8.6 miles
Distance
654 ft
Climb
-655 ft
Descent
4,711 ft
High Point
-2 ft
Altitude change
4,385 ft
Altitude min
4,431 ft
Altitude start
4,429 ft
Altitude end
-21.9%
Grade max
16.3%
Grade min
4 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat

From the AZ Cypress Trailhead, climb Snake and Girdner to connect to Chuckwagon. Continue on Chuckwagon to the Mescal Connector - about 1.5 miles down the trail. Take a right on Long Canyon Rd to the Long Canyon Trailhead (just .25 miles). Head up Long Canyon to the top of Dead Man's Pass, one of Sedona's best kept secrets for fast and rowdy descending (heads up, there are usually hikers on this trail). Climb up Aerie and then continue letting loose on Cockscomb as you make your way back to the Trail Head via Dawa and AZ Cypress.

Detailed Description
Dry Creek 3 is a 9 mile moderately popular intermediate route located near Sedona Arizona. This mountain bike primary route. This route includes 12 trails. This route climbs 654 ft with a max elevation of 4,711 ft then descends -655 ft.
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Stats

  • Distance
    9 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 36 min
  • Altitude change
    -2 ft
  • Altitude min
    4,385 ft
  • Altitude start
    4,431 ft
  • Altitude end
    4,429 ft
  • Climb
    654 ft
  • Descent
    -655 ft
  • Grade max
    -21.9%
  • Grade min
    16.3%
  • Distance climb
    4 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    1 mile

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Trails in Route

AZ Cypress115 ft
Snake2,835 ft
Girdner991 ft
Chuck Wagon1,444 ft
Mescal1,188 ft
Long Canyon3,173 ft
Deadmans Pass1 mile
Aerie (Lower)4,603 ft
Cockscomb4,331 ft
Dawa (to AZ Cypress)4,396 ft
AZ Cypress2,096 ft

Details

  • Riding area
    Sedona
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Ridelogs
    7
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    Photos

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    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Mescal
    May 17, 2026 @ 5:38am (Pacific/Midway)
    May 17, 2026
    Chuck Wagon
    Apr 22, 2026 @ 7:44pm (America/Phoenix)
    Apr 22, 2026
    Aerie (Lower)
    Apr 22, 2026 @ 9:17am (America/Phoenix)
    Apr 22, 2026
    Deadmans Pass
    Apr 22, 2026 @ 9:17am (America/Phoenix)
    Apr 22, 2026
    Long Canyon
    Apr 22, 2026 @ 9:17am (America/Phoenix)
    Apr 22, 2026
    more reports »
    • By MollyJoyceTF Pro & contributors
    • #17585 - 901 views

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