The Absolute Best Hikes in Sedona

Sedona, Arizona, is known as a highly spiritual place. The desert town is home to gorgeous red rock formations, steep canyon walls, and pine forests, making it a great destination for hikers and nature lovers alike. In fact, Sedona has some of the best hikes in the country.

With its mild climate and passionate arts and culture community, Sedona offers visitors a unique experience with tons of New Age shops and businesses. On the outskirts of the town, you can also find countless hiking trails of various difficulty levels with breathtaking scenery.

Here are 13 of the best hikes in Sedona.

1. Devil’s Bridge Trail

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: Located in the Sedona area of the Coconino National Forest, Devil’s Bridge Trail is a moderate, short, yet steep trail that provides hikers with a gorgeous view of Red Rock Country. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat for most of the route, with a steep incline, especially toward the end. There are many beautiful plants and wildlife along the path. Don’t forget to bring tons of water, as it can get hot!

Length: 3.9 miles out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

2.  Cathedral Rock Trail

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: Cathedral Rock is known as one of Sedona’s most famous monuments. While the Cathedral Rock Trail is considered challenging, it’s still fit for hikers of various ages and experience levels due to its short length. The hike’s 740+ ft elevation offers breathtaking scenery of Sedona’s arches and rock formations. However, the terrain can be rocky and slippery — especially toward the highest point of the hike — and requires vertical climbing and scrambling at times, so be sure to pack the right footwear! 

Length: 1.2 miles out and back

Difficulty: Hard

3. Boynton Canyon Trail 

Location: Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness

Description: With Sedona’s reputation for being hot and sunny, the shadier and cooler Boynton Canyon Trail is one of the best hikes in Sedona. It’s also deemed a “center for spiritual energy” by many visitors, offering scenic views of desert landscapes, box canyons, and ancient Sinaguan Indian ruins. This trail is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing, and the temperatures are dipping. It’s also known to feature different wildlife, including javelina.

Length: 6.1 miles out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

4. Seven Sacred Pools (via Soldier Pass Trail)

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: This easy trail is great for beginners or those looking for a simple morning hike with great scenery. As its name suggests, a portion of the Soldier Pass Trail takes you directly to the Seven Sacred Pools, a landmark many travelers deem a must-visit destination. The pools are naturally carved out of sandstone and are typically filled with trickling water from a seasonal stream, which includes runoff from rainwater and other natural precipitation. 

Length: 1.1 miles out and back

Difficulty: Easy

5. Soldier Pass Trail

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: As one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, the Soldier Pass Trail in its entirety tends to get crowded fast. This 4.5-mile out-and-back trail is of moderate difficulty. It offers various points of attraction, including Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, Soldier Pass Cave, Soldier Arch, and — as noted above — the Seven Sacred Pools. This trail can be steep and have uneven terrain at times, so be sure to wear the proper hiking footwear and attire. 

Length: 4.5 miles out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

6. Bell Rock Climb

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: The Bell Rock Climb in Coconino National Forest is a short yet moderately-challenging hike. The terrain is rocky and can be slippery throughout the hike, and some scrambling may be required. Many hikers choose to visit this short trail during sunset, as the 360 view offers stunning scenery. 

Length: 0.8 miles out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

7. Birthing Cave

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: The Birthing Cave is an archaeological and sacred cultural site with cryptobiotic soil and sensitive vegetation. Hikers using this path must refrain from taking artifacts, climbing or sitting on walls, or tampering with the site. While the hike is moderate in terms of difficulty, there are some particularly steep and slippery parts — especially toward the end — that require scrambling and appropriate footwear. However, the panoramic views from the cave are worth the trip. Bring lots of water, as there isn’t much shade on the path!

Length: 1.9 miles out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

8. Fay Canyon Trail

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: Open year-round, Fay Canyon Trail is a moderately-challenging hike with wildlife (beware of rattlesnakes!), wildflowers, and shade along the route. Offering views of natural rock formations, box canyons, and waterfalls, the trip is a must-do for hikers in the area. A specific point of interest halfway through the trail is the Fay Canyon Arch, which is a great place to rest and take in the scenery of the surrounding cliffs.

Length: 2.3 miles out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

9. Sedona Airport Loop Trail

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: While relatively flat, the Sedona Airport Loop Trail has rocky yet manageable terrain. The path circles Airport Mesa, and hikers rave about the views on both sides of the airport. There isn’t much shade on the route, and the heat can be sweltering, so be sure to bring lots of water — especially if you’re hiking midday. Sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to embark on this hike.

Length: 3.3-mile loop

Difficulty: Moderate

10. Munds Wagon Trail

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: Following a cattle trail and wagon road, this historic route features beautiful wildflowers and scenery. Two main points of interest along the hike include the Merry-Go-Round and Mitten Ridge rock formations. Parts of the hike require scrambling, so wear proper hiking attire and footwear to ensure safe climbing. Additionally, look out for wildlife like white-tailed rabbits, hummingbirds, pollywogs, and colorful lizards. 

Length: 6.4 miles out and back

Difficulty: Moderate

11. Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop

Location: Munds Mountain Wilderness

Description: This well-kept trail is a moderately-difficult hiking loop filled with small wildlife and rocky terrain. Hikers rave about the colorful wildflowers and gorgeous views of Bell Rock, Cathedral, and Courthouse Butte along the trail, making it one of the best hikes in Sedona. However, beware of rattlesnakes and bring lots of water, as the trail offers little shade during hot days.

Length: 3.9-mile loop

Difficulty: Moderate

12. Bear Mountain Trail

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: The top of Bear Mountain offers a gorgeous 360-degree view, but the hike to get there isn’t easy. The terrain is rocky and rough in many sections, and the temperature can drop a bit drastically at the elevation of 2,024 feet. Be sure to wear shoes with great traction, as there are parts of the trail with a near-vertical drop and slippery rocks. Even the most experienced hikers warn of its challenging uphill climb, but the views are deemed worth the trouble. While you likely won’t see any bears (the mountain got its name because its peak looks like a bear), do watch out for rattlesnakes along the way!

Length: 4.9 out and back

Difficulty: Hard

13. Bell Rock Pathway (via Bell Rock Access Trail)

Location: Coconino National Forest

Description: The Bell Rock Pathway via Bell Rock Access Trail is considered an easy trail for hiking, running, and walking, with a slight yet manageable incline for hikers of all levels and ages. The terrain is flat and perfect for beginners, providing options to cut off to Bell Rock Climb for a more challenging trip if desired. The views offer picturesque backdrops for memorable photos. However, the trail can get a bit muddy, especially during rainy seasons.

Length: 2.7 miles out and back

Difficulty: Easy

Summary of The Absolute Best Hikes in Sedona