Hikes in Arizona

Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone bridge in Sedona, Arizona. Climb out onto the bridge and gaze over a great view of the iconic red rocks of Sedona on this fun hike suitable for all skill levels. This approach starts from the Chuckwagon Trailhead, which makes for a bit of a longer trip. If you want the shorter version, check out our Devil’s Bridge route guide. This hike experiences heavy traffic.

Jacks Canyon Trail is a 21.2 km out and back hike near the Village of Oak Creek, not far from Sedona. This hike is hard and requires some preparation, namely a downloaded GPS map and more water than you think you’ll need. The trail is fairly rugged and there is no cell service, and it can be very hot when the sun is out. If you’re prepared, you’ll love this off-the-beaten-path adventure. Expect moderate traffic.

The Hiline Trail is a great pick for hikers in Sedona who want a perfect view of Cathedral Rock with a bit more distance and challenge than most other trails in the area. At 13.5 km long, it’s a fun moderate trip suitable for stronger beginners and older families. Expect moderate traffic on this hike, which is a refreshing break from the other packed trails around Cathedral Rock.

The Thunder Mountain, Andante, and Chimney Rock Loop is a 6.1 km moderate trail just outside of Sedona. Despite its proximity to a residential area, it’s quite enjoyable. Keep your eyes up and you’ll feel far from town. This trail is a good choice for families and beginners and it sees less traffic than many other hikes in the area. The view of Capitol Butte is great!

Wilson Canyon Trail is a 6.1 km out and back trail near Sedona that takes you from the Midgley Bridge Picnic Site through a pretty canyon. This hike is quite laid back, making it a good pick for beginners and families. There isn’t a standout view at the end, but the journey through the canyon is a wonderful walk if you’re picnicking nearby. Expect moderate traffic on this

Jim Thompson Trail is a 8.0 km hike in Sedona that shows off three unique rock formations. The route is easy enough for most hikers to enjoy. The trail is a bit rocky and there are some power lines to look past, but the views make it a worthwhile trip. Expect moderate to heavy traffic on this hike, some of which is mountain bike traffic.

Capitol Butte is one of Sedona’s most dominant mountains. Also known as Thunder Mountain, the top of this peak is accessible on a 4.5 km hike that involves a lot of scrambling. As such, we don’t recommend this hike for kids, dogs, beginners, or anyone scared of exposure. If you’re adventurous and love a scramble, this could become one of your favorite hikes in Sedona! Expect moderate traffic on this route.

Schuerman Mountain is an easy objective for hikers in Sedona, offering views from Airport Mesa to Cathedral Rock on a 2.7 km trail. There’s also an extension available if you want a different vantage point from the top. This route is easy enough for families and beginners and, besides a short steep section, there are no major challenges. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

Turkey Creek Trail is a popular route for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders just outside of Sedona. It immerses you in the region’s one-of-a-kind red rock scenery. This route is moderate, with 9.5 km of distance and under 900 feet of elevation gain required. Some sections are pretty rocky, so we recommend sturdy boots and poles. Bring more water than you think you’ll need!

Girdner Trail is a 15.8 km out and back hike near Sedona with awesome views of nearby sandstone formations and mountains. It’s a longer hike compared to most trails in the area, but a modest elevation profile makes it suitable for beginners. This trail was recently rerouted to eliminate all the previous creek crossings, giving you an easier trip with better views. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.

The Pyramid to Scorpion Trail Loop is a 3.5 km out and back hike in Sedona, Arizona. This trail is popular for hikers wanting sunset views of Cathedral Rock, which is the gem of the view. It’s a mostly flat loop, making it suitable for all skill levels and ages. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

The Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop is a 8.9 km trail that features the Seven Sacred Pools in addition to the view from atop Brins Mesa. It’s a nice pick for those who want to enjoy the pools but also embark on a slightly longer journey with more viewpoints. This trail is suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Schnebly Hill and Munds Mountain Trail is a 25.7 km hard hike near Sedona. This trail is also used by off-road vehicles, so hike aware of your surroundings. This is a fun trek with lovely views of Munds Mountain and the surrounding features. It can occasionally be closed for snow, so we like to save it for spring or fall. Expect heavy traffic on this route.

Sterling Pass Trail is a bit of a hidden gem. This hike is gorgeous throughout the year, but in the autumn, it’s a must-do. The fall colors are perfection and it’s not nearly as busy as other hikes in the Sedona area. Be prepared for a consistent climb, but you’ll find a wonderful view at the end of it. Sturdy shoes are recommended for this route.

Doe Mountain is a great hike for all skill levels in all seasons. From the top, you’ll have an excellent view of the surrounding landscape, including Bear Mountain, Lost Mountain, Mescal Mountain, and Maroon Mountain to the north and Sedona to the southeast. While the trail is fairly easy in terms of elevation gain, there is a stretch where you’ll be on a steep, rocky path with a bit of scrambling required. The path isn’t well defined and you’ll need to pick your way over the rocks. Note that this is a slightly longer approach than the Doe Mountain Trail, which doesn’t include a loop of the summit.

The hike to the Mushroom/Hawkshead Ruins near Sedona isn’t your average day hike. With epic scrambles and exposed traverses, this is a trail for the adventurous hiker who’s confident in out-of-the-box situations. On the way, you’ll pass deeply historical archaeological sites that speak to the story of human life here long before modern influence. Expect moderate traffic on this route.

The Ridge is a 7.2 km hike near Sedona that sees light traffic, a novel concept in one of Arizona’s top hiking destinations. This hike is worth the bit of routefinding you’ll need to do, though. The view sneaks up on you, and it’s a gorgeous one! Bring a downloaded map to help you find your way and pack more water than you think you’ll need on this unshaded adventure.

AB Young Trail is a 7.2 km hard hike north of Sedona that takes you to the top of East Pocket Knob. The view of the Oak Creek Canyon from here is splendid, and you’ll have the perfect vantage point over this very uniquely lush part of Arizona. This hike is challenging, so bring good boots and lots of water. Expect light traffic on this trail.

Eagles Nest Trail is a 3.9 km moderately trafficked loop in Red Rock State Park. This trail is easy and scenic, with a great view of Sedona from the Eagles Nest. Since this route is frequented by mule deer, you might get to observe some wildlife en route. There is a modest entrance fee required for this hike that supports Arizona State Parks.

Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone arch in Sedona. Climb out onto the bridge and look out over a great view of the iconic red rocks of Sedona. This is a fun hike for most ages and definitely one to bring a camera for. This approach to Devil’s Bridge starts at Long Canyon Road, which is a different way than the traditional Devil’s Bridge hike.