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
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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
Skywalker Trail
The Skywalker Trail is a 5.6 km moderately trafficked out and back hike with constant views and clear signage. 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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Secret Slick Rock Trail
Secret Slick Rock Trail is a hidden gem in Sedona. It’s a very quick hike and easy enough for essentially anyone, but the views equal that of a much more involved adventure. It’s perfect if you need a good photo spot that isn’t too tough to get to or if you’re wanting a quick hike to complement a day on other nearby trails. Expect light traffic on this route.
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Pendley Homestead and Clifftop Nature Trail
If you’re spending the day in Slide Rock State Park, give the Pendley Homestead and Clifftop Nature Trail a try. It’s a laidback walk that takes you from the Ranger Station to the market and the rock slides. It’s a great way to explore the area and it’s easy enough for all ages and skill levels. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
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Lower Chimney Rock Loop
The Lower Chimney Rock Loop is a 2.3 km hike that takes you all the way around Lower Chimney Rock above northwest Sedona. It’s a fast little hike, but you can add an extension to the top of the rock if you want more of a challenge. This is a very scenic trail and is great to pair with other hikes in the area. Expect heavy traffic on this route- arriving early is recommended.
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Cathedral Rock via Templeton Trail
Cathedral Rock via Templeton Trail is a nice alternative to the traditional Cathedral Rock Trail, which can be impossible to get a parking spot for. If you’re willing to travel a little bit further, this is a great approach with just as much impressive scenery as the traditional route. It tends to experience light to moderate traffic.
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Mystic, Peccary, and Hog Wash Loop
The Mystic, Peccary, and Hog Wash Loop is a trail in Sedona that follows alongside West Twin Butte. Most hikers come to do Mystic Trail as an out and back hike, but adding on the Peccary and Hog Wash sections provides more interesting scenery. This is an easy loop with very little elevation gain, making it a good pick for all skill levels. Expect moderate traffic on this hike.
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Yavapai Vista Trail
The Yavapai Vista Trail is a half-mile out and back route in Sedona that can either be hiked alone as a very easy venture or can be used as a part of a longer hike. This route’s proximity to Cathedral Rock makes it a frequent connector trail for hikes destined for the feature. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
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Courthouse Butte Loop Hike
The Courthouse Butte Loop hike takes you all the way around one of Sedona’s recognizable rock formations. Not only can you appreciate the butte from every angle, but you’ll also get to admire little Bell Rock, too. This loop is moderate, well-marked, and full of incredible views. We recommend arriving early if you can.
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Margs Draw Trail
Margs Draw Trail is a bit of a hidden gem. This trail doesn’t get as much traffic as other nearby routes despite its impressive, panoramic view of many of Sedona’s most recognizable mountains and rock formations. It’s a very easy hike with only a bit of loose rock to consider. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Hog Wash and Hog Heaven Loop
The Hog Wash and Hog Heaven Loop is a 5.8 km loop hike that gets you right up close to unique rock formations. This hike takes you to the 27 m Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole before heading past East and West Twin Butte. It’s a very scenic route that can be enjoyed by almost all skill levels and ages. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Little Horse, Hog Heaven, and Mystic Loop
The Little Horse, Hog Heaven, and Mystic Loop is a 8.9 km loop hike that gets you right up close to unique rock formations. This trail takes you around East and West Twin Butte with a view of Gibraltar Rock. You’ll stop by the Chicken Point Viewpoint, a great spot for photos. It’s a very scenic route that can be enjoyed by almost all skill levels and ages. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Cathedral Rock Loop
The Cathedral Rock Loop is a nice alternative to the traditional Cathedral Rock Trail, which can be impossible to get a parking spot for and only gives you one view of Cathedral Rock. If you’re willing to travel a little bit further, this loop gives you more views and some stretches of quieter trail if you’re lucky.
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Brins Mesa and Cibola Pass Loop
The Brins Mesa and Cibola Pass Loop is a fun trail with beautiful views of Wilson Mountain and Lost Wilson Mountain. This trail suffers from a little bit of overgrowth, but don’t let that stop you! The view from the mesa is great and the trail is varied and scenic. This route also takes you past the Seven Sacred Pools. Expect heavy traffic on this hike and come prepared with a downloaded GPS track to help you find your way if needed.
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Baldwin and Templeton Trail
This route guide follows Baldwin Trail to Templeton Trail. This route is frequented by both hikers and mountain bikers and is known for its fantastic views of Cathedral Rock, which is Sedona’s most recognizable landmark and happens to be right next to you on the east side of the trail. This route sees moderate traffic and is suitable for all skill levels and ages. You can also use this shorter section to plan longer loops in the area.
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First Bench of Wilson Mountain Hike
Want to climb (most of the way) up the tallest mountain near Sedona? The First Bench of Wilson Mountain is a plateau just underneath the mountain’s summit that provides jaw-dropping views over Oak Creek Valey and Sedona. This can be completed on its own or en route to the Wilson Mountain Summit. Expect moderate traffic on this route.
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Big Park Loop
The Courthouse Butte Loop hike takes you all the way around one of Sedona’s recognizable rock formations. Not only can you appreciate the butte from every angle, but you’ll also get to admire little Bell Rock, too. This loop is moderate, well-marked, and full of incredible views. We recommend arriving early if you can.
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Cockscomb Loop
The Cockscomb Loop is a 8.7 km hike in Sedona that takes you around Doe Mountain to the base of The Cockscomb, one of Sedona’s unique rock formations. This hike is on the easier side of moderate with a gentle elevation gain. You could easily add an ascent of Doe Mountain if you wanted to make it a more challenging adventure. Expect heavy traffic on this route.
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Margs Draw Spur A Trail
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.
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Templeton to Baldwin Loop
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.
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Little Sugarloaf and Chimney Rock Loop
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.