Hikes in Sedona
With so many world-class trails in Sedona, where do you start? Thankfully, choosing the perfect adventures in this gorgeous part of the Grand Canyon State is easy with our extensive collection of route guides. Most of the routes in Sedona lean easy-moderate in terms of difficulty, making it easy to link together several trails in a day, hike with family, or get out as a beginner. No matter which route you take, one thing is certain: you’ll be awestruck at the iconic red rock scenery here.
Sedona is a popular mountain biking destination, with many trails open to both foot and bike traffic. Horseback riding and off-roading are both frequently enjoyed in Red Rock Country, and campers can enjoy the pristine sites that line Oak Creek. Of course, once you’re done adventuring, you can take advantage of the world-class cuisine and art before turning in for the night. You won’t run out of things to do here!
15 Incredible Hikes in Sedona
Ready to start exploring? We’re making it easy to get going with 15 of our favorite hikes in Sedona. Our list includes short, laidback trails to intense treks and everything in between. Take a quick day hike or plan a longer visit, getting away for the weekend or for longer. When you’re here, you’ll likely find yourself wanting more and more time to keep exploring.
Our top hikes in Sedona are chosen to show off some of the most recognizable rock formations and mountains in Sedona. Some of these hikes are extremely popular, but we promise it’s worth sharing the trail to discover the views. While starting with these 15 hikes is a great way to get acquainted with Sedona’s hiking scene, remember that we’ve got plenty more route guides to keep you adventuring.
- Cathedral Rock - Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona… Maybe even the most popular! This hike offers gorgeous scenery, getting you up close to one of the region’s most recognizable sandstone features. This trail has the magical energy that so many parts of Sedona do, and you’ll be in awe at the natural beauty of nature’s church.
- Devil’s Bridge - Devil’s Bridge is a natural sandstone bridge that’s become a very popular photo spot. This geological feature is a desert wonder and it’s reachable on a moderate hike. Climb out onto the bridge and gaze over a great view of the iconic red rocks of Sedona!
- Chapel Trail - The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona is an iconic sight. This church was designed by Marguerite Brunswig, a local rancher and sculptor who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect who aided in the design of the church. The trail lets you appreciate the chapel before hiking to a nearby viewpoint.
- Bell Rock - Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable rock formations, and the hike there is a gorgeous, popular trek. The network of trails in this area allows you to easily add on hikes around Courthouse Butte, Baby Bell, and more. Bell Rock is an especially nice hike during sunrise and sunset.
- Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail - The Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona are a set of trickling blue pools amid the vibrant red rock between the Oak Creek Mountains and Sedona’s desert. Deep green juniper trees frame the site, reminding you just how much the landscape can change the closer you are to water. The pools provide an important water source for local wildlife and a spiritual scene for visitors and locals.
- Allens Bend Trail - Allens Bend Trail is a pleasant walk for the whole family, and it sees less traffic than many other trails in Sedona. You’ll have a nice spot to swim in the canyon before the hike, and then you’ll be able to enjoy the creek as you walk. This hike follows a small part of a longer trail through Casner Canyon, so adventurous hikers can go further if they want to keep exploring.
- The Birthing Cave - The Birthing Cave is a special spot in Sedona and has been a place where people go to find spiritual meaning for many years. Previously, Hopi women gave birth in the cave. The cave itself is incredible to be in, and you’ll enjoy a lovely view of the unique Arizona landscape. This trail used to be an underrated gem, but it becomes more popular every year.
- Boynton Canyon Trail - Boynton Canyon Trail explores one of the most beautiful box canyons in Red Rock Country. The trail is easy to get to and offers some chances to extend your hike. You can also check out the Subway Cave on this hike, which is a photo-worthy and very popular spot.
- Sedona Airport Loop Trail - The Sedona Airport Loop shows off the stellar view from Airport Mesa, where you can watch planes land and take off. This trail can also be extended to check out the site of the Airport Mesa vortex, which has a stunning panoramic view of the entire town and its surroundings.
