Turkey Creek Trail No. 92

Turkey Creek Trail No. 92 is a 6-mile out-and-back from the road-end east-access trailhead, following normally dry Turkey Creek before climbing House Mountain to a caldera outlook. Allow about four to five hours if you want time at the view. It suits a longer Sedona-area walk when you want volcanic geology and a broad red-rock panorama, not a quick stop.

The first stretch rolls through open scrub along the dry creek corridor and passes Turkey Creek Tank. At about 2.25 miles from the start, the route turns into moderately steep switchbacks up House Mountain’s north face. The climb totals about 600 feet. Views of nearby red-rock formations open up, with Wilson and Secret Mountains farther north.

Near the crest, the path drops gently over dark basalt and the view opens into an ancient, heavily eroded caldera. Across it, a prominent lava outcrop forms the rim and gives House Mountain its name. This is a natural turnaround for the six-mile hike. The trail continues beyond the view toward the higher summit, making for a longer walk with more climbing.

For a photo, keep some of the basin in the foreground with the opposite rim behind it; a tight crop of the rocks loses the scale of the caldera.

This is an open-country walk, and summer heat can make the long approach feel harder than its moderate grade suggests. Choose a cool part of the day or a cooler season, and carry enough water for the full route. Horses and mountain bikes also use the trail, so give them room. Dogs are allowed on leash and must stay under control.

From Verde Valley School Road, follow the signed Turkey Creek Trail access road for about half a mile on rough, unpaved road, then take the left fork for the final 100 feet to the road end. This is separate from Red Rock State Park’s main entrance and visitor center.