Things to do nearSnoopy Rock

Snoopy Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Sedona, a town already celebrated for its extraordinary concentration of red rock formations. The butte takes its name from its striking profile when viewed from the west, where the layered Schnebly Hill Formation sandstone has eroded over millions of years into a shape that closely mirrors the outline of Charles Schulz's beloved cartoon character lying atop his doghouse. Geologically, the rock belongs to the same Permian-era sandstone sequence that shapes much of the Sedona landscape, laid down in ancient desert dune fields and river floodplains.

Hikers approaching through the Margs Draw Trail system pass through open chaparral and juniper woodland before reaching viewpoints that place the formation in full relief against the sky. The surrounding trail network connects to other named formations including Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte to the south, making Snoopy Rock a natural waypoint on a longer half-day loop. Birdwatchers frequently spot ravens, red-tailed hawks, and canyon wrens along the rocky ridgelines nearby.

The area sits within the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness and the Coconino National Forest, meaning the landscape is carefully managed and largely undeveloped. Sedona's restaurants and galleries are only minutes away, so a morning hike to admire Snoopy Rock pairs naturally with an afternoon exploring the town's arts district. The formation is most photogenic from the Airport Mesa Road corridor, a short drive from the main village.

Snoopy Rock distills everything that draws visitors to Sedona: ancient geology, open sky, and a landscape that rewards slow, attentive looking.