Are you ready to hike in red rock country? One of the best things to do in Sedona, Arizona is to experience the trails and all of the views they have to offer. There are endless places to find adventure, but the best hikes in Sedona, Arizona will be ones you remember forever.
Sedona, Arizona is a hiker’s paradise.
Coconino National Forest, located in Northern Arizona, is the gorgeous land you will explore full of red rocks and contrasting green trees. Not only that, but you’ll find caves, pools, and Vortex sites, all while you experience the best hikes in Sedona. Before we go too far…
What is a Sedona Vortex?
A Sedona vortex is a center of swirling energy with a powerful ability to calm, heal, and transform your body. When you’re in these energy pockets (which many of these hikes offer), you may feel more relaxed, creative, meditative, or energetic.
Don’t believe me? You’re going to have to try for yourself. It may sound woo-woo, but I can honestly say there is something about these sites (and Sedona as a whole) that brings out different feelings!
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Sedona Hiking Tips
Before I get into the best hikes in Sedona, Arizona, here are a few tips you will want to keep in mind as you are planning for your trip:
- Get an EARLY START: This is IMPORTANT! For starters, you want to find a parking space and the lots are usually full by 8 AM. Prior to that is the best time to arrive. Not to mention, on a hot day, you will not want to be hiking in the afternoon! Get out there before the sun and heat ruin your experience.
- Bring PLENTY of water: A good idea and rule of thumb is to bring 32 oz. for every 2 hours of hiking. Don’t forget to drink a lot of water beforehand as well given the elevation gain of many hikes. This is my FAVORITE water bottle—it stays SO cold.
- You need hiking shoes: Don’t try these hikes without the proper foot gear! Find hiking shoes that are comfortable, remain dry, and have a good grip. They don’t need to be expensive—these Merrells are great.
- Dress in layers: Even in the summer months. If you arrive early (you should), there might still be a chill in the air. Make sure to bring a long-sleeve and/or wind jacket for early-hike comfortability.
- Bring a hiking backpack: A nice, lightweight bag is nice to have to carry the essentials. This is an affordable, cute, and easy-to-pack one.
- WEAR SUNSCREEN: As the song says 🙂 You NEED sun protection in Sedona in all months of the year.
- Don’t forget the Red Rocks Pass: This recreation pass will give you access to most Sedona hikes. A daily pass is $5, a week (7 consecutive days) is $15, and an annual is $20.
- LEAVE NO TRACE: Guys, don’t leave trash on the trail. And if you see someone else’s, pick it up.
The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
Choose any of these hikes below, follow the tips above, and you will have a great experience. Here we go!
Bell Rock (Vortex Site)
EASY-Mod | 0.8 MILES | 203 FT. ELEV GAIN
The Bell Rock hike might be a short distance, but it does come with a bit of a challenge and a steep incline. As the name states, you will climb the “bell,”—also a sight you see right as you drive into Sedona!
From the top, you get amazing views of the red rocks (you don’t even need to make it all the way to the top for them). Plus, this is a great place to experience a vortex so pay attention to your body and emotions.
There are two parking lots for Bell Rock. The north lot is the closest with a short walk to where you start climbing. The southern lot will add a mile or so to the hike. Note: kids are known to love this one since you incorporate climbing.
PLAN: 30 MINS | MAP
Cathedral Rock Trail (Vortex Site)
Moderate-Hard | 1.2 MILES | 741 FT. ELEV GAIN
If you have only heard of a couple of Sedona hikes, then Cathedral Rock is probably one of them! This is one of the most popular hikes in the area—and for good reason.
It’s a pretty short trail, but a steep climb at points of your journey. Take in the green amongst all of the red rock formations. And once you reach the top, enjoy panoramic views of Sedona, including Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.
PLAN: 1 hour | MAP
Bear Mountain Trail
hard | 5.0 MILES | 2,024 FT. ELEV GAIN
I will start off by saying: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART! Bear Mountain is a beast to tackle, but you will feel very accomplished and are rewarded with beautiful red rock scenery.
It’s one of the best hiking trails in Sedona if you are up for the challenge!
The elevation gain from the parking lot to the end of the trail is what makes this hike a doozy. And add in a bit of Sedona heat and sun, and you are in for a memorable (good or bad, not sure! lol) day. I HIGHLY recommend getting started by 6 AM in the summer months.
While hiking Bear Mountain, you will find white, rectangular shapes that will point you in the right direction. It gets a bit confusing in the beginning so download your map beforehand or you might find yourself on a short detour. Take your time, bring enough water, enjoy the views and you will soon enough be at the end of the trail.
