How to Hike Munds Wagon Trail to The Famous Merry-Go-Round Viewpoint

This Munds Wagon Trail area of Sedona quickly became one of my favorites. The trail leads you between towering rocks along a creek bed. The views are endless and the peacefulness of the trail is part of what makes it so special. This is one of the longer hikes in Sedona and it’s extremely important to go prepared because of it’s location and temperatures. I’ll share trail information as well as what to bring to be prepared for a longer desert hike.

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Things to Know About Hiking Munds Wagon Trail

• The trail runs next to a high-clearance road. It is open year-round, but may close due to inclement weather, like heavy rain or snow. Because of the trail’s location to the road, it may have a lot of vehicle noise.

• Pack plenty of water for the hike. The trail crosses along a creek bed, but it is not a reliable source to rely on for filtering water. There were some areas with water in the winter, just after it had snowed, but I would imagine it’s mostly dry all summer.

• You will need a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead. You can purchase one prior to the hike here or at the trailhead pay station. A daily pass is $5 and can be used all day at any of the trails that require a pass. If you plan to be there for more than a few days, you can purchase a week pass for $15 instead.

• You can technically walk the road to Merry Go Round. It has a steadier terrain than the trail, but it’s also just a dirt road. If the road is open, you would have to deal with the constant jeeps and dust. I hiked the trail to Merry Go Round, but then hiked the road back since the road was closed at the time and my legs were really tired from previous hikes. I would only recommend this option if the road is closed though because of the dangers of constant car traffic and the annoyance of the cars.

Leave No Trace Principles

Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions. 

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in exciting campsites rather than over vegetation.  

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag back to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind because they shouldn’t be disposed of on trail. Being a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly burry it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail because they are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them. 

• Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plant off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states. 

• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use exciting fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing will multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away. 

• Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum or 100 yard for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road. Do not feed them because our food is harmful to thier digestive system.

• Be Considerate of Others : Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under 8. Say hello to a fellow hiker!

Location

The Munds Wagon trailhead parking lot is located just under a mile off Schnebly Hill Rd. If you have a high clearance car and want to drive to Merry Go Round, the gate is located just past the parking lot. If the gates are open however you are able to drive down the road.

Best Time of Year to Go

There is no bad time of year to visit Sedona, but in winter months there are chances of snow and in summer, extreme temperatures. If you want to have the best weather, Fall and Spring will have the most mild weather. If you want to see Sedona with a layer of snow, winter is definitely a must. Summer will be the busiest time and the trails will have the most amount of people on them all year. Summer is the easiest time for people to travel, therefore the more popular choice. Be aware of hiking in the summer heat when in the desert. It can be unforgiving, so going prepared in summer will be key to an enjoyable time.

Munds Wagon Trail

The Munds Wagon Trail crosses the Schnebly Road multiple times throughout the hike, so be aware of your surroundings when crossing if the road is open. The trail goes between open desert terrain and tree canopies. The elevation gain is mostly on the way in, but because the trail constantly gains and loses, there is elevation gain on the way back. The trail goes for 1.6 miles before it hits the junction for the Hangover Trail.

Continue straight on the trail and work your way past the cow-pies and junction where the Hangover Trail joins again to the final stretch of the trail. The trail pops out at the backside of Merry Go Round rock where you can explore the area. My favorite spot is the west side of the rock where there’s sweeping views overlooking the valley below. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a meal or snack before heading back. It would also be an amazing sunset spot if you’re up for hiking back with a headlamp in the dark or you choose to drive to the road to the viewpoint.

What to Bring Hiking on Munds Wagon Trail

Durable shoes like hiking boots or trail runners are a better options than sandals or tennis shoes. Hiking boots and trail runners will provide better traction for rocks and provide protection from wildlife.

A backpack for each person to carry personal snacks and plenty of water. This is a longer hike and will be hot in the summer. You will need to stay hydrated. Read below how much water you would carry. Carry plenty of snack to help keep your energy up.

Plenty of layers. In winter it may be cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon. You would want fleece or down layers to keep you warm during winter months. A beanie and gloves would also be important in keeping you warm. In the summer, you may want to consider packing layers to protect you from the sun. Although its hot, having a long sleeve layer to keep the sun off your arms and a hat for your head is important in preventing burns.

Even in the winter months, you should carry and wear sunscreen. I got a slight burn on my shoulders in February! I always wear sunscreen on my face year-round but had forgotten my shoulders. If you’re going to have exposed skin and its warm out, plan to wear sunscreen to protect yourself.

Always hike with the 10 essential items in your backpack! You can learn more about these items in my “The 10 Essentials” guide. You always want to be prepared for an emergency on trail and these items will help you survive in the wilderness.

To learn more about what I hike with go here to see my must-have gear, trail clothes and more!

Other Hikes Along Munds Wagon Trail

If you’re up for a really long day of hiking or have time to do two hikes in the area, the Hangover Trail is located off Munds Wagon Trail and is a 8.2 miles round-trip loop trail from the trailhead. However if you add it on to this hike, it is an additional 3.1 miles that takes you up to the red rock cliffs. I was unable to do this due to time, but would love to do it on my next Sedona visit. If you look at the map above, you can see the loop trail that goes around Pointed Dome and The Teapot.

Reminders

• Always practice Leave No Trace, especially in a fragile desert landscape. This area is filled with Native American historical sites and it’s important to respect it. Pack out all your trash, never carve or mark on rocks, stay on trail to minimize your footprint and properly bury or carry out all human waste.

• Water, water, water! It‘s so important to have an appropriate amount of water. You should consume a liter for every 2 hours of hiking. A small water bottle or a shared water supply will not be enough. Although this trail runs along a creek bed, there is very little water and most likely none in warmer months to filter water from. If you’re hiking in summer heat, expect to bring even more water and electrolytes to keep you hydrated.

• Know what wildlife you may see on trail. There are black bears in Sedona. Give them 100 ft of space, move off trail to let them pass if they are on trail and never feed or approach them. There are also bobcats and coyotes, but they are usually skittish of people. Sedona is also home to many insects and reptiles, many of which are poisonous. Always be aware of where you put your hands and feet on trail and check your surroundings before sitting. Note most animals and reptiles will not attack unless provoked, so give them space. Here is a list of insects and reptiles to look out for.
  • Rattle Snakes
  • Arizona Corral Snake
  • Bark Scorpion
  • Africanized Bees
  • Black Widow Spider
  • Brown Spider
  • Gila Monster

• Wear proper clothing for the time of year you are visiting. In winter months the temperature can drop below freezing and may be cold in the morning then warm in the afternoon. Have warm layers you can add or take off. In the summer months, wear layers to protect yourself from the sun.

There isn’t a bad hike in Sedona, but this is easily in my top 5 hikes. It is one of the longer hikes in the area, but worth every mile for the views at Merry Go Round Rock. Being able to sit on Merry Go Round rock and stare out at the red rock spires in the distance is everything you could hope to experience from Sedona. It’s peaceful.

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