The Essential Hiking Gear Guide for Sedona
"Sedona's trails are some of the most beautiful on earth — and also some of the most unforgiving. What you wear on your feet here matters more than almost anywhere else."
The red rock terrain is a unique combination of smooth slickrock, loose sand, gravel, and technical scrambling — often all on the same trail. The sun is intense year-round. The elevation sits at 4,350 feet. And the trails are so gorgeous you'll always end up hiking further than you planned. Getting your gear right before you arrive isn't just a comfort thing — it's a safety thing.
We've put together the definitive Sedona hiking gear guide, from the best shoes and boots for the terrain to the clothing, sun protection, and accessories that make the difference between a great hike and a miserable one. Everything here comes with our genuine recommendation — and links to buy both locally in Sedona and online.
Season by season
What Sedona's terrain demands year-round
Spring & Fall are Sedona's prime hiking seasons — 60–80°F, dry, and perfect for longer hikes. Breathable trail shoes work great. Summer is hot (90–100°F by midday), requiring maximum breathability, early starts, and extra hydration. Winter brings cooler temps (35–55°F), occasional snow above 5,000 feet, and the need for waterproofing and layers. The good news: Sedona's hiking footwear needs are remarkably consistent year-round — grip and ankle support matter in every season.
"Sedona's red rock will eat your shoes. Whatever you bring, make sure it has real grip — the slickrock is as advertised."
— Local Sedona trail guide wisdomWomen's footwear
The best women's hiking shoes & boots for Sedona
The number one rated women's hiking shoe for 2025–2026 by OutdoorGearLab, Switchback Travel, and REI. The X Ultra 5 is a masterclass in balance — agile enough to feel like a trail runner, stable enough for technical Sedona slickrock, and with Gore-Tex waterproofing for winter creek crossings. Salomon's All-Terrain Contagrip rubber bites beautifully into loose gravel and red rock. The Quicklace system is a Sedona morning game-changer.
Hoka's legendary cushioning meets trail performance. The Anacapa 2 is the most comfortable hiking shoe we've ever tested — zero break-in, cloud-like support on Sedona's rocky terrain, and a Gore-Tex lining that keeps your feet dry on creek crossings and winter hikes. The sugarcane EVA midsole is both sustainable and supremely soft. If your feet give you trouble on long hikes, this is your shoe.
The Merrell Moab is the most popular hiking shoe ever made — and for good reason. The Moab 3 is an upgrade across the board with a better insole, cushier midsole, and the updated Vibram TC5+ outsole that grips Sedona's varied terrain reliably. Available in wide widths. A dependable, comfortable, affordable hiker that works beautifully on Sedona trails in every season. The classic choice that never lets you down.
For women who want genuine ankle support on Sedona's more technical trails — Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Secret Slick Rock — the Keen Targhee IV Mid is the definitive choice. Keen's famously wide, roomy toe box is a lifesaver on long descents when your feet swell. The waterproof leather upper sheds water and resists Sedona's notorious red dust abrasion better than mesh alternatives.
Men's footwear
The best men's hiking shoes & boots for Sedona
REI's 2026 Editors' Choice Award winner for hiking boots with a score of 97/100. The On Cloudrock Mid brings On Running's signature CloudTec cushioning to the trail — the result is a boot that feels like walking on air while still delivering serious grip and stability on technical terrain. Stunning design that transitions seamlessly from Sedona's trails to Uptown for dinner. Multiple testers call it the most comfortable boot they've ever worn.
Consistently rated the best overall hiking shoe by Switchback Travel, OutdoorGearLab, and The Trek — and our top men's pick for Sedona. The latest X Ultra 5 features Kevlar-reinforced uppers (dramatically more durable than previous versions), Salomon's All-Terrain Contagrip rubber outsole, and a structured heel cup for precision on descents. The Quicklace system means you can dial in the fit in seconds at the trailhead.
Gear Patrol's Best Overall Hiking Boot for 2025 — and it's immediately obvious why. The Kaha 3 GTX features double the industry-standard EVA cushioning (two full inches), waterproof nubuck leather, and a sugarcane midsole that's both sustainable and supremely comfortable. The slightly rockered profile delivers a springy, efficient stride even on technical Sedona trails. Worth every dollar for hikers who prioritize all-day comfort.
The Moab Speed 2 Mid is the evolution of a legendary boot — lighter, more breathable, and more agile than the classic Moab 3 while retaining Merrell's signature Vibram outsole. The mesh upper is notably breathable for a waterproof boot, making it a standout choice for Sedona's summer heat. One tester completed a 100+ mile thru-hike without a single blister. The out-of-the-box comfort is exceptional — ridiculously comfy from mile one.
Don't skip this
The most underrated piece of gear: your socks
Sedona guides say it every time: wool hiking socks will change your life on the trail. No cotton, ever. Merino wool regulates temperature in summer heat and winter cold, wicks moisture, prevents blisters, and can be worn multiple days without odor. This is not optional — it's the single highest-impact gear upgrade most casual hikers haven't made yet.
What to wear
Clothing essentials for every season in Sedona
Don't leave without these
Essential accessories for Sedona hiking
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Hydration Pack or 2L+ Water SystemSedona is a desert at elevation. Minimum 2 liters per person per half-day hike — more in summer. Hydration bladder packs (CamelBak, Osprey) make drinking while hiking easy and allow you to carry more water than bottles. Do not underestimate this. Shop at REI →
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Sunscreen SPF 50+ (and lots of it)Sedona's red rocks reflect UV radiation. At 4,350 feet elevation, UV intensity is meaningfully higher than at sea level. Apply before you start, and reapply every 90 minutes. Mineral sunscreen is recommended — kinder to the environment and more effective in dry conditions. Shop at REI →
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Trekking PolesHighly recommended by locals even on moderate hikes. The extra stability on loose gravel and slickrock significantly reduces ankle twist risk. Essential on Cathedral Rock's steep descent and any technical scramble. Black Diamond and Leki are the gold standards. Shop at REI →
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AllTrails App (downloaded offline)Sedona's trails are notoriously poorly marked. AllTrails Pro with offline maps downloaded before you leave your rental is essential — cell service is spotty on many trailheads and completely absent on others. Don't rely on cell signal. AllTrails Pro →
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Red Rock Pass ($5/day or America the Beautiful)Required at most Sedona trailheads. America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers all federal recreation areas including Sedona's Red Rock Country — an incredible value if you visit more than one national park or monument per year. America the Beautiful Pass →
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Day Pack (15–25L)Even on short hikes, you need to carry water, snacks, sun protection, a first aid kit, and layers. A lightweight 15–25L daypack with a hip belt to distribute weight is the ideal size for Sedona day hiking. Osprey Daylite and REI Flash are excellent options. Shop at REI →
Buy local in Sedona
Where to gear up before you hit the trail
Forgot something at home? Need expert local trail advice alongside your purchase? Sedona has excellent options for gear right in town — the staff at these shops actually hike these trails and can give you the real-deal recommendations.
Gear up. Then come stay with us.
Sedona Wanderlust's women-owned vacation homes put you steps from the trailheads — with local knowledge, trail maps, and gear recommendations baked into every stay. No service fees. Just Sedona.
Book your Sedona stay →