Snoopy Rock stands among Sedona’s most recognizable and beloved red rock formations, named for its uncanny resemblance to the famous cartoon beagle lying on his back atop his doghouse. This natural landmark draws photographers, hikers, and curious visitors who want to see one of Arizona’s most whimsical geological features up close.
Understanding where to view Snoopy Rock, how to hike near it, and what else the surrounding area offers will help you plan a rewarding visit to this corner of Sedona’s stunning landscape.
What Is Snoopy Rock and Where Can You See It in Sedona?
Snoopy Rock is a red sandstone formation along the Munds Mountain range in northern Sedona that naturally resembles the Peanuts character Snoopy lying on his back with his nose pointing skyward. The formation sits near Highway 179 between the Village of Oak Creek and uptown Sedona, visible from multiple vantage points including roadside pullouts, nearby trailheads, and several popular hiking routes that bring you close to its base.
Best Viewing Spots for Snoopy Rock
You can see Snoopy Rock from several locations, each offering a different perspective and requiring varying levels of effort. Choosing the right spot depends on whether you want a quick photo opportunity or a longer hiking experience.
Roadside Pullouts Along Highway 179
The easiest viewing option requires no hiking at all. Several informal pullouts along Highway 179 between the roundabout and Schnebly Hill Road provide clear sightlines to Snoopy Rock on the eastern horizon.
These spots work well for travelers with limited time or mobility concerns, though parking can be tight during peak visiting hours. Arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon for better availability and softer lighting that enhances the red rock colors.
Marg’s Draw Trailhead
This popular trailhead on Schnebly Hill Road offers an excellent close-up view of Snoopy Rock from the parking area before you even start hiking. The perspective from this location clearly shows the profile of Snoopy’s nose, face, and ears.
The trailhead requires a Red Rock Pass for parking, which you must purchase in advance from Forest Service offices, visitor centers, or authorized vendors in Sedona. Passes are also available for purchase at some trailhead kiosks, but availability varies and you should verify current options before your visit.
Hiking Trails Near Snoopy Rock
Several trails provide access to the area around Snoopy Rock, ranging from moderate paths suitable for most hikers to more challenging routes that require good fitness levels. The red rock terrain involves elevation gain, uneven surfaces, and exposure to sun.
Munds Wagon Trail
This moderate 1.8-mile one-way trail begins at Marg’s Draw and travels beneath Snoopy Rock and the surrounding formations. The path follows a historic wagon route with gradual elevation gain through typical Sonoran Desert vegetation including juniper, manzanita, and various cacti.
Most hikers turn around after reaching good viewpoints of the formations overhead, making this a roughly 3.6-mile out-and-back hike. The trail continues beyond Snoopy Rock for those wanting a longer outing, eventually connecting with other routes in the area.
Marg’s Draw Trail
Starting from the same trailhead, Marg’s Draw offers a shorter, easier option at approximately 1 mile round trip. This path heads in a different direction from Munds Wagon Trail and provides valley views framed by red rock formations.
The trail suits families and those seeking a gentler introduction to Sedona hiking. Combine both trails from the same trailhead if you want more mileage and varied scenery.
Schnebly Hill Trail
For a different perspective, Schnebly Hill Trail approaches the area from the north and offers expansive views of Snoopy Rock, Munds Mountain, and the surrounding landscape. This more strenuous trail involves significant elevation gain and rocky, technical sections.
The trailhead sits farther up Schnebly Hill Road, which transitions from paved to rough dirt surface requiring high-clearance vehicles. Verify current road conditions before attempting to drive the unpaved sections.
When to Visit Snoopy Rock
Sedona welcomes visitors year-round, but each season brings distinct conditions that affect your experience at Snoopy Rock. Plan according to your tolerance for heat, crowds, and weather variability.
Spring and Fall
March through May and September through November typically offer the most comfortable hiking temperatures, ranging from the 60s to 80s Fahrenheit (roughly 15-30°C) during the day. These shoulder seasons attract significant crowds, particularly during spring break periods and October when fall colors appear in the canyons.
