I dont' know why someone was "cutting" their own trail. One of the comments to this article implies it might be an individual wanting to plant a marijuana farm. Perhaps so. Us "ordinary folks," as in those without training, don't realize how fragile the eco system is.
Forest Service seeking Sedona-area trail builder
"SEDONA, AZ - Someone has taken it upon themselves to build a half-mile of new hiking trail outside Sedona and the U.S. Forest Service isn't happy about it. Coconino National Forest officials say whoever built the illegal trail on a steep slope west of ...ABC15.com (KNXV-TV)"
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_northern_az/sedona/forest-service-seeking-sedona-area-trail-builder