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Discover Sedona

Hikes

Red-rock trails for every fitness level — from family-friendly loops at Bell Rock to lung-busting summits on Wilson Mountain.

Hike

Cathedral Rock Trail: The Definitive Sedona Hike

1.2 mi · 740 ft · Moderate

A 1.2-mile slickrock scramble to a saddle between Cathedral Rock's twin spires — the most photographed view in Sedona. Steep, short, and unforgettable.

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Bell Rock Pathway Loop: The Easy Red-Rock Classic

3.6 mi · 200 ft · Easy

A flat 3.6-mile loop around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte — the easiest meaningful introduction to Sedona's red rocks. Kid- and dog-friendly.

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Devil's Bridge Trail: The Iconic Sandstone Arch

4 mi · 400 ft · Moderate

Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch — a 2-mile hike to a 50-foot photogenic span. Requires the Forest Service shuttle in peak season.

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Boynton Canyon Trail: The Most Sacred Walk in Sedona

6.4 mi · 700 ft · Moderate

A 6.4-mile out-and-back into a 1,000-foot box canyon — the longest vortex hike and the quietest of the four sacred sites.

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Subway Cave (Boynton Canyon): The Off-Trail Detour

4.4 mi · 500 ft · Moderate

An off-trail detour to a curved sandstone alcove with an iconic round photo frame — unsigned, steep, and worth the route-finding.

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Soldier Pass & Seven Sacred Pools: The In-Town Adventure

4.5 mi · 800 ft · Moderate

A 4.5-mile in-town hike past a sinkhole, sandstone pools, an arch, and a cave — Forest Service shuttle from Posse Grounds in peak season.

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Birthing Cave: The Short Hike to a Sandstone Alcove

2 mi · 350 ft · Easy

A 2-mile out-and-back to a curved sandstone alcove on Mescal Mountain — short distance, steep final scramble, beautiful interior light.

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Fay Canyon Trail: The Easy Family Canyon

2.4 mi · 200 ft · Easy

An easy 2.4-mile box-canyon walk under towering red cliffs, with an optional spur to a natural arch. One of Sedona's best family hikes.

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Doe Mountain Trail: The Mesa-Top Walk-Around

3 mi · 425 ft · Moderate

A 3-mile climb to a flat mesa with 360-degree views over the entire Sedona red-rock skyline. Less crowded than the marquee trails.

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West Fork of Oak Creek: The Best Summer Hike in Sedona

6.4 mi · 250 ft · Easy

A 6.4-mile out-and-back along a shaded creek with thirteen crossings — the best summer hike in Sedona and the showcase for fall colour.

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Sugarloaf Loop: The Quick Sunset Summit

1.2 mi · 270 ft · Moderate

A 1.2-mile lollipop trail to a flat sandstone summit — Sedona's best in-town sunset hike in under an hour.

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Mescal Trail: The Quiet Slickrock Wander

4.2 mi · 250 ft · Easy

A 4.2-mile slickrock loop around Mescal Mountain — quiet, photogenic, and the locals' back-door route to Devil's Bridge.

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Broken Arrow & Submarine Rock: The Hike on the Jeep Trail

4.4 mi · 500 ft · Moderate

A 4.4-mile hike up the Broken Arrow jeep road to Submarine Rock and Chicken Point — dramatic slickrock and shared with Pink Jeep tours.

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Brins Mesa Trail: The High Plateau Loop

4 mi · 600 ft · Moderate

A 4-mile climb to a high red-rock plateau with 360-degree views — connects to Soldier Pass for a longer point-to-point loop.

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Sterling Pass Trail: The Steep Canyon Climb

4.8 mi · 1100 ft · Strenuous

A strenuous 4.8-mile out-and-back climbing 1,100 feet to a forested pass overlooking Sterling Canyon and Vultee Arch.

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Wilson Mountain Trail: The Highest Hike in Sedona

11 mi · 2500 ft · Strenuous

An 11-mile, 2,500-foot climb to the highest summit in the Sedona area — the serious hiker's reward.

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Airport Loop Trail: The Mesa Circumnavigation

3.3 mi · 400 ft · Moderate

A 3.3-mile loop around the entire Airport Mesa — far less crowded than the vortex overlook and a better hike than most visitors realise.

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Courthouse Butte Loop: The Bigger Sister to Bell Rock

4.4 mi · 200 ft · Easy

A flat 4.4-mile loop around Courthouse Butte — Bell Rock Pathway's quieter, more dramatic sibling.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best hikes in Sedona?

The consensus top five: Devils Bridge (the famous arch photo), Cathedral Rock (short but steep scramble to Sedona's best viewpoint), West Fork of Oak Creek (shaded creekside canyon, the best summer choice), Bell Rock Pathway (easy, family-friendly), and Boynton Canyon (long box-canyon walk with vortex lore). Our trail guides below cover parking, difficulty, and timing for each.

Do you need a pass to hike in Sedona?

Most trailheads require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $15/week, sold at trailhead kiosks and visitor centers) or an America the Beautiful federal pass displayed on your dashboard. A few high-traffic spots like Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass now also use paid shuttle or timed parking on busy days — check each trail guide for specifics.

What should I know before hiking in Sedona?

Carry more water than feels reasonable (a liter per hour in summer), start at sunrise in warm months, and wear grippy shoes — red-rock slickrock earns its name. Cell coverage drops in the canyons. In winter, shaded north-facing sections hold ice even when town is sunny.

Are Sedona trails dog-friendly?

Yes — nearly all trails in the Red Rock Ranger District welcome leashed dogs. Bring water for them and consider booties in summer: the slickrock gets hot enough to burn paws by mid-morning. Our pet-friendly rentals make it easy to bring the whole pack.