Sedona's iconic red rock formations at sunset — labeled so you know exactly what you're looking at from the trail
The Ultimate Sedona Hiking Guide —
Every Trail Worth Your Time
15 trails · Easy to expert · Directions from Brewer Road · Pass info · AllTrails links · Updated 2025
"Sedona's trails don't just show you the red rocks. They take you inside them — and that changes something in you that doesn't change back."
Sedona, Arizona is one of the most extraordinary hiking destinations on earth — and we say that without hesitation. Nowhere else can you choose between a paved wheelchair-accessible overlook, a family-friendly canyon walk, a moderate sandstone scramble, and one of the most technically demanding summit hikes in the Southwest — all within a 15-minute drive of each other.
We've hiked every trail on this list — multiple times, in multiple seasons. What follows is our comprehensive guide to 15 of Sedona's best hikes, organized by difficulty, with everything you need: accurate distances, elevation data, pass requirements, real directions from Brewer Road, and links directly to AllTrails. We've also called out the top Instagram-worthy hikes so you know which ones to prioritize for the perfect shot.
One universal rule for all Sedona hikes: carry more water than you think you need. The desert and the elevation will always surprise you. Minimum 2 liters per person per half-day hike, regardless of season.
One of the most beloved trails in Sedona and the perfect introduction to the red rock landscape. The wide, flat pathway circles the base of Bell Rock and neighboring Courthouse Butte, delivering spectacular views without demanding much effort. The iconic dome of Bell Rock looms large the entire way. Flat enough for strollers and partially accessible for wheelchairs — truly suitable for every visitor.
Our personal favorite easy hike — genuinely underrated. Fay Canyon winds through a beautiful shaded canyon with almost no elevation gain. The marked trail technically ends before the canyon's best feature: Fay Canyon Arch, a stunning natural arch hidden just beyond the "end of trail" sign. Push past it — the short scramble is brief and absolutely worth every step.
If you're visiting Sedona in summer or fall, this is your trail. West Fork follows Oak Creek through one of the most spectacular riparian canyons in the Southwest — towering red walls, lush canopy, and the constant sound of flowing water. The trail crosses the creek multiple times (water shoes recommended), and the shade keeps it refreshingly cool even on 100°F days. Extraordinary photography throughout — especially in fall when the canyon explodes with color.
The shortest and most accessible trail on this list — but delivering a genuinely breathtaking 360-degree panorama of Sedona's entire red rock landscape. The paved path is fully wheelchair accessible, and the Airport Mesa vortex energy here is palpable. No Red Rock Pass required. The sunset views from this overlook are among the most spectacular in Sedona — and they're free.
A longer easy option that circles both Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, delivering expansive views from multiple angles throughout the loop. The flat, wide trail is comfortable for families seeking a slightly longer adventure without technical challenge. The full loop gives you a genuine sense of scale — these formations are enormous — and the views of both buttes together are some of the best in the area.
A lovely short loop offering Cathedral Rock views and access to Oak Creek — a great option for a quick morning hike before breakfast. The trail winds through scrubby desert vegetation and red rock landscape, with the iconic Cathedral Rock formation framing your views for much of the route. Connects to Cathedral Rock Trail for those wanting to extend the adventure.
An underrated gem in the Village of Oak Creek providing sweeping panoramic red rock views with minimal effort. The loop skirts open desert terrain with surprisingly unobstructed vistas in every direction. Quieter than most Sedona trails — a welcome reprieve during busy tourist seasons. A solid choice when the major trailheads are packed.
The most Instagrammed hike in all of Sedona — and every photo is earned. Devil's Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area, and the hike winds through stunning juniper-dotted desert with red rock canyon walls rising on both sides. The final approach requires a scramble up to the arch itself, and the views from the top are genuinely breathtaking. Plan your shot in advance. You won't regret it.
One of Sedona's most feature-packed hikes — delivering multiple jaw-dropping attractions in a single outing. The trail passes the Devil's Kitchen (a dramatic collapsed sinkhole) and the Seven Sacred Pools (natural rock pools that fill with water after rain). The Soldier Pass Cave is a photogenic cave with sweeping Sedona views through its arched opening — one of the best Instagram spots anywhere in the area.
The soul hike of Sedona. Boynton Canyon is one of Sedona's most powerful vortex locations and a sacred site to the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The trail winds along the canyon floor between towering red walls draped in Arizona cypress, with a spectacular detour to the Subway Cave — an enormous cave opening with panoramic views that's one of the most awe-inspiring spots we've ever stood. If you're visiting Sedona for its energy and mysticism, start here.
Short but seriously rewarding. Doe Mountain is a flat-topped mesa delivering an extraordinary 360-degree panoramic view from its summit — you can see Sedona's entire red rock landscape in every direction. The ascent is steep but the elevation gain is modest enough that most hikers reach the top comfortably. The flat mesa summit is a wonderful place to sit, breathe, and take it all in.
"The trails don't tell you which one to take. They just wait — and the right one shows up when you need it."
— Sedona Wanderlust
Short mileage, maximum drama. Cathedral Rock is the most photographed formation in all of Arizona — and the trail to its saddle is genuinely difficult despite the short distance. The path involves steep, exposed hand-and-foot scrambling on red slickrock that demands real confidence and proper footwear. The views from the saddle — of the Verde Valley, Sedona, and surrounding formations — are among the most breathtaking in the American Southwest. Worth every heart-pounding step.
The most physically demanding trail in Sedona — and the most rewarding for those who complete it. Bear Mountain ascends over 2,000 feet in approximately 2.5 miles, climbing through four distinct geological formations with increasingly expansive views at each level. The terrain is rocky, relentless, and exposed. Many hikers turn back at the second bench — and that's completely fine. The summit panorama for those who reach the top is a genuinely rare and extraordinary reward.
Wilson Mountain is the highest accessible peak in the Sedona area, and the trail to its summit is a full-day commitment that rewards with unparalleled, unobstructed 360-degree views of the entire Sedona red rock landscape. Views that simply cannot be experienced from any other vantage point. The 11-mile round trip with nearly 2,700 feet of elevation gain is a serious undertaking. Start at dawn, carry a full day's water supply, and bring extra food.
The most technically thrilling trail in Sedona — and the one that most divides opinion. The Hangover Trail earns its name with narrow exposed ledges, vertiginous drop-offs, and sections requiring genuine scrambling confidence. Not for beginners, not for those with a fear of heights, and definitely not for wet weather. For experienced hikers who crave technical adventure, it's one of the most exhilarating experiences the Southwest has to offer.
Red Rock Day Pass: $5/day or $15/week — purchased at fee machines at trailheads (credit card only).
America the Beautiful Annual Pass: $80/year — covers all federal recreation sites including Sedona's Red Rock Country. Outstanding value if you visit more than one national park or monument per year.
Buy both at store.usgs.gov → or at trailhead machines. Note: the $11 West Fork Trail fee is a separate day-use fee system.
Before every hike
Essential safety tips for Sedona trails
The trails are waiting. So is your home base.
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