18 Unbelievable Trails for Hiking in Sedona in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST TRAILS FOR HIKING IN SEDONA?

You’ve landed on the right page! We’ve been visiting Sedona since 2016 and absolutely love it there! One of the places we most love to hike just happens to be Sedona, Arizona!

Hiking in Sedona is so much fun because of the beautiful views and all the diverse landmarks you can hike to. Sedona’s red rock views, energy vortexes, caves, and endless miles of trails make for a unique and magical hiking experience.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or a casual hiker looking to spend a few hours in Red Rock Country, Sedona has a hiking trail for everyone. The best hikes in Sedona AZ will take you to some unique places filled with dramatic views and more.   

Table of Contents

Trails for Hiking in Sedona
Short and Easy Hikes in Sedona
Sedona Vortex Hikes
Best Hikes in Sedona with Water
Hiking in Sedona Map
Tips for Hiking in Sedona
What Do I Need to Hike in Sedona?
Where to Stay in Sedona

Trails for Hiking in Sedona

Here is a list of what we consider to be the best hikes in Sedona along with helpful information about each of the trails. We have categorized them into moderate/hard hikes and easy hikes in Sedona. If you are visiting Sedona with kids or aren’t an avid hiker, there are still lots of great hikes to enjoy.  

Hopefully, this will give you a good idea of what to expect along the Sedona hiking trails, what to make sure you bring, and how to best plan your time in Sedona.

1. Devil’s Bridge

• Length: 2 to 4 miles (Depending on 4×4 availability)
• Elevation Gain: 450 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Devil’s Bridge Trailhead (Mescal Trailhead without 4×4)

This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, AZ, and for a great reason. Devil’s Bridge is one of the most iconic and sought-after pictures in Sedona. The views along the trail are beautiful, especially after you start your ascent up to the bridge.

The Devil’s Bridge Trailhead is along a 4×4 road meaning that you have to have a four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle to park at this Sedona trailhead. If you do not, you can hike along the Mescal Trail, starting at the Mescal Trailhead, or walk down Dry Creek Road, the 4×4 road.

We prefer hiking the Mescal Trail to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead rather than walking down Dry Creek Road. From the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead there is about a two-mile walk to Devil’s Bridge. The closer you get to the bridge, the steeper the trail gets. Our twins who were six at the time of the hike did a great job on the trail, but we did have to take some extra breaks during the ascent.

This is a popular trail in Sedona so be prepared to share the trail, and you probably will have to wait in line at the bridge to get a picture if you would like one. This is a great place to spend sunrise or sunset in Sedona.

Read More: How to Hike to Devil’s Bridge

2. Keyhole Cave via the Sugarloaf Trail

• Length: 2.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 530 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Sugarloaf Trailhead

We love hiking to a cool cave and this one is no exception. If you want to visit a cave but want to escape the busy trails of Soldiers Pass or Boynton Canyon, this is a great option. It is more off the beaten path than the other Sedona hiking trails.

The parking lot at the Sugarloaf Trailhead is small but the hikes here are pretty short leading to fast turnover in the parking area. After you have parked, you can actually see the Keyhole Cave from the parking area.

As you hike to the Keyhole Cave, the trail you are on will change a few times so it’s a good idea to have a good understanding of where you are going and have the GPS coordinates of the cave to make sure you are headed the right direction.

This hike does require climbing up about 10 feet of slick rock so it is only recommended for experienced hikers. The right side of the cave has some footholds worn in and is a bit easier to climb.

3. Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Trail Loop

• Length: 5.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Loop
• Trailhead: Brins Mesa Trailhead or Soldier Pass Trailhead

This is a great trail that will take you through the heart of all the beauty that Sedona has to offer. This Soldier Pass Trail has lots to see along the way like the Devil’s Sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and the Soldier Pass Cave. Along the Brins Mesa Trail, you will find stunning views of the red rock mountains.

You can start this loop at the Brins Mesa Trailhead or the Soldier Pass Trailhead. I would recommend parking at Brins Mesa because the Soldier Pass Trailhead has very limited parking and only has about 14 parking spots.

This is a great trail to hike because there is so much to see and beautiful views to enjoy along the way. This is one of our family’s favorite areas to hike in Sedona.

