love Hiline so much is that there are a ton of alt-lines. The first time you ride it, you’ll probably just stick to the main ‘trail’ (if you can call riding on rock a ‘trail’). But if you ride it again, especially with someone who knows Hiline well, you’ll see that there are dozens of fun little alt-lines and rock rollers.

If you’re only in Sedona for a few days and you want to do a guided tour of Hiline to see these alt-lines, Sedona Trail Lovers does day tours. You may need to prove your skills first before the guides take you up there, though…

The last quarter mile

While all of Hiline has some technical ups and downs it’s really the last quarter of a mile that makes it a doubleblack. The first ‘big’ feature you’ll come to is a steep, narrow chute (see the first photo) and from there the riding is pretty much full-on.

The upside is that there isn’t any life-threatening exposure, but you can definitely end up in the hospital if you take the wrong line. Always scope before you ride! And walk if you’re not feeling it.

How to Ride Hiline

Hiline can be linked into a number of different trails to make a variety of routes of differing lengths and difficulty.

This route is my personal favorite way of riding Hiline, but I also give a few other options down below.

Other route options:

• Make it harder: If you want a challenging climb to finish your Hiline loop (who are you?) take Templeton instead of Easy Breezy.
• Make it easier: The fastest and easiest way to end Hiline is to pedal back on the paved Verde Valley Road.
• Shuttle it: You can set up your own shuttle or book a one-way ride with Trail Lovers. If you do your own shuttle, park one car at Baldwin parking lot.
• Do more: If you still have some juice left in your legs or you want a quick spin after grabbing some food, head over to the other side of the highway and ride Llama. This is a fun, mostly mellow trail with great views.

So should you ride it?

I’m not going to lie, Hiline is a very challenging trail and rated a doubleblack for a reason. If you are an experienced rider and enjoy technical riding, then go for it!

If you’re on the fence, it’s ok to be nervous. I’m always nervous every time I ride Hiline 🙂 It’s a great trail to session features, build confidence, and get a feel for technical rock riding.

If you do plan on taking it slow and sessioning or walking features, just please be aware of riders coming up behind you. There are some places (like the chute) where oncoming riders can’t see whether anyone is in the middle of the trail. Always have one person as a lookout if you’re scoping out a line or walking a feature.

• A full-face helmet (or breakaway) – I’ve ridden Hiline with both my Bell Super DH breakaway helmet and a ‘normal’ half lid. I definitely feel more confident with a full-face.
• Body protection – I always wear my Fox Enduro Sleeves when I ride. If you want something burlier for Hiline, check out the Fox Launch Pro’s.
• All the snacks – Sedona riding is punchy and hard. Stay fueled!
• 2-3 liters of water – Don’t underestimate the desert, even in cooler months.
• A phone – There is service on Hiline, so bring your phone in case of an emergency.

Final thoughts

Hiline is one of my favorite trails for its technicality, views, flowy red rock riding, and alt-lines. That being said, it IS a challenging trail and should only be attempted by experienced riders.

Please be kind and courteous to other trail users including hikers and always ride within your skill level.

Most of all, have fun and be safe!