PLAN: 3.5-4 hours | MAP
Devil’s Bridge Trail
moderate | 3.9 MILES | 521 FT. ELEV GAIN
One of the best photos you can get in Sedona (if you’re willing to wait.) Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular trails as it offers a natural sandstone arch that not only offers spectacular views but a picture you will remember forever!
This moderate trail is made even more popular due to it leaning on the side of easy. There is a parking lot off Dry Creek Road and let me tell you, it will fill up FAST. While getting here early might help a little, you’re still going to wait 1-2 hours for the photo.
And if you do decide to wait, know that walking out onto the bridge is not scary. It’s much thicker than it looks while you are waiting. (And keep in mind to be quick—there are so many people waiting.)
PLAN: 1 hour, 45 MINS | MAP
Brins Mesa Trail
moderate | 4.5 MILES | 951 FT. ELEV GAIN
Brins Mesa can be done on its own or in combination with Soldier Pass for a longer loop—more on that trail below. Once you get started, the main trail is relatively flat but will soon turn into the moderate hike it is with some elevation gain!
You will reach the mesa along with the beautiful grass meadow with huge red rocks as the backdrop. It is a beautiful hike!
The Brins Mesa Trailhead has a large parking lot (you’ll hit a dirt road beforehand) and is just a super short walk to the start of the trail
PLAN: 2.5 hours | MAP
Boynton Canyon Trail (Vortex Site)
moderate | 6.1 MILES | 826 FT. ELEV GAIN
This is one of my FAVORITE hikes in Sedona with some of the coolest, best views. The start of the trail starts out pretty flat and, luckily, heavily shaded, if you can get here in the morning.
Eventually, you will start going upwards and find yourself right at the caves. There are a couple of ways to get up but make sure you explore it ALL before you go. Vast views, and fun to climb around.
The Boynton Canyon parking area will likely be full by 8 AM so make sure you get here early. (There is additional street parking if needed, but it only adds to your 6 miles!)
PLAN: 2.5 hours | MAP
Soldier Pass Trail (Seven Sacred Pools)
moderate | 4.5 MILES | 839 FT. ELEV GAIN
I have not had a chance to complete this hike, but it is at the top of my list! Beautiful views are said to start as soon as you begin your journey!
Not only views, but this great trail also offers a sinkhole, seven sacred pools, and slightly off the path— a cave. You can pair this with Brins Mesa Trail as well. TIP: It’s best to park in the larger lot of Brins Mesa than the small, 14-car lot at the Solider Pass trailhead.
PLAN: 2 hours | MAP
Airport Mesa Trail
EASY | 3.2 MILES | 416 FT. ELEV GAIN
This easy hike is one of the best places for sunset and a great way to end a day in Sedona. You start with a climb up but it does turn into a flat trail around the mesa with incredible views throughout.
You will soon hit the Airport Mesa Scenic Lookout Point which is where you want to stop and take in the setting sun against the red rocks and green trees. Keep in mind—you WON’T be the only one!
PLAN: 1 hour, 15 mins | MAP
More of the Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
I have been to Sedona twice, which means I have not hit ALL of the (what feels like endless) Sedona hiking trails. As I explore the area more, I will update my blog post with more information.
Here is an additional list of the best hikes in Sedona:
- Doe Mountain Trail: start at the beautiful Secret Mountain Wilderness and gain 538 feet of elevation to reach a spot with amazing red rock views. This is a moderate hike and more secluded than others!
- West Fork Trail (Oak Creek Canyon): one of the easier hikes in Sedona that runs along the creek.
- Fay Canyon Trail: Great hike that you can squeeze into any time of day—and pair with another hike that day since it’s only 2.5 miles round trip.
- Courthouse Butte Loop Trail: An easy loop trail that goes around the base of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. This is a great hike for kids!
- Birthing Cave: Explore the cave on this easy trail (outside of climbing into it!) This is a good one for the whole family and you will get some amazing photos!
- Broken Arrow Trail: An easy trail along a 4×4 road. It’s worth noting that you will share this road with tours and off-road vehicles. But there are some pretty spectacular views.
Where to Go AFTER the Best Hikes in Sedona
All hikes need a reward, am I right?! And you will find some amazing food and drinks in Sedona. My FAVORITE post-hike stops:
- The Vault Uptown: Upscale sports bar with next-level views inside and out.
- The Hideaway House: Great food and an awesome outdoor patio.
- Pisa Lisa: Maybe the best food in Sedona? FOR SURE the best pizza!
For more places, READ: Where to Eat in Sedona. (Coming soon: THE BEST BARS IN SEDONA.)
The Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
There you have it! The best hikes in Sedona! All of these (and more) are fantastic Sedona trails and once you reach the end of the hike, you’ll leave feeling happier and healthier—with a lot more beautiful photos!
Which hike did I miss? Let me know in the comments so I can add it to my list!
