Chapel Trail to Chicken Point Overlook

A short, rewarding out-and-back hike from the Chapel of the Holy Cross area to one of Sedona's classic slickrock viewpoints. The Chapel Trail runs about 0.6 miles along the base of Twin Buttes to a junction with the Little Horse Trail beneath the Two Nuns spires; from there a short climb leads to Chicken Point, an open expanse of bare red rock at roughly 4,600 ft with near-360-degree views of Twin Buttes, Gibraltar Rock, Munds Mountain, and Submarine Rock. Total distance is about 2 miles round trip with modest elevation gain — easy enough for most fitness levels, though the final slickrock section rewards decent footwear.

Chicken Point is also a stop on the Broken Arrow jeep-tour route, so expect Pink Jeep groups to roll in periodically; they typically stay 15–20 minutes before the point quiets down again. Hikers can extend the outing via the Broken Arrow or Mystic/Hog trails for a longer loop.

Practical notes: Start at the Chapel Trailhead on Chapel Road (free, but shares the chapel's congested parking) or from the Little Horse Trailhead off SR-179 (Red Rock Pass required, ~1.5 miles each way). Little shade along the route — carry water and avoid midday in summer. Steep drop-offs at the overlook edges; keep young kids close. Dogs allowed on leash.