The first time I visited Sedona, it was for a work retreat. Before that trip ended, I knew I’d be back. I’ll be the first to admit, I’m not usually into the “woo-woo” side of things that Sedona is famous for – the crystals, vortexes, and spiritual energy – but there’s something undeniably magical and healing about this place.
Here’s a fun fact: millions of years ago, Sedona was completely underwater, part of a tropical ocean. When the Colorado Plateau rose to form the Grand Canyon, the shifting Earth cracked and shaped the canyons, streams, and creeks we see in Sedona today. The iconic orange-red rocks? They’re the result of millions of years of sedimentation, erosion, and lava flows, with their vibrant hues coming from iron oxide (yep – rust).
These towering, fiery-red rock formations result in breathtaking views in every direction, and seeing them in person is the only way to truly appreciate the sacred beauty.
Whether it’s your first visit to Sedona or your tenth, the magic never fades. With more than 200 trails spanning over 400 miles, there’s no shortage of adventure. Below, I’m sharing some of my favorite hikes along with tips to make the most of your trip. Let’s dive in!
Leave No Trace
Sedona’s beauty is a treasure, and preserving it is a responsibility we all share. Practicing conscious hiking and following the “Leave No Trace” principles ensures that this stunning landscape can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Stick to designated trails and paths
The trails in Sedona are well-marked and maintained for good reason. Wandering off the path might seem harmless, but it can damage plants, disturb wildlife, and even put you at risk of harming smaller creatures you might not notice underfoot. In this case, staying on the beaten path is the right thing to do.
Reduce waste
Bring reusable water bottles and food containers to cut down on single-use plastics, and always pack out what you pack in. That means taking everything with you, including fruit peels, paper products, and pet waste.
Leave what you find
It might be tempting to take home a unique rock, stick, or plant as a souvenir, but imagine if every one of Sedona’s millions of visitors per year did the same. The result? A landscape stripped of its natural beauty. Keep everything in its place – no makeshift cairns, either!
Respect wildlife
Seeing wildlife on the trail is exciting (I was paralyzed with happiness the first time I saw a javelina), but remember to observe from a safe distance. Getting too close or making loud noises can stress animals, cause them to flee, or even provoke defence behavior. And please, don’t feed them! Human food can make animals sick, and feeding them can lead to unsafe interactions for both you and them.
By following these simple principles, you can help protect Sedona’s environment while enjoying all it has to offer.
Cathedral Rock Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 741 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (depending on your fitness level)
- Trailhead location: Off Back’O’Beyond Road
- Pet-friendly: Yes, but the scrambling makes it a tough hike for most dogs, so proceed with caution
- Parking: There are two parking lots near the trailhead, but from Thursday through Sunday, parking is prohibited and the trailhead is only accessible via the Sedona Shuttle. Alternatively, you can reach the trail through the Baldwin and Templeton trails.
- Fee: You’ll need a Red Rock Pass – $5 per day or $15 for the week, available at the trailhead’s fee machine (credit card only). Or, use your America the Beautiful Pass if you have one.
Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes. But heads up—it’s also tough. At just 1.2 miles, it may be short, but the trail climbs steeply from the start, with plenty of scrambling and increasingly challenging sections as you ascend. Look for the mesh-wire rock bins to stay on track, and once you reach the “End of Trail” sign, get ready to soak in jaw-dropping 360-degree views. Cathedral Rock is also one of Sedona’s four main energy vortexes.
If you’re not used to scrambling or narrow trail sections, this hike might feel intimidating at times. Just take it slow, stay hydrated, and focus on enjoying the journey.
For an unbeatable photo opp, venture out onto the “saddle,” a narrow 5-foot-wide ledge that offers incredible views. But if heights aren’t your thing, skip it and still enjoy amazing views from a safer spot.
Pro Tip: Visiting in summer? Start early! This trail has zero shade, and the midday heat can be brutal. Trust me, it’s worth the early alarm.
West Fork Trail
- Distance: 6.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 564 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead location: About halfway between milepost 385 and 384, 17.5 miles south of Flagstaff or 9.5 miles north of Sedona. The trailhead is on the west side of the highway, down a paved lane behind a few creekside houses.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
- Parking: Park at the Call O’ The Canyon day area, about a quarter mile north of the trailhead
- Fee: $12 per vehicle and $3 per person
West Fork isn’t often spotlighted in Sedona hiking roundups, which feels like a shame—or maybe it’s a blessing in disguise! This trail is a gem, offering a refreshing change of pace from Sedona’s more exposed and rocky routes. Tucked away in a canyon, West Fork feels secluded and serene, with plenty of shade provided by towering trees and canyon walls.
The trail follows a gentle, sandy path alongside the creek, leading you through 13 stream crossings (don’t worry, they’re manageable unless the water levels are unusually high). All the while, you’re treated to the sight of the canyon’s dramatic walls rising above you.
Eventually, the trail ends where the canyon narrows completely, leaving you no choice but to turn around—or get your feet wet if you’re feeling adventurous. Along the way, take time to marvel at the intricate patterns carved into the rock by centuries of flowing water and snap some incredible photos.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more tranquil Sedona experience, West Fork is not to be missed.
Soldier Pass & Seven Sacred Pools
- Distance: 4.8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 823 ft.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Trailhead location: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west 1.2 miles to Soldier Pass Road on the right. Go 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Drive, then right 0.2 miles (keep straight ahead where Rim Shadows branches left) to a gated entry road to trailhead parking on the left.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
- Parking: This trailhead only has 14 parking spots. You can find additional parking at the Jim Thompson Trailhead off of Jordan road.
