Easy Sedona Hikes: The Best Chill Trails for Beginner Hikers

Sedona is Arizona’s red rock playground and there’s truly something for every energy level. So let’s lace up those hiking shoes and dive into the best Sedona hikes for relaxed adventurers.

These are easy to moderate hikes with fantastic views. These trails are perfect for beginner hikes or if you want the wow factor without having to scramble up rocks or climb steep inclines. As a bonus they are all dog friendly hikes.

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Easy Sedona Hikes with Great Views

You don’t have to be an experienced hiker to see Sedona’s gorgeous hikes. Below are some easy Sedona hiking trails with great views.

Airport Mesa

There is a small parking area (8 or so cars) to hike the short Summit Trail. If you cannot find a parking spot there is a larger upper parking area (200+ parking spots) further up the road.

If you park in the larger lot you can take the Airport Mesa Loop trail to the Summit Trail. You cannot hike on Airport Road to this trail. It is curving and would be dangerous for both you and those driving.

Want a hike with sweeping vistas? Looking for one of the best spots to see the sunset in Sedona? Visit the Sedona Airport Overlook. It is also very popular, so get here early if you want to share your romantic evening with dozens of other people. Seriously though, this is a must see spot.

The area is beautiful to watch the sunset or take in the view any other time of day. Airport Mesa is a classic for sunrise, sunset, or anytime you want a 360-degree Sedona panorama. As a bonus this is a vortex site.

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—some free spots (about 10 spots), or $3 for the main lot
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Baldwin Trail & Templeton Trail

I love Cathedral Rock and if you’re look for an leisurely walk with a gorgeous view this hike may be the one for you.

This easy-going trail leisurely winds through juniper trees and meets up with Templeton Trail for picture-perfect views of Cathedral Rock. Take a short detour and dip your toes in Oak Creek or go for a swim if its hot out.

Distance: 3.2 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 150 ft
Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. Use a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Bell Rock Pathway

This trail is one of the most iconic in Sedona. Bell Rock looks like a giant red-layered cupcake and the trail loops around it with scenic views in every direction.

You can keep it super easy and stick to the lower trail, or venture a bit higher for a more moderate hike. As a bonus this is a vortex site.

Distance: 1.5 to 3.5 miles round-trip (you choose!)
Elevation Gain: Minimal to moderate, depending on how far you go
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Courthouse Butte

A longer loop that wraps around both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Fewer crowds, more solitude, and red rock views for days.

Distance: 7.2 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 250 ft
Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. Use a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Doe Mountain Fay Canyon Trail

Distance: 1.4 miles round trip from trailhead.
Elevation Change: 400 feet
Fee: Yes, fee site. Use Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. You can purchase at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce or Oak Creek visitor center. Alternatively you can purchase a pass at the trailhead kiosk (credit cards only).
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Fay Canyon Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 190 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

West Fork Trail (in Oak Creek Canyon)

This is hands-down one of the most beautiful hikes in Arizona, especially in the fall. Expect red rock cliffs, tall pines, and dozens of creek crossings.

One of the most colorful fall hiking trails in Arizona, West Fork Trail is just north of Sedona in Oak Creek at Call of the Canyon. It is our favorite spot to see the changing colors of the leaves.

Distance: 7 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 230 ft
Trail Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. As of 2025, it is a $12.00 fee. You cannot use your Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass here.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Teacup Trail + Sugarloaf Loop

Sugarloaf is a short, sweet climb to a scenic lookout point where you can soak in 360-degree views of Sedona including Thunder Mountain and Chimney Rock. Great spot for sunrise or sunset. Trailhead is at the end of Buena Vista Drive. Close to Supta Peace Park.

Distance: 2 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 350 ft
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Fee: No fee
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Boynton Canyon Vista Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Crescent Moon Park

Crescent Moon park is my favorite park in Sedona. Easy hike for just about any age for a great view of Cathedral Rock. Not only does it have one of the best views of Cathedral Rock, Crescent Moon has nice picnic areas and Oak Creek access.

Distance: 1.9 miles round-trip
Elevation gain: 52 ft
Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. As of 2025, it is a $12.00 fee. You cannot use your Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful pass here.
Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash

Cathedral Rock view from Crescent Moon Park

For an overview of Sedona: An Essential Guide to Sedona Arizona for First Time Visitors

If you’re looking for slightly more moderate hikes where you may have some steep inclines or need to climb up some rocky areas check out our post : From Arches to Caves: Sedona’s Most Photogenic Trails

Sedona Hiking Tips

Here’s what I always tell friends that are visiting and remind myself:

Get there early. Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Some trails require you to take the Sedona Shuttle.
Bring plenty of water.
Wear trail shoes with good grip. Sedona trails can be rocky and slippery.
A Red Rock Pass is required at many trailheads. You can get one at visitor centers or kiosks (most take credit cards).
Dogs are welcome on many trails, but they must be leashed and always pack out your waste!