I absolutely love Sedona! The stunning red rock views on the peaceful desert trails make Sedona one of my favorite places to hike. Nestled in Coconino National Forest, Sedona is the perfect mix of adventure and serenity. With plenty of hiking, dining, and exploring, Sedona has so much to offer! In this 3-day hiking itinerary, I will share some of the best trails and viewpoints so you can experience Sedona to its fullest!

And if you are looking for a complete list of where to hike in Sedona, check out my guide to the best hikes in Sedona.

Tips for Hiking in Sedona

• Get an early start. Parking fills up fast, especially at the popular trailheads. Aim to hit the trails at sunrise for cooler temps and fewer crowds. If you have read my blogs before, you know this is my number one tip for just about any trip, but especially when hiking!
• Check trail conditions. Visit the official Sedona Tourism website for up-to-date information and maps.
• Stay hydrated and pack layers. Desert weather can change quickly, and shade is limited on many trails.
• Wear your hiking shoes. The terrain on these hikes is natural and rocky, so you definitely want to have some reliable hiking shoes.
• Use All Trails! It is my go-to app for finding trail maps and reading recent reviews before heading out on a hike.

How To Get To Sedona

The best way to get to Sedona is to fly into Phoenix International Airport (PHX) and drive about 2 hours to Sedona. The other option is to fly into Flagstaff (FGH), which is about a 45-minute drive to Sedona, but there are fewer flight options at this airport.

Transportation

The only way to get around Sedona is to drive, so I recommend renting a car when you arrive at the airport. Once in Sedona, accommodations and hikes are within a few miles, but are often not connected by paths or sidewalks. 

I use Enterprise to book all of my rental cars!

There are free shuttles that run Thursday-Sunday throughout Sedona year-round. Check out the shuttle schedule for more information. I have never used the shuttle in Sedona, but it is a great option if you don’t want to stress about parking.

Sedona 3-Day Hiking Itinerary

Day 1 In Sedona

MORNING

Start your day early and hike Devil’s Bridge. This 4-mile out-and-back hike is one of the most famous hikes in Sedona and offers an exciting journey through the red rock canyons and ultimately leading you to an incredible sandstone arch! The trail is relatively flat until the ascent up to Devil’s Bridge. Access this hike at the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead on Dry Creek Road.

This hike provides a magnificent opportunity to get your photo taken while standing on the bridge! Just note that if you arrive at a busy time, there will be a long line of people waiting to get this photo. It is the most popular trail in the park, so get there early!

Once finished with this first hike on your trip, get breakfast at the Local Juicery. You can get various toast options, waffles, breakfast bowls, smoothies, and more. This is the perfect place to feel refreshed after your hike.

AFTERNOON

The next hikes of the day are short but beautiful.

The Birthing Cave is a short yet captivating trail that leads you to a cave with a unique formation. You will be surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Sedona’s signature red rock formations. Then, the Birthing Cave itself offers a peaceful sanctuary. You can sit in the cave and stare out at the serene beauty in front of you. The round-trip distance of this hike is 2 miles, and you can access the trail at Long Canyon Trailhead on Long Canyon Road.

Bell Rock Trail is the next hike, which is also 2 miles round-trip. This relatively easy hike offers towering sandstone formations and stunning views. Access this trail at Bell Rock Trailhead off of Hwy 179.

EVENING

After a great first day of hiking, get a casual dinner at Tamaliza, which offers delicious Mexican food.

After dinner, stop at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, which is an outdoor market with art galleries, craft shops, and cobblestone paths. 

Finish your evening off by walking to Oak Creek Brewery to have a craft beer. 

Day 2 In Sedona

MORNING 

Your hike on this second day is a challenging but rewarding trek with beautiful views. Bear Mountain is a 5.5-mile round-trip hike where you will ascend through rugged terrain, including steep switchbacks and rocky paths, surrounded by the iconic red rocks of Sedona. The summit offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscapes. Access this trail at Bear Mountain Trailhead on Boynton Pass Road.

After hiking Bear Mountain, get lunch at Pisa Lisa for wood-fired Pizza.

AFTERNOON

The next activity is one of my favorite things to do in Sedona. Embark on a Pink Jeep Tour! You will climb aboard the iconic pink jeeps and let an expert guide take you off the beaten path to explore the rugged beauty of Sedona’s terrain. This thrilling and scenic experience will give you a front-row seat to the captivating landscapes that Sedona has to offer. There are various tour options, with different routes, levels of ruggedness, and lengths of time. 

I would recommend the Scenic Rim 2.5 tour. This is a rugged and bumpy ride, so be prepared to laugh with your group as you bounce around! You will see amazing views, towering cliffs, and plenty of iconic red rock formations.

Book your Pink Jeep reservation here!

EVENING

For dinner, walk from the Pink Jeep Tour location to Momo’s Kitchen, which is a fantastic food truck. The Bibimbap and the Korean BBQ are both flavorful and delicious. 

The last activity of the day is going to Page Springs Cellars Winery. You can enjoy tastings of the wines, take a leisurely stroll through the vineyard, and relax by Oak Creek, which meanders through the property.

Day 3 In Sedona

MORNING

The first hike of the day is Soldier’s Pass, which is 4.5 miles round-trip, accessed from the Soldier’s Pass Trailhead at the end of Forest Service 9904 Road. This trail weaves through stunning red rock formations and takes you to the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen, and Soldier’s Pass Cave. All of these provide unique beauties!

Next, head back to The Local Juicery for another refreshing breakfast before heading on your second hike for the day. Can you tell it’s my favorite breakfast spot?!

AFTERNOON

Embark on this enchanting hike through Boynton Canyon Trail that leads to the hidden gem (it is hidden, however, it is an extremely popular destination) known as Subway Cave. The total distance, if you include Subway Cave, is 7.2 miles. As you hike through Boynton Canyon, it is a flat and easy trail in which you will be surrounded by towering red rock formations and lush vegetation. Then, at the 2-mile mark, the turn-off for Subway Cave will approach. There is no sign marking the trail to the cave, but there is a distinctive tree (below is a picture!). Then the trail will lead you to Subway Cave, which is truly an incredible work of nature and the best part of this hike!

EVENING

For dinner, make reservations at The Vault to sit outside on their deck overlooking the stunning red rock formations of Sedona. I recommend getting their Trash Can Nachos!

Additional Options In Sedona

If you have more time or want to switch an item out, check out these other incredible hikes, things to do, and restaurants in Sedona!

Hikes:

• Cathedral Trail (one of the most popular trails in the park, so the parking lot fills up quickly so beat the crowd and go early in the morning) 
• Thunder Mountain
• Mund’s Wagon to Hangover Loop
• Fay Canyon
• West Fork Trail

Things To Do:

• Chapel of The Holy Cross
• Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
• Two Trees Observing Area

Food/Drinks:

• Mariposa
• Salt Rock Kitchen
• Sedona Beer Company 

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Sedona, Arizona, is a must-visit for its stunning red rock formations, incredible hiking trails, and spiritual ambiance. I hope you can experience this incredible place soon for a memorable getaway hiking in Sedona!

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