Best Sedona Hikes I’d Recommend to Any Visitor
If you’ve read a few of my Arizona posts, you’ve probably figured out that Sedona is one place I’ll happily visit over and over again. The first trip in 2000 hooked me, and every time I go back, I end up finding another trail or viewpoint that reminds me why. The Sedona hikes are a big reason I keep coming back.
Sedona has this relaxed, outdoorsy feel that’s hard to explain until you’re there. Even if you don’t hike a single mile, it’s worth the trip just for the scenery.
If hiking is your thing, though, you’re in the right place. With more than 200 trails, there’s something for every skill level. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk with amazing views or a trail that’ll leave your legs sore the next day, Sedona has plenty of options. These are the hikes I’d tell a friend to start with.
First-time visiting Sedona?
Read the complete guide → Sedona Arizona Visitor Guide
Red Rock Passes can be purchased at the Visitor Center. Don’t forget to bring enough drinking water for your hike out and back.
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While we’ve been to Sedona at least 60 times over the years, I haven’t hiked all of the trails. It is pretty amazing there are so many choices in Sedona. In this post I’ve listed some of the more popular trails in Sedona by location to help you plan your next hike. Below are easy to strenuous hikes with fantastic views.
Which Sedona Hike is Right for You?
| Hike | Difficulty | Time | Best For |
| Airport Mesa | Easy | 30 minutes – 1 hour | Sunset |
| Baldwin Trail | Easy | 2 hours | Families |
| Bell Rock | Easy | 2.5 – 3 hours | Families |
| Birthing Cave | Moderate | 1-2 hours | Sunrise |
| Boynton Canyon | Moderate | 5 hours | Subway Cave |
| Broken Arrow | Moderate | 2 hours | Panoramic Views |
| Cathedral Rock | Strenuous | 1.5 – 2 hours | Sunset & Vortex |
| Courthouse Butte | Moderate | 2.5 – 3 hours | Beginner |
| Crescent Moon | Easy | 1-3 hours | View of Cathedral Rock |
| Devil’s Bridge | Moderate | 2 – 2.5 hours | Sweeping Views |
| Doe Mountain | Moderate | 1.5 hours | Unobstructed views |
| Grasshopper Point | Easy | 1-3 hours | Swimming |
| Midgley Bridge | Moderate | 1 hour | Rugged scenery |
| Soldier Pass | Moderate | 2.5 – 3 hours | Seven Sacred Pools |
| Slide Rock | Easy | 1-3 hours | Swimming |
| West Fork | Easy | 2-3 hours | Fall Colors |
Directions to Sedona Hikes
Great hikes can be found throughout the entire Sedona and Oak Creek Village area. We divided the hikes based on the part of town they can be found in using the “Y” roundabout where Highway 179 meets 89A as our compass point. This main roundabout is a great landmark for planning your hikes.
- The Village of Oak Creek is found on 179 south of the “Y”
- West Sedona is west 89A, left of the “Y”
- Uptown Sedona is north 89A, right of the “Y.”
If you’re driving from Phoenix on Interstate 17 you will enter the Red Rock area via 179 and the Village of Oak Creek will be your first stop.
Map of “Y” Roundabout in Sedona
Map of Sedona Area to Show Where the “Y” intersection is in comparison to Oak Creek Village, Uptown, and West Sedona
South of the “Y” – Hikes Near the Village of Oak Creek –
On your way into Red Rock country stop at the Visitor Center to pick up any maps and Red Rock passes you will need. The map below shows Oak Creek Village, The Y, West Sedona and Uptown Sedona as navigation points.
Before hitting the trails, swing by the Red Rock Ranger Station Visitor Center to grab a map and your Red Rock Pass or American the Beautiful Pass. This area gives you an amazing intro to the Sedona landscape
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
There are so many beautiful hikes in Sedona it is hard to choose a favorite, but the Cathedral Rock trailhead has amazing panoramic views. The hike has a lot of rock scrambling and when you come back down you’ll want to slide or inch your way down in some parts. Due to the terrain and elevation gain it is a more strenuous hike.
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Distance: 1.4 miles round-trip
- Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Elevation gain: 669 ft
- Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. Use a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Dog Friendly: I wouldn’t bring my dog on this hike. Too much of the hike is spent scrambling up rocks. Legally, yes dogs on a leash are allowed. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Parking: From Thursday through Sunday Cathedral Rock trailhead requires you to use the free Sedona shuttle.
- Rest Room Facility: No
Read the complete guide → Cathedral Rock Trailhead in Sedona
Bell Rock
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.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: 7 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain:185 feet
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
Read the complete guide → Bell Rock Sedona
Courthouse Butte
A longer loop that wraps around both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Fewer crowds, more solitude, and red rock views for days.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: 3.8 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 297 feet
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
Read the complete guide → Courthouse Butte
Broken Arrow
This hike is popular with jeeps and mountain bikers. There is no shade on this hike. Views from Broken Arrow trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2 – 3 hours
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 344 feet
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: No.
- Tip: Popular with Mountain bikers and jeep tours. Not a shaded hike.
Read the complete guide → Broken Arrow Trail
Baldwin Trail & Templeton Trail – Another Easy Hike with Little Elevation gain
I love Cathedral Rock and if you’re looking an easy Sedona hike this one has a gorgeous view. This 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.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 2 hour
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: No.
