Documentary Unveils the Bold Creation of Sedona’s Hardline Trail

On March 22, Specialized Bicycles launched a 20-minute documentary titled “The Hard Line,” showcasing the development of the Hardline trail in Sedona, which completed construction this winter under Phase I of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan.

Following its completion, the Red Rock Trail Crew announced on Instagram, “We’re happy to announce Hardline is open. This is likely our most progressive system mountain bike trail yet.” The trail, designed for advanced bikers, features technical sections and steep terrain. Rated double black for both hikers and bikers, users are advised to yield to cyclists for the safety of all. “This is a rowdy one, enjoy,” the crew stated, highlighting the thrill of the new addition.

The Hardline trail originated as a user-created 0.92-mile route. The Forest Service later acknowledged it, expanding the mountain bike trail system. Riders can access Hardline via the Cathedral Rock Trail, with connections to Easy Breezy, Templeton, and Hiline trails.

Previously, the Hangover, Hiline, and Hogs Loop trails were known as the most technically challenging in the Sedona area. Hardline features a 60-foot vertical drop, interspersed with three slickrock rollers, demanding precise speed and maneuvers from riders.

According to USFS spokesman Brady Smith, construction commenced on December 10 and concluded on December 20, 2022. Additional work was conducted sporadically from January to early March 2023, with the total cost for trail crew time estimated at around $40,000. Volunteers contributed significantly to the project; however, trail counters were not installed, limiting the Forest Service’s ability to track usage statistics.

Kevin Kuhl, a recreation management specialist with the Forest Service, remarked in the documentary, “Not that long ago, there was a very tedious situation at hand where a lot of the users did not feel heard.” He noted the need for improvement in user experience, which led to better communication and cooperation between the users and the Forest Service.

Lars Romig from the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition expressed gratitude for the teamwork behind the Hardline project, stating, “This one is probably the most near and dear, because I didn’t know if it was possible, and now we’re here.” Romig reflected on the trail’s significance and the collective effort it took to realize the vision.

In addition to Hardline, Smith highlighted other projects completed during the winter, including improvements to the Bell Rock single-track bypass and the reopening of the Doe Mountain trail on April 5. The two-mile Doe Mountain loops are now accessible, offering scenic hiking opportunities with expansive views of West Sedona. Future work aims to address resource concerns and enhance user experience further.

Lastly, Smith mentioned that the new 500-foot Scheurman Trail Connector is in progress, with ongoing volunteer events intended to reroute hikers away from Sedona Red Rock High School and toward this new pathway.