- Fay Canyon Trail - The Fay Canyon Trail is a popular trip for its beautiful natural arch bridge and box canyon. It’s a fairly easy route, making it a good pick for newer hikers. This hike sees heavy traffic, but it’s worth it! You’ll love being far below the canyon walls, and the arch is such a fun find in its hidden perch in the rocks.
- Devil’s Kitchen - Devil’s Kitchen is a sinkhole, and while it’s not the only sinkhole in Sedona, it’s the most frequently visited. The sinkhole was suspected to have begun many, many years ago as the southernmost wall began to sink. Two historic collapses in the 1880s and 1989 resulted in the cavernous hole you can see today,
- Oak Creek Trail - Crescent Moon Ranch is a beautiful picnic park along Oak Creek. Locals and visitors come here to swim, snack, play games, and relax. The Oak Creek Trail is a short jaunt beside the creek that takes you to the Red Rock Crossing vortex. You can also admire the view of Cathedral Rock in the water of Oak Creek, a spot where the rock is very commonly photographed from.
- Doe Mountain - Doe Mountain has an awesome view of the surrounding landscape, including Bear Mountain, Lost Mountain, Mescal Mountain, and Maroon Mountain to the north and Sedona to the southeast. It’s a lot of bang for your buck considering the hike is one 2.4 km long.
- Broken Arrow Trail - Broken Arrow Trail is a 4.5 km hiking and off-roading trail in Sedona that sees many visitors thanks to its awe-inspiring views. It’s easily the best off-roading trail in Sedona, but the shared nature of the trail means foot traffic can enjoy it as well. It’s a fun adventure on its own, and it’s very commonly used to create longer loops with connecting trails.
- Honanki Heritage Site - The Honanki Heritage Site is a fascinating spot near Sedona where indigenous rock art and ruins can be observed. The hike to the site is easy at only 1.0 km long, making it suitable for all skill levels and ages. This is a great pick if you’re interested in the early human history of the Sedona area.
Scroll down to see the full list of hiking trails in Sedona.
When is the Best Time to Hike in Sedona
Sedona experiences hot summers, mild winters, and warm springs and falls. It’s a fabulous year-round hiking destination, but we recommend visiting in April or October for warm days, sunny skies, and a lack of precipitation. Try to avoid June-August, when daily highs soar as high as 38°C on average. Additionally, July is Sedona’s monsoon season, when trails are prone to flooding and washout.
While April and October are ideal hiking months in Sedona, they also coincide with the city’s busiest tourist season, which runs from late April to the end of October. Accommodations can be painfully expensive during the tourist season, so we recommend considering a March or November trip to miss the rush. If you’re fine with tossing on an extra layer, winter is the least pricey travel time. With temperatures still hovering around 16°C on average during the day, even January makes for great hiking in Sedona.
Other Outdoor Activities in Sedona
While the trails are excellent, hiking is certainly not the only way to explore Sedona! This region boasts plenty of space for other outdoor activities.
Adventurers on two wheels can take advantage of the many mountain bike and dirt bike paths. Those with four-legged friends can explore horse and dog-friendly trails. Campers can set up their tents in sites near the city and along Oak Creek. Photographers flock to Sedona to capture its arresting beauty, and those who love off-roading will find exhilarating trails to cruise.
How to Plan a Trip to Sedona
Proper planning can make or break your trip to Sedona, especially when it comes to hiking. Because of the small size of many trailhead parking areas, you’re going to want to time your arrivals right or have a backup plan in place.
Many top trailheads will fill by 8 AM with no alternative parking available. We recommend making a list of the hikes you’d like to do and planning the most-trafficked ones for your earliest mornings. Some trailheads are serviced by shuttles, but not many, so you’ll need to have a car lined up and your alarm set bright and early. Speaking of cars, if you’re planning to rent (which we recommend given the poor shuttle options), choose a high-clearance vehicle. Some of the trailheads you may want to use are only accessible with high-clearance, capable vehicles.
Most of the trails in the vicinity of Sedona require a Red Rock Pass. This is a $5 daily pass (subject to change) that you only need to purchase once per day to have access to all the Red Rock Pass trails. Trailheads that require passes have kiosks at them so you can purchase on the spot. You can also buy weekly or monthly passes or pick passes up from many local visitor bureaus, grocery stores, service stations, resorts, and retail stores.