Trailhead parking fills quickly on weekends and holidays during these months. Aim for early morning starts before 8 AM or consider weekday visits if your schedule allows.
Summer
June through August brings intense heat, with daytime temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F (38°C). Hiking becomes strenuous and potentially dangerous during midday hours.
If you visit during summer, hike only in early morning before 9 AM and carry more water than you think necessary. Afternoon monsoon storms between July and September can develop rapidly, bringing lightning, flash flood risks, and sudden temperature drops.
Winter
December through February offers cooler temperatures and smaller crowds but brings variable conditions. Daytime highs range from the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit (10-20°C), while nights drop near or below freezing.
Occasional winter storms can dust the red rocks with snow, creating striking photographic conditions. Check weather forecasts before visiting, as icy conditions on trails and roads can develop, particularly on Schnebly Hill Road.
Photography Tips for Snoopy Rock
The formation’s distinctive profile photographs well from multiple angles and lighting conditions. Understanding how light interacts with the red rocks will improve your results.
Morning light illuminates Snoopy Rock’s western face, bringing out warm red and orange tones in the sandstone. Late afternoon and evening light create dramatic shadows that emphasize the texture and layers in the formation, though the face may be partly in shadow depending on the season and exact timing.
A moderate telephoto lens helps compress the scene and emphasize Snoopy’s profile from distant viewpoints. Wide-angle lenses work better on the trails beneath the formation where you can include foreground elements like desert vegetation or interesting rock details.
Polarizing filters reduce glare and deepen the blue Arizona sky, creating stronger contrast with the red rocks. Avoid midday shooting when harsh overhead light flattens the formations and washes out colors.
What to Bring and Wear
Proper preparation makes your visit safer and more enjoyable, particularly if you plan to hike rather than just view from roadside pullouts. Desert conditions demand specific gear even on short trails.
- Water: Carry at least one liter per person for short hikes, more for longer routes or hot weather, as no water sources exist on the trails
- Sun protection: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours
- Sturdy footwear: Closed-toe hiking shoes or boots with good tread for rocky, uneven terrain
- Layered clothing: Temperatures can vary significantly between morning and afternoon or change rapidly with weather shifts
- Navigation tools: Downloaded trail maps or GPS device, as cell service can be unreliable in some areas
- First aid supplies: Basic kit including blister treatment, bandages, and any personal medications
- Snacks: High-energy food, particularly for longer hikes
Red Rock Pass Requirements
Most developed trailheads and parking areas in Sedona’s Red Rock Ranger District require a Red Rock Pass displayed in your vehicle. This includes Marg’s Draw and other popular access points near Snoopy Rock.
Daily passes and weekly passes are available, with pricing and purchase locations subject to change. The pass system funds trail maintenance, facilities, and visitor services in the Coconino National Forest.
Not all pullouts along Highway 179 require passes, but enforcement occurs regularly and fines for non-compliance exceed the cost of the pass. Verify current requirements and purchase options through the Red Rock Ranger District or Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center before your visit.
Other Attractions Near Snoopy Rock
The area surrounding Snoopy Rock offers additional experiences worth considering if you have time to explore beyond the immediate formation. Combining several attractions makes for a fuller day in this part of Sedona.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
These iconic formations sit just a few miles south along Highway 179, visible from the same road corridor as Snoopy Rock. Bell Rock features accessible trails around its base and more challenging scramble routes partway up its slopes.
The Bell Rock Pathway provides an easy, relatively flat trail connecting multiple viewpoints. Expect significant crowds at this extremely popular location, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
This architectural landmark built into the red rocks sits between Snoopy Rock and the Village of Oak Creek. The modernist Catholic chapel welcomes visitors of all backgrounds and offers panoramic views from its hillside perch.
The chapel maintains specific visiting hours and expects respectful behavior as an active place of worship. Verify current access before making the short drive up Chapel Road.
Sedona’s Uptown and Arts District
The main commercial area of Sedona lies roughly ten minutes north of Snoopy Rock viewing areas. Uptown features galleries, restaurants, shops, and visitor services along Highway 89A.
This area provides dining options, restrooms, and supplies either before or after your Snoopy Rock visit. Parking fills quickly in uptown, and the district attracts large crowds year-round.
