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.
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Best Hikes in Sedona
Thunder Mountain, Andante, and Chimney Rock Loop
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!
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Wilson Canyon Trail
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
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Jim Thompson Trail
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.
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Capitol Butte via Lizard Head Trail
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.
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Schuerman Mountain Lookout Hike
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.
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Turkey Creek Trail
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!
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Girdner Trail
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.
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Pyramid to Scorpion Trail Loop
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.
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Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop
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.
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Schnebly Hill and Munds Mountain Trail
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.
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Sterling Pass Trail
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.
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Doe Mountain Loop
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.
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Mushroom/Hawkshead Ruins Hike
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.
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The Ridge Trail
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.
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AB Young Trail
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.
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Eagles Nest 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.
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Devil’s Bridge from Long Canyon Road
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.
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Templeton, HT, and Easy Breezy Loop
The Templeton, HT, and Easy Breezy Loop is a 5.0 km moderately trafficked route that makes use of a collection of trails to form one awesome hike. This is a good hike for all ages and all skill levels, and the views are sure to please hikers of all abilities. Download your route ahead of time to help with navigation at the junctions if needed.
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Skywalker, Old Post, and Herkenham Loop
The Skywalker, Old Post, and Herkenham Loop is a 6.1 km moderately trafficked route that makes use of a collection of trails to form one scenic hike. This is a good hike for all ages and all skill levels but be prepared for variable footing and some mountain bike traffic. This hike is very convenient if you’re staying at the hotel near the trailhead.
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Harding Springs Trail
Harding Springs Trail is a 2.3 km out and back route near Sedona. This hike takes you up a steep canyon wall to a great viewpoint over Oak Creek Canyon. While it’s a bit of a strenuous trip, it’s quite a short hike, keeping it accessible for active families and strong beginners. Expect moderate traffic on this route.