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I absolutely love Sedona, Arizona! It is an incredible destination for epic hikes and epic views through canyons and red rock landscapes. There are plenty of hikes to choose from in Sedona, but here is a list of my personal top 10 hikes in Sedona that I don’t think you should miss!

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. 

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.

10 Best Hikes In Sedona

1. Devil’s Bridge

• Distance: 4 miles (out-and-back trail)
• Trailhead: Devil’s Bridge Trailhead on Dry Creek Road
• All Trails Link

Devil’s Bridge is easily the most famous hike in Sedona, as it is a relatively short and moderate hike that has a wonderful sandstone arch at the end with views of the red rock landscape. Because of its popularity, this also means it gets incredibly busy! If this is your first time in Sedona, I would say you have to do this iconic hike, but please get there extra early so it can be a better experience for you.

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 be prepared!

2. Birthing Cave

• Distance: 2 miles (out-and-back trail)
• Trailhead: Long Canyon Trailhead on Long Canyon Road
• All Trails Link

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.

3. Bell Rock Trail

• Distance: 2 miles (loop)
• Trailhead: Bell Rock Trailhead off of Hwy 179
• All Trails Link

Bell Rock Trail is an easy loop offering towering sandstone formations and stunning views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, some of Sedona’s most recognizable rock formations.

4. Bear Mountain

• Distance: 5.5 miles (out-and-back trail)
• Trailhead: Bear Mountain Trailhead on Boynton Pass Road
• All Trails Link

Bear Mountain is a challenging but rewarding trek with beautiful views 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. This is one of the most memorable hikes in Sedona for me; maybe because the challenge felt so rewarding, but also because it felt unique and a different perspective than many of the other trails.

5. Soldier’s Pass

• Distance: 4.5 miles (loop)
• Trailhead: Soldier’s Pass Trailhead at the end of Forest Service 9904 Road
• All Trails Link

Soldier’s Pass 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 are epic views!

6. Boynton Canyon Trail / Subway Cave

• Distance: 7.2 miles (out-and-back trail)
• Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trailhead on Boynton Canyon Road
• All Trails Link

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. 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 and the best part of this hike!

7. Cathedral Rock Trail

• Distance: 1 mile (out-and-back trail)
• Trailhead: Cathedral Rock Trailhead on Back O Beyond Road
• All Trails Link

Cathedral Rock Trail is a fun and unique 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.

8. West Fork Trail

• Distance: 6.5 miles (out-and-back trail)
• Trailhead: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead on N State Rte 89A
• All Trails Link

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.

9. Fay Canyon

• Distance: 2.1 miles (out-and-back trail)
• Trailhead: Fay Canyon Trailhead, Boynton Pass Road
• All Trails Link

Fay Canyon winds through a quiet canyon filled with red cliffs and desert greenery. For an added view, you can take the short scramble up to the natural arch at the end.

10. Munds Wagon, Cow Pies, and Hangover Loop Trail

• Distance: 8.2 miles (loop)
• Trailhead: Mund’s Wagon Trailhead, Schnebly Hill Road
• All Trails Link

Maybe I saved the best one for last?! Mund’s Wagon to Hangover Loop is a fun challenge and has incredible scenery! This is DEFINITELY one of my new favorite hikes in Sedona, when I discovered it on my second trip there! The trail combines epic views, dramatic cliffs that hang overhead, and stretches of smooth sandstone slabs. I recommend going counter-clockwise once you get to the Hangover loop section (there will be a clear sign). This is a hike to remember!

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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 are a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, Sedona’s trails offer plenty of beauty! 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!