4. Bear Mountain Trail

• Length: 4.9 miles
• Elevation Gain: 2,024 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Bear Mountain Trailhead/Doe Mountain Trailhead  

The Bear Mountain Trail is one of the most challenging Sedona hiking trails due to the almost 2,000 feet in elevation gain but has a reward of an amazing view. The Bear Mountain Trail will take you to the summit of one of the tallest points in Sedona and is only recommended for experienced hikers.

The views of Sedona are beautiful making this trek well worth it if you’re up for a difficult hike. You can see lots of the red rock formations as well as some of the mountains near Flagstaff. There is no shade on this trail so be sure to bring a hat, lots of water, and sunscreen.

The Bear Mountain Trailhead is about 20-minutes northwest of downtown Sedona on Boynton Pass Road.  

5. Soldier Pass Trail to Soldier Pass Cave

• Length: 4.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 810 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Soldier Pass Trailhead

During our last trip to Arizona, this was one of our favorite hikes in Sedona. With exception of the climb up to Soldier Pass Cave, the trail is a pretty easy trail with lots to see along the way. You can see the Seven Sacred Pools and a large sinkhole called the Devil’s Kitchen.

The parking lot at the Soldier Pass trailhead is limited to 14 vehicles so parking here can be a challenge. It is in a residential area with no overflow parking. The parking lot is gated and opens at 8:00 am. It is best to get to the parking lot 5-15 minutes before the gates open.

If you don’t snag a parking spot here, you can park at the Brins Mesa Trailhead. Parking at the Brins Mesa Trailhead adds about an hour to the hike.

Read More: Hiking the Soldier Pass Trail

6. Cockscomb Trail

• Length: 5.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 80 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Loop
• Trailhead: Fay Canyon Trailhead

The Cockscomb Trail is connected to a series of other trails like the Girdner, Arizona Cypress, OK, Rupp and Dawa Trails. You can easily hike for as long as you’d like by going in and out on the same trail or you can use these trails to make a loop back to the Fay Canyon Trail.

These trails are great for flat and easy hiking or mountain biking. It is common to see mountain bikers on these trails so just step to the side of the trail to let them pass. It has very little elevation gain making this a great place for little kids to hike.

After about a mile from the Sedona trailhead, the Cockscomb Trail intersects with the Dawa Trail. If you continue on the Cockscomb Trail, you can continue for another mile before it dead-ends at the Rupp Trail.

If you hike to the end of the Cockscomb Trail, it takes about 3 hours roundtrip. Towards the end of the hike, you can enjoy beautiful views of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.

Short and Easy Trails – Hiking in Sedona

Even if you aren’t an avid hiker, there are many great opportunities for hiking in Sedona perfect for any skill level. There are Sedona trails that can take as little as an hour or you can consider hiking a short way on a trail system like the Cockscomb Trail.

Don’t let the worry of finding a trail you are comfortable with keep you from enjoying the beautiful desert near these trails. Here are our top recommendations for easy hikes in Sedona!

7. Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona

• Length: 1.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 108 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out and Back  
• Trailhead: Soldier Pass Trail

If you’re looking for a short and sweet hike in Sedona, hiking to the Seven Sacred Pools along the Soldier Pass Trail is a great option.

You will pass the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole along the way before finding the pools. The pools are an important religious place for the indigenous population and are beautiful with the towering red rocks behind them.

The amount of rainfall plays a big role in whether or not the pools have water in them. If it is a hot day, they may be empty. I have visited the pools twice in the winter months and found them full each time.

Parking at the Soldier Pass Trailhead can be tricky because it is a very small parking lot. It also has a gate that is only open between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. It is best to visit early or late in the day to try to snag a parking spot.

My kids loved this hike and really enjoyed exploring the area around the Seven Sacred Pools.

8. Fay Canyon

• Length: 2 miles
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Fay Canyon Trailhead

If you’re hiking with toddlers or don’t want to work up a sweat, Fay Canyon is one of the easiest hiking trails in Sedona, AZ. This is a really easy stroll through Fay Canyon with beautiful views of the surrounding red rocks. The trail is flat making it easy for little ones to explore on their own.

This Sedona trail weaves through the canyon and comes to an end at the back of the canyon. Above you are cliff walls and hanging gardens. Keep an eye out for the “End of Trail” sign and then you’ll turn around to go back the way you came.

You can walk past this sign and up the canyon for better views of Fay Canyon. This is a fun place to let your kids explore and climb on the rocks.

If it is an especially hot day, this is a nice option because there is some shade for a majority of the trail.

