Teacup Trail to Sugarloaf Summit
The shortest path to a 360-degree panoramic summit in Sedona, captured in first-person POV. A flat loop and a short, steep spur top out on a compact rocky platform with views of Capitol Butte, Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and the Dry Creek basin.
What the Trail Feels Like
USFS Trail #8580 — a genuine summit without a fitness test, minutes from West Sedona.
The base loop is easy: about a mile of flat, well-defined dirt through piñon-juniper woodland with filtered views of the surrounding formations. It stands on its own as a quick walk before dinner.
The summit spur is where the moderate rating comes from — the steepest quarter-mile in West Sedona, climbing roughly 300 feet on a switchbacking rocky path with loose footing. Watch for the small signed junction where the spur branches off the loop; it’s easy to miss if you’re walking fast. Fifteen to twenty minutes of climbing separates “pleasant” from “transformative.”
West-facing and unobstructed, it’s one of Sedona’s best sunset perches — far quieter than Airport Mesa. Hike it for sunset between October and March and you’ll descend in twilight, so carry a headlamp.
Trail at a Glance
Ready to walk the whole trail?
Watch the full first-person film, or read the complete trail guide before you go.
Watch the full film → Read the trail guide →