Sedona, Arizona is a hiker’s paradise, offering a diverse range of trails that cater to every level of experience and ability. From easy strolls through scenic landscapes to challenging treks up steep inclines, Sedona has it all. With its stunning red rock formations, unique flora and fauna, and awe-inspiring views, hiking in Sedona is an adventure that should be on every nature lover’s bucket list. So we’ve narrowed down our recommendations of the best hikes in Sedona Arizona.
In this blog, we will take you on a journey through the best hikes in Sedona Arizona, sharing insider tips, trail descriptions, and stunning photos that will inspire you to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Sedona’s hiking trails offer an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature, challenge yourself physically, and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this magical destination.
ABOUT SEDONA
Located in the heart of Arizona’s Red Rock Country, Sedona is a world-renowned destination that has captivated visitors from around the globe for decades. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and mystical energy, Sedona offers a truly unique and unforgettable travel experience.
Sedona is perhaps best known for its iconic red rock formations, which are the result of millions of years of erosion and geological activity. These towering sandstone formations, such as Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte, create a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape that must be seen to be believed. The town’s rich history and Native American heritage are also celebrated through a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or spiritual renewal, Sedona is a destination that has something to offer for everyone. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and mystical energy, Sedona is truly a one-of-a-kind destination that will leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
WHERE IS SEDONA?
Sedona is situated about 120 miles north of Phoenix, the state’s capital, and is surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest and protected wilderness. Sedona’s location at the base of the Mogollon Rim, a geological feature that marks the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, provides the town with its iconic red rock formations and stunning desert landscapes. Visitors can easily access Sedona by car via Interstate 17, which runs directly through the town, or by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and driving north along scenic highways like State Route 179.
DRIVE TIME FROM:
- Phoenix- 2 hours
- Las Vegas – 4.5 hours
- Salt Lake City – 9 hours
- Albuquerque – 5.5 hours
- Los Angeles – 8 hours
MAP OF SEDONA
WHERE TO STAY IN SEDONA
Sedona offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. For those seeking luxury, there are high-end resorts and spa retreats that offer world-class amenities like pools, fine dining, and scenic views. There are also charming bed and breakfasts, cozy inns, and vacation rentals that provide a more intimate and personalized experience. Those looking for outdoor adventure can opt for campgrounds and RV parks that offer access to the stunning natural beauty of Sedona. Whatever your lodging preference, there are plenty of options in Sedona that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the town’s unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and mystical energy.
For those looking to boondock or dispersed camp, Sedona implemented new ordinances in 2023 that prohibit any kind of overnight camping in Sedona. The only exception to this is 8 designated areas on the outskirts of Sedona. Due to the popularity of Sedona, these sites fill up quickly. The good news is that they are all relatively close to one another, so driving and searching from site to site is not too daunting. We stayed at the Surprise site for a handful of nights and had no problems at all.
There are also a number of Harvest Host locations in and around Sedona. So if you are someone with a RV or camper, we’d highly recommend exploring these options!
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING SEDONA
SEDONA SHUTTLE
Sedona is a VERY popular place in Arizona. Tourists come from all over the world to visit this magical place, and as a result, the town, parking lots, and the trails get overcrowded very quickly. For this reason, Sedona has a free park & ride shuttle system that they highly recommend people use when navigating around Sedona. Most trailhead parking lots only have enough space to accommodate 10-20 vehicles, which typically fill up by 8:00am. So if you plan to do any of the hikes we touch on below, plan to GO EARLY.
On days when the shuttle services is running, parking lots at the Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass Trailheads will be closed and visitors are required to use the shuttle to visit these locations.
- Only service dogs are allowed on the shuttles
- Shuttles are equipped for bike storage in a limited first come first serve capacity
BEST HIKES TO DO IN SEDONA ARIZONA
As we mentioned above, Sedona is a hikers playground. With options for every experience level, and incredible views all around, it is obvious why Sedona is such a popular place. So let’s dive in to the best hikes in Sedona Arizona!
CATHEDRAL ROCK
Sadly during our visit, the second half of the trail was closed due to maintenance, so we were unable to hike all the way up to the summit of Cathedral Rock. That being said, the views from the base of the area were magnificent and even if you don’t do the entire hike, we feel this is a must visit. We must note since we weren’t able to complete the hike, that it is noted that the first 2/3 of the hike are relatively easy, but the last 1/3 of the hike requires some moderate climbing.
- DIFFICULTY – Easy-Moderate
- LENGTH – 1.2mi / 1.93km
- DOG FRIENDLY – Yes! – on leash, but we wouldn’t recommend bringing them all the way up to the summit due to the rock climbing that is needed
DEVILS BRIDGE
Easily one of THE most popular hikes in Sedona, and for good reason. The views from this natural bridge are some of the best in Sedona. But there are a few things you will need to keep in mind:
- There are two areas where you can begin the hike: Devils Bridge Parking lot which is a very rough terrain dirt road that can get quite muddy after any rainfall. It is recommended that only people with 4×4 high clearance vehicles attempt to drive to this lot. The lot itself can hold roughly 10 vehicles, and makes the hike just over 3mi / 4.83km long. The other area is the Mescal Trailhead, which has two parking lots and can fit closer to 50 vehicles between the two. From here, the hike is roughly 4.2mi / 6.76km long.
