Stirrup to Saddle Up

Jennifer Stefanow • July 11, 2024

Saddle up, pardner! There’s a new trail in West Sedona. It’s relatively short — the direction I took only has you wandering in the woods for a mile. Still, when you see a path so shiny and fresh out of the box, it doesn’t have a completed sign yet, you take it!



The trail goes up and down a little bit. It’s enough to elevate your heart rate, but not enough to make you break a sweat on a 50-degree day. Along the way, you enjoy stunning views of Thunder Mountain and Cockscomb in the distance. In wet weather, trickling creeks will play relaxing spa music to accompany your journey.


I turned on Saddle Up. You’ll usually figure out the reason for the name of this trail quickly enough. From the apples, I’d say it sees regular equine traffic. If you retrace my steps, you’ll exit in a residential neighborhood. If you’re not from around these parts, it can prove tricky to find your way out. You could reverse your route, of course. I recommend staying straight on Stirrup, though, until it connects with Girdner further up. You’ll get a significantly longer hike, but you’ll exit the woods along the parking area on Dry Creek Road.


Getting there: Take Highway 89A north from Cottonwood. Turn left at Cultural Park Drive to the Centennial/Girdner Trailhead parking. Take Girdner trail to Stirrup.


  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!  

By Jennifer Stanley April 22, 2025
Learn how to personalize your yoga practice to stay safer on the mat and make the experience magical
By Jennifer Stanley April 16, 2025
Toxic positivity can leave you feeling worse, even if the speaker meant well. However, you have the cure within. Learn how gratitude is the antidote to toxic positivity.
By Jennifer Stanley April 14, 2025
Are you getting enough iron? You should talk with your doctor before taking a supplement, but a recent study suggests it may be time to open that discussion if you have symptoms.
By Jennifer Stanley April 9, 2025
What is interoception? Learn about this sixth sense, how it affects you, and how mindfulness practices can hone and honor it.
By Jennifer Stanley April 7, 2025
If you come to the mat for psychological healing, these ten books can help on your journey.
By Jennifer Stanley March 31, 2025
Getting your probiotics deliciously may be the best way to nurture your overall health. Here's what you need to know about these microscopic miracles.
Practicing Yoga
By Jennifer Stefanow March 25, 2025
Yoga can help you feel better when you're hurting. Use mindful self-compassion when practicing yoga when in a flare.
the bus is the perfect place to squeeze in mindfulness practice
By Jennifer Stefanow March 19, 2025
Do you think you lack time for mindfulness? It's less about spending more on the yoga mat and more about fitting it into daily life with simple exercises you can do without adjusting your schedule.
When mindfulness doesn't work
By Jennifer Stefanow March 11, 2025
What can a yoga guide say to those who claim "mindfulness simply doesn't work" for them? As always, compassion reigns.
Cibola Pass to Jordan Trail
By Jennifer Stefanow February 19, 2025
This short 2.25 mile hike is perfect for when you find yourself in Uptown Sedona with a spare hour or two.
More Posts