Finally, since the accommodation in Sedona is in such high demand during the busy season, don’t sleep on booking your rooms. This is not the city to arrive in and plan as you go- you might get stuck without a place to sleep! Book your accommodations well in advance.
Arizona Adventure Tours
Some of us love trip planning and some of us just… don’t. Take the stress out of your trip with an expert-planned adventure tour, letting you let go and focus on the fun stuff. Check out some incredible adventure tours in Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedona
What is so special about Sedona?
There’s a lot that’s special about Sedona! The red rock scenery and evergreen foliage are unique to this part of the world. Sedona is also known for the power of its vortex sites, where energy is said to flow up from the earth, offering healing, creativity, inspiration, and more. Partly because of these vortexes, Sedona has become a center of spirituality, meditation, and New Age practices.
What is the best month to visit Sedona?
We love to visit Sedona in April when the wildflowers are in bloom, adding gorgeous color to the trails.
Is Sedona the most beautiful place on earth?
Sedona was called the most beautiful place on earth by USA Today in 2003. You can decide for yourself whether it earns the title or not!
Is Sedona a tourist trap?
While there certainly are tourist-focused shops and activities in Sedona, the beauty of the landscape and the unique nature of the town’s energy and culture are authentic and worthwhile.
Is Sedona as hot as Phoenix?
Sedona is not as hot as Phoenix. It stays about 10°F cooler in Sedona than in Phoenix during the day, and nighttime temperatures drop far further than its southern neighbor because of its elevation.
Explore other great hiking regions in the United States
Or check out our full range of tour destinations in the United States.
Best Hikes in Sedona
Cibola Pass and Jordan Trail Loop
The Cibola Pasa and Jordan Trail Loop is a 3.2 km hike favoured by families for its pleasant scenery and laid-back difficulty level. The trail can be easily extended using connecting routes, you can use it to reach the Seven Sacred Pools, or you can do it as a standalone adventure. With a good amount of shade, it’s a nice pick on warmer days. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
User Ratings
Coffeepot Rock via Teacup Trail
Is it your morning cup or your new favorite hike? The trip to Coffeepot Rock on Teacup Trail is a relaxed, easy hike that sees moderate traffic. The scenery is lovely, and this trail can easily be combined with a trip to the Sugarloaf summit if you want another vantage point. This trail is suitable for all skill levels.
User Ratings
Wilson Mountain Trail
If the plentiful easy and moderate trails in Sedona aren’t giving you the challenge you want, add Wilson Mountain to your list. This is the tallest mountain in Sedona, so the 18.5 km hike to the top is about as intense as it gets in this part of Arizona. The view is breathtaking and there aren’t any significant technical challenges involved. Expect heavy traffic on this hard trail.
User Ratings
North Wilson Mountain Trail
If the plentiful easy and moderate trails in Sedona aren’t giving you the challenge you want, add Wilson Mountain to your list. This is the tallest mountain in Sedona, so the 15.3 km hike to the top is about as intense as it gets in this part of Arizona. This route follows the North Wilson Trail from the Encinoso Picnic Area, which is different from the traditional Wilson Mountain Trail but a bit shorter. The view is incredible and there aren’t any significant technical challenges involved. Expect heavy traffic on this hard trail.
User Ratings
Submarine Rock and Devil’s Dining Room Hike
The Submarine Rock and Devil’s Dining Room hike makes use of the network of trails that depart from the Morgan Road trailhead to show you two of Sedona’s interesting natural features. This 4.5 km hike is rated as easy and is suitable for all skill levels, though you may want to download an offline map to help you navigate this area. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
User Ratings
Loy Canyon Trail
Loy Canyon Trail is a 15.8 km hike near Sedona that sees light-moderate traffic. The hike is an adventurous one, with some routefinding, sand hiking, and a bit of bushwhacking involved. While it’s not easy going, it’s a nice break from the crowds that descend on Sedona’s other trails. Bring a downloaded GPS track and lots of water for this hard hike.
