Adobe Jack, Grand Central, Manzanita, Javelina and Crusty

Jennifer Stefanow • July 11, 2024

A stunning hike with unmatchable views.


What started as a 1.5-mile hike ended up taking a hair over five today. I was happy as the proverbial mollusk at slightly getting lost in the woods. Plus, with views this jaw-dropping, who wouldn’t want to spend some time soaking in all the good stuff.


The trail starts with magnificent glimpses of Thunder Mountain to the west and Ship Rock to the north. The first part of the path features rolling hills. You’ll elevate your heart rate slightly, but you won’t feel a hardcore burn. These trails see their fair share of biker traffic, so please remember to follow proper etiquette rules and give a friendly greeting to all you pass — it’s a small town, and we’re chummy like that.


Today’s journey led from Adobe Jack Trail to Coyote. From there, we took Grand Central Trail to Manzanita. We took a detour on Javelina and completed our loop by exiting Crusty back onto Adobe Jack. The entire trek lasts approximately three to four miles, but I was unable to get an exact estimate. Followers of my other blog know I have a lively host of health conditions, and so does my hiking partner. He has to slow down, and I have to keep moving. As a result, I doubled back several times. I didn’t mind a bit!


Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of some of Sedona’s most famous red rock formations. You’ll catch a glimpse of Marg’s Draw, where you can hike near the well-known Snoopy Rock. You’ll see Elephant Rock minus her impressive trunk. On parts of the trail, you can spy the spire of Chimney Rock, and on the way back, you’ll see Sugarloaf summit.


If you decide to recreate this hike, make sure that you eat first. Crusty Trail takes you right past Mariposa Restaurant on the return trek, and you’ll smell the heavenly aromas from the grill. It doesn’t matter if you’re a vegetarian — the scent will make you drool. Chef Lisa Dahl isn’t a local legend for nothing. She makes me want to become a better blogger so that I can enjoy her culinary creations more often.


 Reader note: All photos on Only in Sedona are free to use! Please do us a favor and link back to us if you borrow any. Thanks!  

A mountain covered in trees with a blue sky in the background
A lush green forest with mountains in the background and a blue sky
A painting of a desert landscape with rocks and trees.
A landscape with trees and mountains in the background
A wooden sign points the way to manzanita
A wooden sign that says javelina tr and g. central tr
A wooden sign that says g. central tr coyote trail
A dirt road in the middle of a desert with mountains in the background.
A desert landscape with mountains in the background and trees in the foreground
A sign that says adobe jack trailhead on it
A sign that says this trail is open to anyone
A red bike repair station with a mountain in the background
A wooden sign in the middle of a forest says crusty.
A dirt road in the desert with mountains in the background and a tree in the foreground.
View more

What Surfaces When the Body Settles?

By Jennifer Stanley • September 28, 2026
Restorative yoga may not burn many calories, but it can be a seriously hardcore mental game. Learn how to navigate what goes on in your brain when your body stills.

Your Calmness Is Your Strength

By Jennifer Stanley • September 25, 2026
There's a lie circulating the internet that nervous system regulation is just the latest "trend." Don't fall for it. In fact, learning how to calm yourself is power.
restorative yoga

How Long Do You Actually Need to Hold a Restorative Pose

By Jennifer Stanley • September 15, 2026
How long should you stay in long, restorative poses? The answer is as unique as you are, beautiful fellow yogi, but the following tips let you know when to exit.

A Lost Man Walking Makes the Whole World Larger

By Jennifer Stanley • September 10, 2026
Sometimes, nothing is the best thing to do. Learn how to transform "functional freeze" into "strategic pause" using the power of mindfulness cultivated in yoga.

5 Little Mindful Rituals That Also Help the Planet

By Jennifer Stanley • September 1, 2026
Worried about climate change? We are, too. Here are five mindful rituals that can mitigate your anxiety (somewhat) with positive actions that help the planet.

Life Is Short: You Might Miss It (If You Aren’t Mindful)

By Jennifer Stanley • August 24, 2026
Mindfulness takes time. So does life. Every now and then, we need to pause, breathe, and get back in sync so we spend our time on what truly matters the most.

“I Invite” — The Tale of My Neurodiverse Sankalpa

By Jennifer Stanley • August 18, 2026
What can you do when you say, "I am," but your mind whispers back, "No, you're not?" Here's how my unusual brain solved this problem. Maybe it will help you, too.
talk to your mat every day

The Number One Reason You Should Talk to Your Mat Every Single Day

By Jennifer Stanley • August 11, 2026
Why should you practice yoga every day, even if you only have ten minutes? Think of it as shutting down your computer: its a needed reset for your body's CPU.
Reclaiming Sunday fun day in the park

Reclaiming Sunday Fun Day

By Jennifer Stanley • August 3, 2026
Your nervous system needs one full day off per week. Here's the science behind the reasons why and how a day of rest is essential to functioning at your best.
Tired at work? Try this miniyoga retreat at your desk

Workday Mini-Retreat: A 5-Pose Yoga Flow You Can Do at Your Desk

By Jennifer Stanley • July 28, 2026
These five moves are a mini-yoga retreat you can do at work anytime without leaving your desk. Impress your boss while feeling better, body, mind and spirit.