Distill a “sense of place” into a single word and it shakes out as terroir, a mot français used to describe the regional environmental elements and conditions that affect crops like wine grapes. When you raise a glass of wine, the climate, soil and topography of its vineyard all influence its taste and characteristics.
Turns out, what’s good for a grape is also good for a gallivant. The mild climate, rich volcanic and limestone soils and hilly terrain of the Verde Valley are nature-curated for both vineyards and hiking trails.
Located not far from Page Springs Cellars, Caduceus and other Arizona winemakers, Turkey Creek Trail System is a perfect example of this special somewhereness.
Situated in the high desert backcountry near the 5,125-foot House Mountain Volcano, the 20-plus-mile maze of fresh-cut routes is growing in response to the call for more recreational opportunities in the previously trail-deficient corner of Coconino National Forest near Sedona.
Anchored by the legacy Turkey Creek Trail and the new Del Sol Trail, which opened in 2025, the system is a web of short loops off the two arterial routes. This year produced a bumper crop of new additions including the Lion King and Hyena trails, which debuted in March.
The hike starts at the North Turkey Creek trailhead with a 0.7-mile walk on the eponymous path, formerly the only sanctioned hiking route in the area. Signs posted at each junction make getting around the system simple and safe.
The Lion King Trail departs the smooth original route, jogging uphill over edgy sandstone shelves shaded by fir, juniper and scrub. As the path climbs by way of high steps and vertical gyrations, massive vistas of the surrounding landscape unfold: Cathedral Rock, Capitol Butte and the verdant, shock-and-awe course of Oak Creek. On the highpoints, the trail hovers over some of Arizona’s richest viticultural territory, specifically to the west, on the other side of the volcano along Page Springs Road.
At a just under a mile, the Hyena Trail spins off downhill. Milder than Lion King but still designed with panache, the 0.67-mile spur dodges among red rock pinnacles before reconnecting with Lion King. For a 3-mile loop, head right and follow the signs back.
More trails will debut here through 2028, giving hikers cause to visit a winery and salute the new paths with a varietal rooted in an Arizona terrior.
- LENGTH: 3 miles round trip
- RATING: moderate
- ELEVATION: 3,922-4,280 feet
- GETTING THERE: Del Sol Trailhead (south access); From State Route 179 in the Village of Oak Creek, go 2.1 miles west on Verde Valley School Road to the trailhead on the left.
- Turkey Creek Trailhead (north access) From the Del Sol trailhead, continue 1.9 miles on Verde Valley School Road to Forest Road 216B. Turn left and park at the large kiosk a few yards in.
There are no fees at either trailhead. Roads are paved and maintained dirt suitable for all vehicles.
While You’re There
To taste the fruits of the terroir, hit the Verde Valley Wine Trail, home to dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, including several along nearby Page Springs Road in Cornville. Sign up for a guided tour, attend an event or just sit back and sip award-winning varietals along the leafy banks of Oak Creek. vvwinetrail.com
