10 Best Hiking Trails in Sedona

The Devil’s Bridge Trail is one of the busiest routes in Sedona, thanks to its incredible natural sandstone bridge. Expect to encounter dozens of other hikers along the 4-mile trail, which will be worth it for the jaw-dropping views. The arch is a popular spot to pop the question, so keep an eye out for nervous would-be grooms crouched down on one knee.

The official trailhead starts in an unpaved section of Dry Creek Road. However, you’ll need a high-clearance 4WD to get there. Conventional vehicles must park at the Dry Creek Vista car park, about 1 mile away. As this area frequently fills up, consider taking the free City of Sedona shuttle instead.

The 1.2-mile-long Cathedral Rock Trail is a short but sweet option that leads you to a spectacular sandstone butte in Sedona. As one of the most photographed sites in Arizona, these whimsical spires never fail to attract a crowd.

The easily-accessible hike begins just outside Sedona, near the small town of Chapel. Parking at the trailhead is limited, so get in early or be prepared to double back later in the day. Some scrambling is required to reach the top, but the stunning views make the effort worthwhile.

The Bell Rock Trail climbs uphill towards a gnarled sandstone butte of the same name, which roughly resembles a bell. As one of the most popular Sedona trails, this path gets busy, especially on weekends. Rock up early to the Courthouse Vista car park to snag a spot at the trailhead.

The first part of the mile-long trail is clearly marked, with rock-filled wire baskets and signs indicating the way. The signage disappears about a quarter of the way up, when trekkers get to devise their own route – don’t worry, you won’t get lost.

The Boynton Canyon Trail impresses trekkers with its breathtaking vistas of buttes and desert trees. Spanning almost 6 miles, this gentle and easy-to-navigate route takes about 2.5 hours to complete. However, we highly recommend including a detour to the spectacular Subway Cave.

Rock up during autumn to see the foliage transform into spectacular golden hues, which create a stark contrast against the red sandstone landscape. Sedona’s New-Age residents  believe Boynton has an energy vortex, a swirling mass of cosmic energy that facilitates healing and self-exploration. 

The 4.5-mile-long Soldier Pass Trail begins in the town of Sedona , so you won’t have to venture far to start your journey. However, like many of the best hikes in Sedona, demand in the trailhead car park far exceeds supply. Luckily, there's a free shuttle service to get you there. Alternatively, you could park at the Brins Mesa Trailhead and take an alternative route.

Highlights of this jaw-dropping trail include the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and the murky Seven Sacred Pools. At the end of the trail, the sheltered Soldiers Pass Cave is a lovely spot to relax and enjoy a well-earned lunch.

The Fay Canyon Trail offers a quick and leisurely trip through a shaded, red-rock canyon in Sedona. Thanks to the short length and minimal elevation gain, it’s a great option for novice hikers and families with kids in tow. Vibrant desert flora and striking red cliffs ensure a scenic stroll.

It’s worth taking the quick detour to Fay Canyon Arch, which you’ll find about halfway through the trail. Like most Sedona hikes, the trailhead on Boynton Pass Road has limited parking. Get in early to secure your spot.

The Sedona Airport Trail Loop lets you savour spectacular Red Rock scenery within minutes of touching down. As the name implies, the 3-mile-long route encircles the Sedona Airport, following a lofty rim to afford sweeping views.

Throughout the shrubbery-shrouded trail, you’ll spot famous local landmarks like Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Bell Rock – what better introduction to the land? If you want stunning views without a lengthy hike, head up to the Airport Mesa Viewpoint instead. This popular elevated lookout is a great place to watch the sunset over the arid terrain.

The Birthing Cave takes its name from its womb-shaped opening, which overlooks the spectacular Red Rock scenery. This short and relatively flat trek spans almost 2 miles, leading you to the charming cavern and back. As it’s a sacred Native American site, hikers must strictly adhere to Leave No Trace principles.

Keen photographers should bring a wide-angle lens to snap the best possible shot from inside the cave. If you fancy extending your adventure, take a detour down the 7-mile Long Canyon Trail.

Bear Mountain is among the tallest peaks in Sedona, so don’t come expecting a stroll. This strenuous hike entails 617 metres of elevation gain, which means this route sees far fewer hikers than other Sedona trails. That makes it an excellent option for fit trekkers yearning to escape the crowds.

Juniper trees and flowering cacti line the 5-mile-long route, which features a string of morale-crushing false summits. As there’s scarcely any shade, it’s best to leave early and pack plenty of water and sun protection. The peak can also get pretty windy, so bring a suitable jacket.

The Broken Arrow Trail is a 3-mile-long return route that takes you to a scenic lookout called Chicken Point. About halfway along the way, you’ll come across a quick detour to the aptly named Submarine Rock – it’s well worth the extra effort. Be sure to stop for a happy snap at the sinkhole known as the Devil’s Dining Room.

If you fancy a longer walk, you could add a portion of the Hog Heaven and Twin Buttes Trails. Note that mountain bikers also use these routes, so you’ll need to pay attention to your surroundings.