Sedona, Arizona is an incredible destination for hiking through canyons and towering cliffs and enjoying the beauty of the red rock landscapes. These are the best hikes in Sedona that showcase the raw beauty this spectacular place has to offer!
TIPS:
- Check out the Sedona Tourist Website for more information
- Get to the trailheads early! I cannot stress this one enough. Trails can get packed and parking can be difficult during the day.
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.
Best Hikes In Sedona, Arizona
Devil’s Bridge
Distance: 4 miles (out-and-back trail)
Trailhead: Devil’s Bridge Trailhead on Dry Creek Road
Devil’s Bridge is a 4-mile out-and-back hike. It is one of the most famous hikes in Sedona and offers an exciting journey through the red rock canyons and ultimately leads 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.
This hike provides a magnificent opportunity to get your photo taken while standing on the bridge! Just note 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!
Birthing Cave
Distance: 2 miles (out-and-back trail)
Trailhead: Long Canyon Trailhead on Long Canyon Road
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 at the serene beauty in front of you. The round-trip distance of this hike is 2 miles.
Bell Rock Trail
Distance: 2 miles (loop)
Trailhead: Bell Rock Trailhead off of Hwy 179
Bell Rock Trail is 2 miles round-trip. This relatively easy hike offers towering sandstone formations and stunning views.
Bear Mountain
Distance: 5.5 miles (out-and-back trail)
Trailhead: Bear Mountain Trailhead on Boynton Pass Road
Bear Mountain is a challenging, but rewarding trek with beautiful views. It 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.
Soldier’s Pass
Distance: 4.5 miles (loop)
Trailhead: Soldier’s Pass Trailhead at the end of Forest Service 9904 Road
Soldier’s Pass is 4.5 miles round-trip. 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!
Boynton Canyon Trail / Subway Cave
Distance: 7.2 miles (out-and-back trail)
Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trailhead on Boynton Canyon Road
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 towering red rock formations and lush vegetation will surround you. 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!
Cathedral Rock Trail
Distance: 1 mile (out-and-back trail)
Trailhead: Cathedral Rock Trailhead on Back O Beyond Road
Cathedral Rock Trail is a fun and unique 1-mile hike. You will climb on rocks as you make your way to the top for beautiful 360-degree views. Be prepared to use your hands and do some rock scrambling. The trail is pretty steep but overall a moderate climb.
This hike is extremely popular so make sure to get here extra early! The parking lots fill up very quickly and there is usually someone directing traffic. To avoid problems finding a parking spot, there is also the Sedona Shuttle that you can take from the SR 179 Park and Ride to/from the trailhead from 6:30 am-6 pm.
West Fork Trail
Distance: 6.9 miles (out-and-back trail)
Trailhead: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead on N State Rte 89A
West Fork Trail is different from many other hikes in Sedona as it meanders along Oak Creek. It is a scenic and peaceful hike in which you cross the river in various places using stones and logs.
As you embark on your Sedona hiking adventure, remember to plan ahead, respect the environment, and embrace the awe-inspiring scenery that surrounds you. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Sedona’s trails offer a gateway to beauty, leaving every hiker with memories of one of the most enchanting landscapes. So, lace up your hiking boots, hit the trails, and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty that Sedona, Arizona, has to offer!
If you are ready to plan your weekend hiking trip in Sedona, check out this 3-Day Hiking Itinerary in Sedona!
Follow for more on social media and email me with any questions! If you go on any of these hikes in Sedona, I would love to hear about your experience!