Hikes in Arizona

The Margs Draw Spur A Trail intersects the hidden gem Margs Draw Trail. This trail doesn’t get as much traffic as other nearby routes despite its awesome views of Snoopy Rock and Munds Mountain. While the route is easy, you’ll probably want a GPS track to help you find your way. This route sees moderate traffic.

This route guide follows Templeton Trail to Baldwin Trail. This combo of trails is frequented by both hikers and mountain bikers and is known for its awesome views of Cathedral Rock, which is Sedona’s most recognizable landmark and happens to be right next to you for much of this hike. This route sees moderate traffic and is suitable for all skill levels and ages.

The Little Sugarloaf and Chimney Rock Loop is a 3.7 km moderate hike that circles two of Sedona’s unique rock formations. You’ll have great views of Capitol Butte, too! This hike is on the easy side of moderate, so it’s a nice pick for families or beginners. You can add a climb up Little Sugarloaf if you want another vantage point. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

If you want to see Cathedral Rock up close but don’t want to climb it, the Cathedral Rock to Easy Breezy Loop is a good alternative. This hike is short and sweet, but it adds a little extra distance and takes you back to the trailhead on a different route so you’re not heading right to the rock and back. The trail is only 1.1 km long and is suitable for all skill levels.

The Little Sugarloaf Summit is a 1.8 km easy hike that takes you a short distance up to the top of a rock formation where you’ll have great views of Capitol Butte. This is a quick trip, so feel free to combine it with other trails in the area if you want a longer adventure. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable rock formations. This hike shows it off, as well as giving you a good look at Courthouse Butte. This route follows the Llama Loop, which adds a great view of Gibraltar Rock. This hike is a bit longer than the out and back version, but it’s still considered easy and family-friendly. We love this hike at sunset.

Chuck Wagon Trail is a 11.3 km out and back hike in Sedona. This trail is awesome for its relative lack of traffic compared to most hikes in Sedona, which can get downright congested. This one gives you a bit more room to breathe while still delivering nice views. While this route isn’t as busy, the trailhead is, so arrive early to get parking. This trail is easy enough for all skill levels.

Brewer Trail is a 2.4 km moderate hike in Sedona that leads you up to the viewpoint and vortex on Airport Mesa. This is a stellar spot as far as views go, with a 360-degree vantage point over all of Sedona and the surrounding landscape. You can also watch planes take off and land at the airport. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

Thomas Point Trail is an underrated hike not yet discovered by the masses. This 3.9 kmtrail begins from the road, climbing through a shaded forest before reaching a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding mountains. It’s accessible year-round and doesn’t get very busy. Bring lots of water and sunscreen for this hike!

The Mescal and Yucca Loop is a beautiful hike that leads you along the crescent of Mescal Mountain. The loop is shared by hikers and mountain bikers and it’s a relatively easy trail with modest elevation gain. There isn’t much shade, so bring lots of water and sunscreen. You can extend this hike using the connecting trails if you want a bit of a longer adventure. Expect light-moderate traffic on this route.

Oak Creek via Huckaby Trail is a route that leads you down to Oak Creek in Sedona. This trail is easy enough for all skill levels and especially scenic in the fall when the colors are changing. Note that this route doesn’t provide direct creek access unless you hike further along the creek. Expect heavy traffic on this hike.

Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable rock formations, but that means the parking can be a challenge. This route gets you to the Bell Rock Trailhead from the Little Horse Trailhead on a laid-back pathway. Little Horse’s parking tends to fill up later than the parking at Bell Rock. If you want to hike the traditional route, check out our Bell Rock Hike.

If you’re hiking to Bell Rock from the Bell Rock Trailhead, Phone Trail can be used instead of the Bell Rock Loop Extension to reach the trails at the base of the rock. This is a short connector that sometimes has less traffic on it than the other trail to Bell Rock, so give it a shot on your way out or back.

The Secret Canyon to Bear Sign Canyon Loop is a hike just off the beaten path in Sedona, which gives you a shot at a bit of a quieter trek in this very popular hiking region. This loop gets you completely immersed in canyon scenery. Do it in a day or find a camping spot to make this a weekend adventure! Come prepared with lots of water, especially if you’re here in the hotter weather. This trailhead requires a high-clearance vehicle.

The Hangover, Casner Canyon, and Huckaby Loop hike makes use of 5 different trails to create one 22.5 km adventure in Sedona.With 5 trails in one, you can see more of Sedona’s iconic red rock scenery in one go. This trail can be quite hot, so bring lots of water if you're hiking on a warm day. Expect moderate traffic.

The Soldier Pass, Brins Mesa, and Adobe Jack Loop is a 15.0 km trail that features the Seven Sacred Pools in addition to the view from atop Brins Mesa. This route actually also makes use of Jordan, Javelina, and Crusty Trails. Bring a downloaded GPS track if you’re concerned about staying on track. Expect heavy traffic on this route.

Carroll Canyon Trail is a 5.1 km loop hike that explores the area underneath Airport Mesa in Sedona. The canyon on this hike is very cool to see, and the trail is still easy enough for most skill levels to complete. The views are awesome, but we recommend bringing a downloaded GPS track as it can be easy to make a wrong turn on this route.

Soldier Wash Loop is a 6.8 km hike in Sedona that shows off the high desert scenery that this region is known for. This hike is good for all levels with just a touch of elevation gain and modest mileage. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers on this hike and remember to share the trail. Expect light traffic.

Munds Mountain Trail is a beautiful, lesser-known adventure near Sedona with amazing desert views. This hike doesn’t get as busy as comparable routes closer to town, which makes it an awesome choice when other routes in Sedona are packed. While we definitely recommend this hike, don’t try it without a high-clearance vehicle or you won’t be able to make it to the trailhead.

The Chuckwagon, Mescal Mountain, and Long Canyon Loop is an 13.5 km hike in Sedona that makes use of several trails to show off Seodna’s iconic scenery. This hike is a longer one, but the elevation gain is modest and it’s fairly easy to find your way. Bring plenty of water and prepare to be exposed to the sun if you visit between April and October.