Sedona, Arizona, is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that cater to all skill levels amidst its iconic red rock landscapes. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly path, a moderate challenge, or a strenuous adventure, Sedona has something for everyone. Below is a curated list of 15 hiking trails categorized by difficulty, along with the most Instagrammed hikes in the area. For each trail, I’ve provided directions from Brewer Road in Sedona, information on required passes, and links to detailed trail maps on AllTrails.
Easy Hiking Trails (Suitable for Small Children or Wheelchair Accessible):
Bell Rock Pathway
Description: A 3.6-mile round-trip trail offering stunning views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. The wide, flat pathway is suitable for families with children and is partially wheelchair accessible.
Directions: from Brewer Road: Head south on AZ-179 for about 3.5 miles to the Bell Rock Vista trailhead parking area.
Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Bell Rock Pathway
Fay Canyon Trail
Description: A 2.4-mile out-and-back trail that meanders through a picturesque canyon with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for families.
Directions from Brewer Road: Take Dry Creek Road (Forest Road 152C) northwest for about 4.5 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Fay Canyon Trail
West Fork Trail
Description: A 6-mile round-trip trail that follows Oak Creek, featuring multiple stream crossings and lush scenery. While longer, the trail is relatively flat and suitable for families. Directions from Brewer Road: Drive north on AZ-89A for about 9.5 miles to the Call of the Canyon day-use area. Pass Required: $11 day-use fee per vehicle.
AllTrails Link: West Fork Trail
Sedona View Trail
Description: A 1.2-mile out-and-back trail offering panoramic views of Sedona’s red rocks. The paved path is wheelchair accessible and perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Directions from Brewer Road: Head west on Airport Road for about 1 mile to the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout parking area.
Pass Required: None.
AllTrails Link: Sedona View Trail
Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
Description: A 4.2-mile loop trail that circles Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, offering expansive views with minimal elevation change. Suitable for families seeking a longer but easy hike. Directions from Brewer Road: Drive south on AZ-179 for about 4 miles to the Courthouse Vista parking area. Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. AllTrailsLink: Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
Baldwin Trail
Description: A 2-mile loop trail that offers views of Cathedral Rock and access to Oak Creek.
Directions from Brewer Road: Head south on AZ-179 S for about 4 miles, then turn right onto Verde Valley School Road. Continue for 2 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Big Park Loop
Description: A 2.3-mile loop trail that provides panoramic views of the surrounding red rocks.
Directions from Brewer Road: Take AZ-179 S for approximately 6.5 miles. The trailhead parking will be on your right.
Moderate Hiking Trails:
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Description: A 3.9-mile round-trip trail leading to the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. The final ascent involves a steep climb. Directions from Brewer Road: Take Dry Creek Road (Forest Road 152C) northwest for about 2 miles, then turn left onto FR 152 and continue to the trailhead.
Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Devil’s Bridge Trail
Soldier Pass Trail
Description: A 4.5-mile loop featuring attractions like the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools. Directions from Brewer Road: Head west on W. Soldier Pass Road for about 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking area. Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Soldier Pass Trail
Boynton Canyon Trail
Description: A 6.1-mile out-and-back trail that ventures into a scenic box canyon, offering diverse landscapes and a chance to visit the Subway Cave. Directions from Brewer Road: Take Dry Creek Road northwest for about 3 miles, then turn left onto Boynton Pass Road and continue to the trailhead. Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Boynton Canyon Trail
Cathedral Rock Trail
Description: A 1.2-mile round-trip trail that involves a steep and challenging climb to one of Sedona’s most iconic rock formations.
Directions from Brewer Road: Drive south on AZ-179 for about 3.5 miles, then turn right onto Back O Beyond Road and continue to the trailhead. AllTrailsLink: Cathedral Rock Trail
Doe Mountain Trail
Description: A 1.5-mile round trip trail that ascends to a mesa top, providing 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Directions from Brewer Road: Take AZ-89A W for about 3 miles, then turn right onto Dry Creek Road. Continue for 2.9 miles, then turn left onto Boynton Pass Road. After 1.6 miles, the trailhead parking will be on your right. Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
Waring, not for the faint of heart… Difficult Trails
Sedona, Arizona, is renowned for its stunning red rock landscapes and challenging hiking trails that attract adventurers worldwide. For those seeking the ultimate test of endurance and skill, here are five of the most difficult hikes in the area, complete with directions from Brewer Road, information on required passes, and AllTrails links for detailed trail maps and reviews. 
Bear Mountain Trail
Bear Mountain Trail is a strenuous hike that ascends over 2,000 feet in approximately 2.5 miles, offering panoramic views of the surrounding red rock formations. sedonamonthly.com Directions from Brewer Road: Head west on Brewer Road toward AZ-179. Turn right onto AZ-179 N and continue for about 0.3 miles. Turn left onto AZ-89A W and drive approximately 8.5 miles. The trailhead parking lot will be on your right, shared with the Doe Mountain Trail.
Pass Requirement: A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
AllTrailsLink: Bear Mountain Trail
Wilson Mountain Trail
As the highest peak in Sedona, Wilson Mountain offers a challenging hike with significant elevation gain and rewarding summit views.
Description: An 11-mile round trip trail leading to the highest point in Sedona, offering unparalleled vistas.
Directions from Brewer Road: Head west on Brewer Road toward AZ-179. Turn right onto AZ-179 N and continue for about 0.3 miles. Turn left onto AZ-89A N and drive approximately 2.0 miles to the Midgley Bridge parking area, where the trailhead is located.