Getting to Snoopy Rock
Sedona sits approximately 120 miles north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of Flagstaff via Interstate 17 and connecting highways. No public transportation serves the Snoopy Rock area, making a personal vehicle or rental car necessary.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the drive takes roughly two hours via I-17 North to Highway 179. From Flagstaff, allow about 45 minutes via Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, one of Arizona’s most scenic drives but with steep grades, sharp curves, and potential winter closures.
Marg’s Draw Trailhead sits on Schnebly Hill Road approximately 1 mile from the Highway 179 intersection. The first portion of Schnebly Hill Road is paved but deteriorates beyond the trailhead, requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles for further exploration.
Accessibility Considerations
Roadside viewing of Snoopy Rock from Highway 179 pullouts requires minimal walking but involves uneven ground and limited formal parking. No paved paths or designated accessible viewing platforms exist at these informal stops.
The hiking trails near Snoopy Rock feature natural surfaces with rocks, roots, elevation changes, and narrow sections unsuitable for wheelchairs or mobility devices. The Marg’s Draw parking area itself offers excellent views without hiking, though the parking surface is unpaved and potentially challenging depending on individual mobility needs.
Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should contact the Red Rock Ranger District in advance to discuss current conditions and alternatives.
Safety and Responsible Visiting
Sedona’s dramatic landscape includes real hazards that require awareness and preparation. Desert hiking presents challenges even on well-maintained trails.
Heat and dehydration pose the most common risks, with symptoms developing quickly in warm weather. Turn back immediately if you experience dizziness, excessive fatigue, confusion, or decreased sweating.
Stay on marked trails to protect fragile desert vegetation and cryptobiotic soil crusts that prevent erosion and support the ecosystem. Scrambling directly on rock formations accelerates weathering and damages geological features.
Wildlife including rattlesnakes, scorpions, and black widow spiders inhabit the area. Watch where you place hands and feet, and maintain distance from any wildlife you encounter.
Pack out all trash and waste following Leave No Trace principles. The Sedona area struggles with visitor impact, and responsible behavior helps preserve these public lands for future visitors.
Planning Your Snoopy Rock Visit
A quick roadside viewing of Snoopy Rock takes only 15-30 minutes including a photo stop. If you hike the Munds Wagon Trail for closer perspectives, budget two to three hours including driving, parking, and the hike itself.
Combining Snoopy Rock with nearby Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, or the Chapel of the Holy Cross makes for a half-day itinerary exploring this scenic corridor along Highway 179. Add uptown Sedona shopping and dining to fill a complete day.
Most visitors base themselves in Sedona proper or the Village of Oak Creek, with accommodation options ranging from budget chains to luxury resorts. Flagstaff offers less expensive lodging options 30 miles north if you’re willing to make the daily drive.
Verify current Red Rock Pass requirements, road conditions on Schnebly Hill Road, weather forecasts, and any temporary closures or restrictions through the Red Rock Ranger District or official Coconino National Forest sources before departure.
Beyond the Beagle: Understanding Sedona’s Geology
While Snoopy Rock delights visitors with its familiar profile, the formation represents millions of years of geological processes that created Sedona’s entire landscape. The red color comes from iron oxide coating sandstone deposited as ancient sand dunes roughly 300 million years ago.
Erosion carved the layers into distinct formations over time, with harder caprock protecting softer layers beneath and creating the pillars, fins, and buttes that define the area. Snoopy Rock’s particular shape results from differential weathering patterns unique to its specific composition and orientation.
Recognizing named formations like Snoopy Rock offers an engaging entry point, but understanding the broader geological story deepens appreciation for the entire Sedona experience.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Snoopy Rock delivers exactly what it promises: a charming natural formation that brings a smile and makes an excellent introduction to Sedona’s red rock country. Combine roadside viewing with a morning hike for the full experience, then explore other nearby formations and attractions.
Check current conditions with the Red Rock Ranger District, purchase your parking pass in advance, bring adequate water and sun protection, and start your visit early in the day for the best experience at this whimsical Arizona landmark.
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