Hangover Trail: Sedona's Most Exposed Slickrock Loop

By The Lowdown Guide Editorial Team · Visited April 2026 · Updated May 2026

Trailhead and Parking: Munds Wagon Trailhead

The Munds Wagon Trailhead sits on Schnebly Hill Road, 0.8 miles up the paved section from SR-179 near the Oak Creek Bridge, per the Coconino National Forest's listing for Munds Wagon Trail No. 78. The paved lot is one of the larger trailhead lots on the Schnebly Hill corridor and fills on peak weekends from October through April. Arriving early is recommended, especially on holiday weekends.

A Red Rock Pass is required: $5 per day or covered by an America the Beautiful annual interagency pass ($80/year). Schnebly Hill Road is paved at this section; the trailhead is accessible to standard vehicles. The road becomes dirt and requires high-clearance vehicles further east toward the viewpoints.

The Hangover Trail loop starts and ends at the Munds Wagon Trailhead. The standard counterclockwise route uses Munds Wagon Trail as the outbound leg, then crosses the Hangover section, and returns to the lot via the Munds Wagon return connector. Signage at the trailhead marks the Munds Wagon departure; Hangover Trail branches off further into the route.

The Hangover Notch: Mile 2.8

Partway through the counterclockwise loop, the trail reaches the feature that names it. The Hangover is a slickrock notch where the route narrows to a walking-width ledge with open air on the hiker's right side and a real vertical drop -- widely reported at around 40 feet, though this is not a figure the Coconino National Forest publishes for this unnumbered trail. There are no railings, chains, or anchors. The surface is grippy dry sandstone in normal conditions, but wet rock changes this calculation entirely.

The crossing itself is short — roughly 15 to 20 feet of exposed ledge — but the consequence of a slip makes it high-stakes. Mountain bikers ride this section with clip-less pedals and full-suspension bikes; hikers can walk it with confidence if they are accustomed to third-class terrain. The key: move deliberately, place feet flat on the slickrock (not on the edge of a heel), and do not look directly down until you have crossed.

Beyond the notch, the trail continues on open slickrock with more moderate exposure before descending back toward the Munds Wagon corridor. The post-notch section offers some of the best panoramic views of the Schnebly Hill formations and the Mogollon Rim. Most hikers find this the most rewarding visual stretch of the loop.

Seasonal Conditions and Timing

Gear and Safety on Hangover Trail

Footwear matters more on Hangover than on most Sedona trails. Approach shoes or trail runners with sticky rubber soles provide the best grip on slickrock. Avoid soft-soled sneakers or sandals — these provide inadequate contact on the notch ledge. Trekking poles are less useful here than on elevation-focused hikes; they can be more hindrance than help at the notch crossing, where two free hands help with balance.

Water: carry a minimum of 2.5 liters per person for the full loop (roughly 8.4 miles per community trail sources). There is no water source on the route. The sustained mileage at Sedona elevation (approximately 4,400 to 5,200 feet along the loop) makes dehydration a realistic risk even in cool weather. In warm spring conditions, 3 liters is more appropriate.

Sun protection: despite the moderate temperature range in fall and spring, the open slickrock reflects UV radiation from below. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are not optional. The Munds Mountain Trail shares the same Schnebly Hill corridor and provides an alternative for hikers who want a big-view summit without exposure at the notch level. For a broader view of the Sedona riding and hiking scene, see the Sedona mountain biking guide.