Pass Requirement: A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
AllTrailsLink: Wilson Mountain Trail
Hangover Trail
The Hangover Trail is known for its technical terrain and exposed sections, making it suitable for experienced hikers seeking a thrilling adventure.
Description: A 7-mile loop known for its narrow ledges and exposed sections, providing thrilling views. Directions from Brewer Road: Head west on Brewer Road toward AZ-179. Turn right onto AZ-179 N and continue for about 0.3 miles. Turn left onto Schnebly Hill Road and drive approximately 4 miles to the Munds Wagon Trailhead, where you can access the Hangover Trail. Note that Schnebly Hill Road is unpaved and may require a high-clearance vehicle.
Pass Requirement: No pass is required for parking at the Munds Wagon Trailhead.
AllTrailsLink: Hangover Trail
Cathedral Rock Trail
Cathedral Rock Trail is a short but steep ascent, requiring some scrambling to reach the summit, where hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views.
Description: A 1.2-mile round trip trail that involves a steep climb, leading to saddle points with breathtaking views.
Directions from Brewer Road: Head west on Brewer Road toward AZ-179. Turn left onto AZ-179 S and continue for about 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Back O Beyond Road and drive approximately 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Pass Requirement: A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.
AllTrailsLink: Cathedral Rock Trail
Huckaby Trail
Huckaby Trail offers a challenging hike with elevation changes and scenic views along Oak Creek and the surrounding red rocks.
Directions from Brewer Road: Head west on Brewer Road toward AZ-179. Turn right onto AZ-179 N and continue for about 0.3 miles. Turn left onto Schnebly Hill Road and drive approximately 0.9 miles to the trailhead parking area near the Midgley Bridge.
Pass Requirement: A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. AllTrailsLink: Huckaby Trail
Pass Information
The Red Rock Pass is a daily or weekly permit required for parking at many trailheads in the Sedona area. The pass costs $5 per day or $15 for one week and can be purchased at fee machines located at the trailheads (credit cards only). If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can use it in place of the Red Rock Pass. The America the Beautiful Pass is a federal lands pass that covers standard amenity fees at national parks and other federal recreation sites, including those requiring a Red Rock Pass. Passes can be purchased at various locations throughout Sedona or online.
Safety Tips
Preparation: Ensure you are physically prepared for these challenging hikes.
Hydration: Carry ample water, especially during warmer months.
Navigation: Use reliable maps or GPS devices, as some trails may have unclear markings.
Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for sudden changes.
Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the trails
Embarking on these trails will provide an unforgettable experience of Sedona’s rugged beauty.
Always hike responsibly and be aware of your limitations.
Sedona, Arizona, is renowned for its breathtaking red rock formations and scenic hiking trails, many of which have become favorites among Instagram enthusiasts. Starting from Brewer Road in Sedona, here are some of the most popular and photogenic hikes, complete with directions, required passes, and AllTrails links for each trailhead.
Cathedral Rock Trail
Cathedral Rock is one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona and is a must-snap Sedona Instagram shot. enjoytravel.com
Directions from Brewer Road: Head south on Brewer Road toward AZ-179.Turn right onto AZ-179 S and continue for approximately 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Back O Beyond Road and follow it to the trailhead parking area.
Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. AllTrailsLink: Cathedral Rock Trail
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge is another Sedona classic! Hike here to explore one of the best sunrise photo locations in the area and to score a photo of you looking AMAZING walking across the Natural Bridge.
Directions from Brewer Road: Head north on Brewer Road toward AZ-89A.Turn left onto AZ-89A and continue for about 3 miles. Turn right onto Dry Creek Road and proceed for 2 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 152 (a rough dirt road; high-clearance vehicles recommended) and continue to the trailhead parking area. Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Devil’s Bridge Trail
Bell Rock Loop
The Bell Rock Pathway might be the most popular trail and one of the easiest of all the hikes in the Sedona area. Plus, the views are incredible. enjoytravel.com
Directions from Brewer Road: Head south on Brewer Road toward AZ-179.Turn right onto AZ-179 S and continue for approximately 6 miles. The Bell Rock Trailhead parking area will be on your left.
Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Bell Rock Loop Trail
Soldier Pass Trail
If you’re looking for another cave hike in Sedona, check out the popular Soldier Pass Trail and Soldier Pass Cave for another fantastic Sedona Instagram spot! Where are those morgans Directions from Brewer Road: Head north on Brewer Road toward AZ-89A. Turn left onto AZ-89A and continue for about 1.5 miles. Turn right onto Soldier Pass Road and proceed for 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking area.
Pass Required: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
AllTrails Link: Soldier Pass Trail
West Fork Trail
West Fork Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, offering a scenic journey along Oak Creek with numerous stream crossings and canyon views.
Directions from Brewer Road: Head north on Brewer Road toward AZ-89A.Turn left onto AZ-89A and continue north for approximately 10 miles.The West Fork Trailhead parking area will be on your left.
Pass Required: A Red Rock Pass is not required; however, there is a separate parking fee at the trailhead.
AllTrails Link: West Fork Trail
Tips:
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can be limited.
- Carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared for varying trail conditions.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the beauty of these natural areas.
Embarking on these trails will not only provide you with unforgettable experiences but also offer countless opportunities to capture stunning photographs to share with your Instagram followers. Happy hiking!
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