User Ratings
Slim Shady and Made in the Shade Loop
The Slim Shady and Made in the Shade Loop makes use of two fun trails to make an easy, family-friendly 3.7 km hike. This route is next to Bell Rock and some of Sedona’s impressive buttes, so the scenery is sure to please. You can also opt to extend this hike using the network of trails in the area. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
User Ratings
Deadman’s Pass Trail
Deadman’s Pass Trail is a scenic, easy 4.2 km hike in Sedona. This trail can be enjoyed on its own for its views of Mescal Mountain and Maroon Mountain or it can be used to link Long Canyon Trail and Mescal Trail. It’s quite straightforward and easy to navigate and the traffic tends to be moderate.
User Ratings
Midgley Bridge Hike
The Midgley Bridge hike is an easy trip that takes you along Oak Creek to a viewpoint where you can check out the bridge and explore it. The hike is 1.9 km long and very easy, so this is a great pick for families and beginners. The hike starts near a picnic area, so pack some snacks to enjoy after your hike. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
User Ratings
Long Canyon Trail
Long Canyon Trail is an easy, mostly flat hike for most of the way, with a bit more effort required to reach the Indian ruins at the end of the route. It’s fascinating to see a slice of Indigenous history on this trail, and the scenery on the way there is splendid. You’ll hike from the Grassy Knolls and Mescal Mountain up beside Maroon Mountain. Expect heavy traffic on this hike, making an early start a good idea if possible.
User Ratings
Gordon’s Ridge via Boynton Canyon Trail
Boynton Canyon Trail explores one of the most beautiful box canyons in Red Rock Country. Most of this trail is easy, but towards the ridge, you’ll need to navigate some scramble sections with rope and do some bushwhacking. We don’t recommend this trail for beginners, but they should be able to enjoy the lower sections of this trail without incident. Make sure you bring lots of water for this hike, especially if you’re hiking in hot weather. This is a very convenient trail to enjoy if you’re staying at the Enchantment Resort.
User Ratings
Huckaby Trail
The Huckaby Trail is a 9.2 km out and back trail that follows the course of 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. Expect heavy traffic on this hike.
User Ratings
Mescal Mountain Trail
Mescal Mountain Trail is a 9.7 km out and back hike in Sedona that skirts around the base of Mescal Mountain. This hike is rated as moderate, but we consider it to be on the easy side of moderate. You can do this route by itself or use it to enjoy other connecting trails in the area. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
User Ratings
Mescal Mountain Loop Hike
The Mescal Mountain Loop is a 7.1 km loop hike that uses Mescal Mountain Trail, Long Canyon Trail, and Deadman’s Pass Trail. With so many interconnecting trails in this area, we love making use of multiple routes to enjoy different vantage points. This route is rated as moderate and sees moderate traffic.
User Ratings
Adobe Jack, Coyote, and Crusty Loop
Sounding like something out of a Saturday morning cartoon, the Adobe Jack, Coyote, and Crusty Loop is a fun 2.9 km hike not far from downtown Sedona. This hike offers awesome views without needing to go too far. The terrain is varied and shared by mountain bikers. This trail sees heavy traffic.
User Ratings
Templeton Trail
Templeton Trail is a gorgeous 11.3 km out and back trail that begins near Bell Rock and takes you right underneath Cathedral Rock, Sedona’s most iconic rock formation. It’s perfect if you want one trail with stellar views that won’t take all day or make you work too hard. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
User Ratings
Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop
The Soldier Pass and Jordan Trail Loop is a 5.5 km hike in Sedona, Arizona. Soldier Pass Trail gets constant acclaim from the steady stream of hikers who explore it because of all the natural landmarks you can find on it. This version takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools and along Jordan Trail for views of Morning Glory Spire and Cibola Mitten. We recommend downloading your GPS track ahead of time as the trail can become a touch confusing where there isn’t clear signage.
User Ratings
Devil’s Bridge via Chuckwagon Trail
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.
User Ratings
Jacks Canyon Trail
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.
User Ratings
Hiline Trail
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.