- If you hike from Mescal, you will need to cross over the Dry Creek. If there has been any rain recently, this could mean having to cross in 1-3ft of water.
- Due to the popularity of this hike, ALL of the above parking lots noted, fill up by 7:00am. So our recommendation is to arrive and be on the trail by 6:00am at the latest. Regardless of which lot you arrive at. Alternatively, you could attempt to go later in the afternoon evening, but based on our experience, this is a very risky gamble.
In addition to the crowdedness of the parking lots and trail itself, sunrise is easily one of the best times to visit here and provides some of the most stunning lighting as the sun rises and hits the mountains off in the distance.
- DIFFICULTY – Moderate
- LENGTH – 3-4.2mi / 4.83-6.76km
- DOG FRIENDLY – No
SUBWAY CAVE (BOYNTON CANYON)
In the same category of popularity as Devils Bridge, is Boynton Canyon Cave, also known as Subway Cave. This hike is longer, but not incredibly strenuous. And the views of the canyon as you hike through the wilderness, are almost as good if not better than the cave itself. But we’ll let you be the judge.
Similar to Devils Bridge, the parking lot at the trailhead only accommodates about 20-30 vehicles and fills up very quickly. We’d recommend going early if you want to miss the crowds. For the best lighting for photography, we’d recommend afternoon or evening.
A couple of things to note:
- At about the 2.0mi / 3.22km point in the trail, you will need to branch off to the right from the Boynton Canyon Trail. As of the time of writing this, there is a large tree with branches that hang over the trail. When we went, someone had also moved some small rocks to form an arrow letting others know that that is the direction to go for the cave.
- Most of the hike is relatively flat and easy, with some minor rocky terrain. But once you arrive at the cave, there is some steep climbing that is needed to get up in to the cave. There are two options, hike straight up the cave floor, WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. Especially if it is wet, it can be very slippery and unsafe. The second option, veers off to the left as you face the ruins up above on the cliff-side. While this path is rockier, it is much safer. We’d also recommend coming back down in this direction as well.
- DIFFICULTY – Moderate
- LENGTH – 5.2mi / 4.83-8.37km
- DOG FRIENDLY – Yes, but we would NOT recommend bringing one due to the steep climbing along cliffs to get to and from the cave.
SEDONA AIRPORT LOOP
The Sedona Airport Loop Trail is very close to downtown Sedona, and is a great hike for those wanting sprawling views of all of Sedona. The trail can get quite muddy in some spots if there’s been rain recently, and there is a fair amount of cacti in close proximity to the trail during the first half of the hike, so if you bring a pup with you, we’d recommend making sure they have some form of footwear to protect their paws.
The parking lot for this trail is VERY small and holds less than 10 vehicles. It’s a popular spot for sunrise and sunset, so if you plan to go during either of these times (which you should!), be prepared for limited parking.
- DIFFICULTY – Easy-Moderate
- LENGTH – 3.3mi / 5.31km
- DOG FRIENDLY – Yes! – on leash
SUMMIT TRAIL / AIRPORT MESA VIEWPOINT
It’s hard to call this a trail due to how short it is, but it is an ABSOLUTE must-do if you’re planning to visit Sedona. It shares the same trailhead and parking lot as the Sedona Airport Loop so if you can do both back to back, that would be ideal.
But what is so incredible about this spot, is that once you reach the summit, you literally have nearly 360º of unobstructed views of all of Sedona. We strongly recommend visiting for sunrise, sunset or both. It is magical.
- DIFFICULTY – Easy-Moderate
- LENGTH – 0.5mi / 0.8km
- DOG FRIENDLY – Yes! – on leash
OTHER HIKES & ACTIVITIES
There are TONS of hiking trails all over Sedona, and we of course only covered the ones above. We’d be remiss not to mention others that we hope to tackle ourselves in future visits, and ones others have highly recommended.
- Soldiers Pass
- Bell Rock
- Fay Canyon
- Birthing Cave
- Seven Sacred Pools
While hiking is our preferred activity when we visit places, we know there might be other things you’d like to do while you’re there as well. So here’s some additional activities you might want to check out:
- Jeep tours: Take a guided Jeep tour of the red rocks and experience the stunning landscapes up close.
- Hot air balloon rides: Get a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s red rocks on a hot air balloon ride.
- Art galleries: Sedona has a thriving arts community, with many art galleries showcasing local and international artists.
- Spiritual experiences: Sedona is known for its spiritual energy and is a popular destination for spiritual seekers. There are many spiritual experiences and services available, including vortex tours and energy healing sessions.
- Wine tasting: Sedona has several wineries and tasting rooms, offering local wines and beautiful views.
- Stargazing: Sedona has some of the darkest skies in the country, making it a perfect destination for stargazing.
