13 Best Sedona Hikes For Stunning Red Rock Views
If your idea of a perfect day includes fresh air, wide-open views, and a little burn in your legs, Sedona delivers in a big way.
This breakdown of the best hiking trails in Sedona highlights routes that capture the region’s most iconic scenery while keeping planning simple and stress-free.
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1. Cathedral Rock Trail
Cathedral Rock Trail is short but packs a punch, just 1.1 miles round trip with a steep, scrambly climb. You’ll need both hands and feet for some parts, so don’t wear your city sneakers.
Starting from Back O Beyond Road, you’ll climb about 600 feet up—views get better with every step. It gets busy on weekends, so if you’re not into crowds, early mornings are better.
At the saddle, take a moment to breathe and soak up those 360-degree views. Most people finish in 1-2 hours, but it’s worth lingering at the top for a while.
2. Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s biggest sandstone arch, and yes, you can walk across it—if you’re not afraid of heights. The 1.6-mile round-trip hike climbs 371 feet from Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, starting at 4,600 feet elevation.
There are two main trailheads: Dry Creek and Mescal. Mescal usually has more parking, which is a relief during the busy season. Getting there means bumping along a rough dirt road; high-clearance vehicles are the way to go.
The arch itself is 45 feet long but only five feet wide up top, so it’s a bit of a thrill. Views from up there are unreal. Just know it’s a hotspot—weekends can get crowded.
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3. Courthouse Butte & Bell Rock Loop
The Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop puts you right up against two of Sedona’s most iconic formations. It’s a 4-mile loop that stays mostly flat, making it easy to just enjoy the scenery without worrying about your footing.
Great for beginners or anyone who’d rather focus on snapping photos than breaking a sweat. The rocks tower above you, and the path is so well-marked it’s almost impossible to get lost. Early morning hikes mean better light and fewer people wandering into your shots.
4. Boynton Canyon Trail
The Boynton Canyon Trail is a crowd-pleaser, winding through a box canyon with the signature Sedona red walls rising up on both sides. It’s about 6 miles round trip with 930 feet of elevation gain, so it’s not too tough but still gives you a little workout.
Easy access from town, paved roads, and clear signage make it a solid pick for groups. If you want to spice things up, check out the Boynton Vortex or take the side trail to Subway Cave. The hike ends at the head of the canyon beneath Bear Mountain—pretty dramatic stuff.
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5. Soldier Pass Trail
Soldier Pass Trail runs 4 miles with moderate ups and downs—expect to spend 2-4 hours exploring. There’s about 640 feet of elevation gain, and along the way, you’ll spot arches and red rock features that make Sedona famous.
The real showstopper is Soldier Pass Cave, hidden in the cliffs. October through May brings the best hiking weather, but if you don’t mind the heat, summer’s doable.
Parking can be a pain—sometimes there’s a shuttle wait, or you can just walk the extra mile in. Dogs are welcome, as long as they’re leashed.
6. Bear Mountain Trail
Bear Mountain Trail is 4.6-mile round trip with some serious elevation gain, so be ready to sweat. The climb is steep, with a few flat spots to catch your breath.
The top gives you wide-open views—look north for the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff on a clear day. Plan for 4 to 5 hours, and definitely pack extra water and snacks for your summit break. It’s a tough one, but those views are worth every step.
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7. Fay Canyon Trail
Fay Canyon Trail is a gentle 2-mile out-and-back, perfect if you want red rock views without climbing. Elevation gain is minimal, so it’s a good pick for families or anyone wanting an easy day.
You’ll wind through a narrow canyon shaded by sandstone walls, with desert plants and quirky rock formations everywhere. If you’re feeling curious, take the side trip to Fay Canyon Arch, one of Sedona’s longest arches. The trail ends at a big red wall, but the views along the way are what it’s all about.
8. West Fork Trail
The West Fork Trail follows Oak Creek through a red rock canyon packed with cottonwoods and maples. You’ll cross the stream a bunch of times on this 6.9-mile out-and-back, so bring waterproof boots.
Come fall, the leaves turn wild shades of yellow and orange. The canyon walls keep things cool and shaded, which is a relief in summer. The trail is mostly flat, with some fun rock-hopping as you follow the creek. Expect to spend 3-4 hours if you’re doing the whole thing.
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9. Doe Mountain Trail
The Doe Mountain Trail crams a lot of scenery into just 2 miles. There’s a steep, rocky climb up to a flat mesa, and from the top, the view stretches on forever.
Bear Mountain, Maroon Mountain, Wilson Mountains—they’re all on the horizon. Secret Canyons, Chimney Rock, and the Cockscomb add some extra drama. If the sky’s clear, you might even spot Sedona and Munds Mountain way off in the distance.
10. Wilson Mountain Trail
Wilson Mountain Trail is the tallest in Sedona at 7,122 feet, and the views from up there are wild. It’s not for beginners; you’ll climb over 2,000 feet, mostly in the first half.
The rocky, steep path keeps most folks away, so if you like your hikes quiet, this is a solid pick. The 12-mile round trip takes you to a flat basalt plateau with plenty of room to wander and take in epic red rock panoramas. Starting from Midgley Bridge, it’s a challenge, but the solitude and scenery pay off.
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11. Airport Loop Trail
The Sedona Airport Loop Trail circles Airport Mesa and delivers big views of the red rocks. It’s a 3.5-mile loop up on Table Top Mountain, so you’re looking down on the whole valley.
Parts of the path are rocky and trickier than you’d expect—don’t forget water and sunscreen, since there’s barely any shade and summer afternoons can get hot (38°C/100°F or more).
The loop gives you 360-degree views of Oak Creek Valley and all the famous formations. Some stretches get narrow, so keep an eye on your footing. Morning hikes are cooler and usually quieter.
12. Hangover Trail
The Hangover Trail is one for the thrill-chasers. It’s 5.8 miles and starts easy enough on an OHV road, but soon you’re climbing steeply up to Pointed Dome.
After a tough stretch, you’ll hit a saddle with big exposure and sweeping views over Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona from the east.
Plan for about 5.5 hours if you want to really soak it all in. It’s a demanding hike, so bring extra water and get an early start to dodge the worst of the heat.
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13. Munds Wagon Trail
The Munds Wagon Trail serves up classic red rock views, minus the headache of jam-packed parking. Originally a cattle trail out of Sedona, it turned into a wagon road back in 1902. Hikers today still follow the same dusty route pioneers once did.
Munds Wagon Trail has two main trailheads. The west trailhead is the easier option with paved-road access, while the east trailhead sits farther up Schnebly Hill Road and usually requires a high-clearance 4WD vehicle to reach safely.
From there, the route twists through the rocks, revealing one jaw-dropping vista after another. A few spots require scrambling over boulders; it’s not exactly a walk in the park, but it keeps things interesting.