- Access: Oak Creek and swimming
Read the complete guide → Baldwin Trail Sedona
West Sedona Arizona Hikes
Once you head west from the “Y” on 89A, you’re in West Sedona territory. This area is home to some of the big-name popular hikes. Hikes with trails west of Sedona’s “Y” intersection include:
- Airport Mesa
- Boynton Canyon
- Crescent Moon
- Seven Sacred Pools & Soldier’s Pass
- Devil’s Bridge
- Birthing Cave
- Doe Mountain
- Sugarloaf
Airport Mesa – Little Elevation Gain
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.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 30 min – 2 hours
- Distance: .25 mile – 1.4 miles depending on chosen trail.
- Elevation gain: 200 – 400 feet depending on chosen trail.
- Fee: No at Small Parking Area or $3.00 at the main parking area.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash. Don’t forget to bring water.
Read the complete guide → Airport Mesa Sedona
Boynton Canyon
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 5 hours
- Distance: 6 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 931 feet
- 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. Don’t forget to bring lots of water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
Read the complete guide → Boynton Canyon Vista Trail
Crescent Moon Park
Crescent Moon Picnic Area is my favorite park in town. This park has several easy hikes in Sedona for any age. Not only does it have one of the best views of Cathedral Rock, Crescent Moon has nice picnic areas and Oak Creek access.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 1-2 hours
- Distance: miles round-trip
- Elevation gain:
- Fee: $15.00 as of 2026 or a Coconino Hospitality Annual Pass. Cannot use a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
Read the complete guide → Crescent Moon Sedona
Seven Sacred Pools & Soldier’s Pass Sedona Arizona hikes
This trail has it all vortex energy, natural pools, a sinkhole, and red rock scenery.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: 3 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain:
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: No.
- Parking: From Thursday through Sunday Soldier Pass trailhead requires you to use the free Sedona shuttle.
Read the complete guide → Seven Sacred Pools Sedona
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge is a fantastic hike. One of my favorite hikes in the Sedona area. Unfortunately, it is also a favorite of many so it is a busy hiking trail. From the trail head the hike is just under 2 miles round trip.
Views from the natural sandstone arch is jaw dropping. Parking is tricky, and depending on where you start, the hike could be anywhere from 2 to 4 miles round-trip.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: miles round-trip
- Elevation gain:
- Fee: Yes, this is a fee site. Use a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
- Dog Friendly: I wouldn’t bring my dog on this hike. There are areas where you need to scramble up rocks and so it would depend on your dog’s agility. Legally, yes dogs on a leash are allowed. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes at parking lot. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
Read the complete guide → Devil’s Bridge Sedona
Birthing Cave in Sedona
The Birthing Cave is more of a hidden gem. A short, easy trail leads to a cave with an unforgettable view. You’ll need to park at the Long Canyon Trailhead.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 1- 2 hours
- Distance: 2 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 230 feet
- Fee: No, use Long Canyon Trailhead
- Dog Friendly: I wouldn’t bring my dog on this hike. The cave is slippery and walls are sloped. Legally, yes dogs on a leash are allowed. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: No.
Read the complete guide → Birthing Cave in Sedona
Doe Mountain Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: miles round-trip
- Elevation gain:
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
Read the complete guide → Doe Mountain
Sugarloaf & Teacup
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 Amitabha Stupa Peace Park.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: 2.5 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain:
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: No.
Read the complete guide → Teacup Trail Sedona
Uptown Sedona Hikes
Heading north of the Y on 89A through uptown Sedona, you’ll enter lush canyon country. This area is leads you to some beautiful hikes along Oak Creek Canyon. Some of our favorite hikes in this area include:
Midgley Bridge
Midgley Bridge is a short hike near it’s namesake, Midgley Bridge. Parking is very limited. Park by the bridge and wander along the trails with views of Wilson Mountain and Oak Creek. If you are coming from uptown Sedona parking is directly to your left after you cross the bridge.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 42 feet
- 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. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
Read the complete guide → Midgley Bridge Sedona Hike
West Fork Trail – Call of the 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. It is our favorite spot to see the changing colors of the leaves.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 2.5-3 hours
- Distance: 6 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 221 feet
- Fee: $15.00 as of 2026 or a Coconino Hospitality Annual Pass. Cannot use a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass.
- Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs must be on a leash. Don’t forget to bring water.
- Rest Room Facility: Yes. Bring your own hand sanitizer.
- Tip: My phone reception was fine for the first mile or so and then I lost cell service.
Read the complete guide → West Fork Trail in Sedona
Sedona Hiking Tips
Here’s what I always tell friends and remind myself:
- Get there early. Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Some trails require you to take the Sedona Shuttle.
- Hiking trails in Sedona usually open at 7:00 am in the warmer months (April – September) and 8:00 am in the cooler months (October – March). They usually close at dusk.
- 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!
First Time Visitor to Sedona? Read the complete guide → An Essential Guide to Sedona Arizona for First Time Visitors
- Book a Flight to Sedona: To Sedona the closest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam and Sky Harbor in Phoenix.
- Rent a Car to Sedona: You can rent a car in Flagstaff or Phoenix and drive to Sedona. Alternatively, you can leave the driving to someone else and take a bus tour from Phoenix to Sedona.
- Where to Stay in Sedona: Choose from hotels, motels, resorts, airbnb, vrbo, cabins, and camp sites in Sedona.
- Tours to Take in Sedona
For fee sites you may need a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. You can purchase at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce or Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center. Alternatively you can purchase a pass at the trailhead kiosk (credit cards only).
Adventurer At Heart
Hello, my name is Amber! I'm an Arizona-based traveler obsessed with nature and history.