- Yoga and wellness: Sedona has many yoga and wellness centers, offering classes, workshops, and retreats.
- Horseback riding: Experience Sedona’s beautiful landscapes on horseback with a guided trail ride.
- Shopping and dining: Sedona has many unique shops and restaurants, offering everything from Southwestern cuisine to international flavors.
TINGGLY EXPERIENCES
If you aren’t familiar with Tinggly, they are a company based on gifting experiences over stuff. So for that next birthday, or gift-giving holiday, instead of gifting stuff, give the gift of an experience. Memories that will last forever. We have a full review of Tinggly that you can read HERE.
BEST TIME TO VISIT SEDONA
The best time to visit Sedona, Arizona depends on your preferences and what you want to do during your trip. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Sedona:
- Spring (March – May): This is a great time to visit Sedona, as the weather is mild, and the flowers are blooming. It’s a popular time for hiking and outdoor activities, but it can get crowded during peak season.
- Summer (June – August): Summer in Sedona can be hot, with temperatures averaging around 95°F (35°C) during the day. It’s a good time to visit if you want to go swimming or enjoy water activities, but it can be crowded and busy.
- Fall (September – November): This is another popular time to visit Sedona, as the weather is mild, and the fall colors are beautiful. It’s a great time for hiking, and you can avoid the crowds of peak season.
- Winter (December – February): Sedona can get cold during the winter months, with occasional snowfall, but it’s a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a quieter time to visit, with fewer crowds.
Overall, the best time to visit Sedona is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are more manageable. However, each season has its unique attractions and activities, so it depends on what you want to do and see during your visit.
SEASONS
SPRING
- Avg Low temps: 45ºF / 7ºC
- Avg High temps: 76ºF / 24ºC
SUMMER
- Avg Low temps: 68ºF / 20ºC
- Avg High temps: 98ºF / 37ºC
FALL
- Avg Low temps: 50ºF / 10ºC
- Avg High temps: 79ºF / 26ºC
WINTER
- Avg Low temps: 35ºF / 2ºC
- Avg High temps: 62ºF / 17ºC
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN SEDONA?
The amount of time to spend in Sedona depends on your interests and what you want to do during your visit. However, I would recommend spending at LEAST 2-3 days in Sedona to explore the area and experience some of the top activities and attractions. If you want to hike and explore the outdoors, you may want to spend more time in Sedona to fully experience the numerous trails and stunning natural landscapes. We spent roughly 7 days in Sedona which allowed us to comfortably cover all of the hikes above with some down days in between.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
CELL PHONE SERVICE
Cell phone service Sedona is relatively decent, subject to your carrier. We’d still highly recommend downloading offline maps, and trail info, just in case. Between Verizon and T-Mobile, we bounced between no service at all on some trails, to 4 bars of 5G around town. Overall we’d say we had some level of service just about everywhere we went.
PET FRIENDLY?
YES! Sedona as a whole is relatively pet friendly. While most establishments do not allow dogs indoors, most allow them outside, on patios etc. Additionally, many of the hiking trails are also dog-friendly, providing the dogs are leashed, and cleaned up after. Please please please practice Leave No Trace.
LEAVE NO TRACE & 10 HIKING ESSENTIALS
Speaking of which — Sedona is full of unique landscapes and fragile environments, both for plant life, and animals alike. So it is incredibly important to practice the 7 PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE, and follow the posted signage and guidelines of the park. If you aren’t familiar with Leave No Trace, here’s a breakdown:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impact
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
There are additional and more in-depth details of what each of these means on the LNT website, so make sure to take a look at that!
Similarly, because of how harsh the weather conditions can be, and because there is virtually no cell-phone service anywhere, it is important to hike with the 10 Essentials of Hiking. If you aren’t familiar, here’s a breakdown:
- NAVIGATION – maps, guides, compass, GPS locator
- HEADLAMP – flashlight and extra batteries or charger
- SUN PROTECTION – body sunscreen, lip sunscreen, and clothing protection
- FIRST AID – including animal and bug repellents
- KNIFE – as well as knife repair kit
- FIRE – matches, lighter, tinder and striker
- SHELTER – tent, cover, or anything to protect and cover you
- FOOD – snacks and extra meal
- WATER – more than the minimum recommended amount
- CLOTHES – enough to handle night-time elements
Interested in knowing what gear we use for all our adventures? Check out our Rock Porch lockers which list all of the gear we use, and where to shop it!
BEST HIKES IN SEDONA ARIZONA
We hope this list of the best hikes in Sedona Arizona has provided you inspiration and information to help you plan your trip to this incredible place!
Let us know what you thought of this, if we missed anything, and if you plan on taking a trek to Sedona at some point, down below in our comments!
And if you’re looking for some other outdoor inspiration, check out some of our other articles:
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PETRIFIED FOREST NATIONAL PARK
- ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
- 5 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
- 10 NATIONAL PARKS IN THE U.S. YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED
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Thanks for stopping by!
Ryan & Katy