- Fee: $6 permit or America the Beautiful Pass
This hike offers an unforgettable journey through Sedona’s desert landscape, starting with Devil’s Kitchen, a dramatic sinkhole created by the collapse of underground caverns. A short distance ahead, you’ll encounter the Seven Sacred Pools—a series of natural, water-filled rock basins that create a striking visual contrast against the surrounding red rocks.
Farther along the trail, you’ll find a spur leading to Soldier Pass Cave and Soldier Arch. Though short, this section is steep and requires some scrambling, but you’ll be rewarded with a cave to explore and panoramic views of the valley below. After soaking in the scenery, retrace your steps back to the main Soldier Pass Trail to continue your hike.
This trail blends iconic landmarks, unique geological features, and breathtaking vistas, making it one of Sedona’s must-visit routes.
Birthing Cave Trail
- Distance: 1.9 miles (out-and-back)
- Elevation Gain: 232 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy (until the cave climb, which can be challenging)
- Trailhead location: Long Canyon Trailhead
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
- Parking: The trailhead has a very small parking lot. Overflow parking is available along the shoulder of Long Canyon Road, or you can park the nearby Mescal Trailhead.
- Fee: None
The Birthing Cave Trail is a short but rewarding hike, leading to a unique cave with breathtaking views. Most of the trail is wide, flat, and sandy with minimal elevation gain. About 0.6 miles in, you’ll reach a wooden fence. Before the fence, turn left onto an unmarked, narrower path heading toward the cave (the trail to the right leads to Long Canyon). Continue for another 0.3 miles, then look for a trail on the right that ascends toward the cliffs. Follow this uphill path, guided by the sound of voices if the trail feels unclear – this is a popular spot.
Climbing into the cave requires a bit of scrambling, but the effort is worth it. From the entrance, turn around to take in sweeping views of Sedona. For the best vantage point, climb partway up the cave walls, but be careful as there’s little to grip. Make sure you wear sturdy hiking boots with excellent traction.
Legend has it that the cave was used by Hope women during childbirth, though its name might evoke other interpretations once you see it in person …
For fewer crowds and great photo lighting, visit in the mid-to-late afternoon. Be prepared for minimal cell service – downloading the trail map beforehand is a must. I find the AllTrails Pro app particularly helpful to use for offline access to maps.
Pro Tip: Losing daylight can make this trail even trickier, so plan your timing carefully. On my visit, I got turned around on the way back but managed to follow the sound of voices from others leaving the cave before me – a helpful reminder of why preparation is key!
Sugarloaf Loop Summit & Teacup Loop
- Distance: 2 miles
- Elevation Gain: 377 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead location: Off Buena Vista Road
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
- Parking: The trailhead has a small parking lot, but turnover is frequent due to the short hike, so waits generally aren’t long if it’s full.
- Fee: $5 for aparking pass or use the America the Beautiful Pass
This trail might not be Sedona’s best-kept secret, but it’s an underrated hidden gem that often flies under the radar. Despite being quick and mostly flat, it offers stunning 360-degree views, making it a must-see for hikers of any level.
Start by following signs for Teacup Trail, as Sugarloaf isn’t immediately marked. Rock cairns will guide your way. You’ll soon arrive at a junction where you’ll see Sugarloaf Loop Trail to the right – take this path. Along the way, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Capitol Butte (Thunder Mountain) on your left.
This trail is ideal for a sunrise or sunset hike, offering expansive vistas without a strenuous climb.
Bell Rock Loop Trail
- Distance: 1.9 miles (loop)
- Elevation Gain: 232 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead location: Accessible from two main parking lots, Bell Rock Trailhead North and South, with Yavapai Vista Point as an additional nearby option.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
- Fee: $5/day, $15/week, or $20/year via the Red Rock Pass, available at trailhead kiosks. The America the Beautiful Pass is also accepted.
The Bell Rock Loop Trail is a scenic and beginner-friendly hike, perfect for exploring one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks. The well-maintained path offers stunning views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and surrounding formations. It’s a great option for families or casual hikers, though experienced adventurers can tackle a climb up Bell Rock for an added challenge. Just remember: climbing up is often easier than coming back down—know your limits!
This loop stays on relatively flat terrain and can be completed in either direction, though the north and south sections offer the most impressive views. For a memorable experience, plan your hike at sunrise or sunset to catch the best light and avoid crowds.
Pro Tip: Start early for cooler temperatures and fewer people. Bring sunglasses if hiking in the morning, as parts of the trail face directly into the sun.
Airport Loop Trail
- Distance: 3.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 429 ft.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Trailhead location: From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 89A west for 1 mile to Airport Road on the left. Go 0.5 miles and park in the turnout on the left.
- Pet-friendly: Yes, leashed
- Parking: Free
- Fee: N/A
The Airport Loop Trail takes you around the upper slope of Airport Mesa (aka Table Top Mountain) and delivers panoramic views of Sedona with relatively little effort. The trail is mostly level for the first mile before gently ascending over basalt boulders to the top of the mesa’s south corner.
If you’re looking for a straightforward hike with big visual rewards, this one fits the bill. Honestly, though, the full 3.3-mile loop might not feel necessary. Hike as far as you’d like to soak in the views, and turn back when you’re ready—it’s that kind of trail.
Once you’re finished, consider making a pit stop at Mesa Grill Sedona, located next to the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout. Enjoy a meal with a view as small planes take off and glide through the surrounding red rock vistas. It’s a perfect way to cap off this relaxed adventure.
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