Airport Mesa Sedona Arizona: The Sunset Hike Worth Doing

Airport Mesa was one of the very first places I visited when I came to Sedona back in 2000. The local visitor center told me it had the best views in town, and they weren’t exaggerating. More than 25 years later, Airport Mesa is still one of the first places I take visitors because it’s one of those spots in Sedona where almost anyone can enjoy an incredible view without much effort.

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Airport Mesa Sedona Hikes

If you only have one afternoon in Sedona, Airport Mesa is an easy place to add to your itinerary. In less than an hour you can hike to the summit, visit one of Sedona’s most famous vortexes, and watch the sun light up Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Coffee Pot Rock.

Prefer a guided experience? Compare Sedona tours and guided hikes.

There are three trails and one overlook at Airport Mesa. While driving you’ll come across Summit View Trail first, which is the most popular hike here.

Summit View Trail- Airport Mesa

From the free dirt parking lot, this trail is .5 mile round trip trail to the summit and the vortex.

Take the winding road up towards the Sedona airport, you will see a small dirt parking area to your left. If there is a parking spot, park. If not drive up the road a little further to the larger parking lot. It’s a short hike up to Summit for some great views and twisted juniper trees.

If you’re parking in the larger parking lot, you can the Sedona View trail to the Summit view trail. Don’t walk on Airport Road. It’s narrow, winding, and dangerous for pedestrians.

Every direction you look from Airport Mesa seems to reveal another famous red rock formation. From Summit View Trail, you are rewarded with panoramic views of some of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks, including Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Courthouse Butte.

I’ve brought several out-of-town visitors here over the years, and this is the Airport Mesa option I recommend when they want a big Sedona view without committing to a 3-mile hike. My dog, Sophie, likes to hike up here. Maybe she can feel the vortex.

Want more Sedona hikes?
See Best Easy Hikes in Sedona.

Airport Mesa Vortex

Even after visiting several times, I still find myself standing here trying to identify every red rock formation on the horizon. Airport Mesa is considered an upflow or masculine energy vortex. Look for the twisted juniper trees.

Want to learn more about Sedona’s vortexes?
Read my Sedona Vortex Guide.

Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook – Best Sunset View in Sedona

Back in 2000 there wasn’t much more than a small dirt pullout and a quiet overlook. Today there’s a much larger parking lot, parking fees, and sunset crowds almost every evening. Even so, the views haven’t lost their magic.

Sunset is one of the most popular times to visit the Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook. The changing light brings out the vibrant colors of Sedona’s red rock formations, creating an unforgettable scene. While you should expect to share the overlook with other visitors, the experience is still well worth it.

I would recommend arriving about an hour before sunset.

The first time I stood at the overlook, I understood why everyone talks about it. You can see red rock formations in every direction. It’s one of those views that makes you stop talking for a minute.

Airport Mesa Sedona Parking

There are two parking options available:

Small Dirt Parking Lot

A small dirt parking area near the Summit Trail provides the quickest access to Summit Trail and vortex. These spaces fill very quickly, especially during sunrise and sunset. This parking lot is closest to the vortex. It can only hold about a dozen cars and fills up quickly.

If the small lot is full you can continue driving up Airport Road and park at the gravel parking lot.

Larger Gravel Parking Lot

A larger parking lot farther up Airport Road is the better option for most visitors. As of 2026, the parking lot has a fee of $3.00 and you cannot use your Red Rock pass here. There are several porta potties in the parking lot, as well as food trucks and craft tents.

There are trails from this parking lot that connect to the Summit Trail and vortex. Do not walk on the main road.

• Summit View Trail – Airport Mesa
• Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook – watch the sunset
• Sedona Trail View Point –
• Sedona Airport Loop Trail

Sedona Airport Trail

The parking lot has trails you can connect to reach the Summit Trail. From there, follow the Airport Mesa Loop Trail to connect with the Summit Trail.

Trail Tips

For safety, do not walk along Airport Road. The road is narrow, winding, and heavily traveled, making it unsafe for pedestrians.

Airport Mesa Sedona Map

Can you drive to Airport Mesa? Yes, you can drive most of the way there. You can choose to step out of your car and take in the vista from the overlook or you can take a hike for a different perspective.

Best Time to Visit Airport Mesa

The most popular time to visit is at sunset. I would recommend arriving an hour before sunset.

Airport Mesa is considered an upflow or masculine energy vortex. For some views without any hiking or climbing, continue driving towards the Airport. There is a larger parking area to your left and to your right there is a large “flat” area for you to view Sedona. There is a fee for parking and your Sedona annual pass doesn’t apply h

• The Airport Loop is 3.2 miles and leads you to the Summit Trail
• Sedona View Trail is a short .7 mile that leads you to the Sedona Airport Overlook
• Brewer Trail 1.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 200 ft
• Fee: Depends there are some free spots (about 10 spots), or $3 for the main lot

Airport Mesa Sedona FAQs

Where to Go Next?

Sedona Guide

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Sedona Vortex

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Sedona Vortex

Scenic Drives

Explore Sedona’s prettiest drives including Oak Creek Canyon & Red Rock Byway

Scenic Drives

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