If you’d like to continue the hike, you can detour to the Fay Canyon arch.

9. Courthouse Butte Loop

• Length: 4 miles
• Elevation Gain: Minimal unless you climb Bell Rock
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route: Loop
• Trailhead: Bell Rock Trailhead

This trail goes around the base of Bell Rock as well as Courthouse Butte. This is a fantastic easy hike in Sedona because the elevation gain is minimal unless you choose to climb up Bell Rock and the large red rock formations are stunning.

This is a popular hiking area (and for good reason) so parking can be tricky. The turnover here is pretty fast though so if you’re patient you should be able to get a parking spot. The northern Bell Rock parking lot is the closest to the trailhead. Yavapai Lookout and the southern Bell Rock parking lots are alternative places to park.

There are lots of fun things to see when hiking in Sedona here. There aren’t any edges along the trail, so my kids got to run and explore to their hearts’ content. They stacked rocks along the trail and had fun exploring. This is a leisurely hike that really lets you soak in all of the beauty in Sedona.

Once you get outside the crowded Bell Rock area of this hike, you can expect to have the trail almost to yourself. This is one of the best hiking trails in Sedona, AZ to avoid the crowds.

10. The Birthing Cave

• Length: 2.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 250 feet
• Difficulty: Easy (Except for Climb into Cave)
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Long Canyon Trailhead

If you’re wanting to visit a Sedona cave and want a less busy trail, the Birthing Cave trail is a great option. This is also a great trail for little kids because it has a wide and flat trail pretty much until you climb up into the cave.

The hike into the cave is short but has a steep climb. My twins who were four at the time of this hike did need a little bit of help climbing into the cave because of the steepness of the trail.

Once you make it inside the cave, you can enjoy the best views of the Sedona rocks and spend some time exploring the cave. There is a small seat in the back of the cave that’s fun to climb up to and my kids had fun sliding down the walls.

This is a great place to go hiking in Sedona if you’re looking for great pictures and an easy hike.

Read More: How to Hike to the Birthing Cave

11. Wilson Canyon Trail

• Length: 2.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 426 feet  
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Midgley Bridge

Wilson Canyon Trail is one of the easier places to hike in Sedona but you can easily connect it with one of the nearby trails if you’d like to extend your hike. This is a great hike for families who are just getting started on their hiking adventure but want to enjoy some of the beautiful red rocks in Sedona.

Another hiking option is to walk up the Wilson Canyon Trail but come back on the Wilson Mountain Trail. You can also go past the end of the trail sign for about another half mile for beautiful views of the canyon.

This trail has a lot of shade, making it a great option for a hotter day. It is also really close to a creek where you can cool down after your hike. It is one of the less hiked trails in Sedona so you should have the trail to yourself.

12. Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona

• Length: 2.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 390 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route Type: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Broken Arrow Trailhead

The Broken Arrow Trail in Sedona is one of the easiest places to hike in Sedona because it is a 4×4 road, meaning there aren’t any large rocks to climb over, and it is relatively flat. This is a short and easy hike with beautiful views of the Sedona landscape and the Munds Mountain Wilderness.

However, because this is a 4×4 road, you will be sharing the road with tour groups and off-road vehicles. If you’re looking for a serene and peaceful hike in Sedona, this probably isn’t the trail for you. Keep an eye out for the vehicles and step aside so they can pass.

The trail is well-marked with metal signs pointing out the Broken Arrow Trail System. You can also keep an eye out for the basket cairns showing the path. You can also combine this hike with other intersecting trails like the Hog Wash, Twin Buttes, and Submarine Rock.

Keep an eye out for a large sinkhole called the Devil’s Dining Room. At the end of the hike, there is a large flat area perfect for taking pictures and soaking in the amazing views.

Hiking in Sedona to the Vortexes

One of the things that Sedona is known for is its energy vortexes. Sedona is highly recognized as an area rich with vortexes that give people uplifting feelings, calmness, and recharge. These vortexes are sought after because of their conduciveness for healing and self-exploration. You can explore these sites on a vortex tour as well.

Here are some of the most popular vortex hikes in Sedona:

13. Bell Rock Climb

• Length: 1 mile
• Elevation Gain: 400 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Bell Rock Trailhead

As you are coming into Sedona, Bell Rock is one of the first rock formations you will see and is one of the most identifiable rock formations. This is one of my kids’ favorite hikes in Sedona because of the climbing and you don’t have to walk for miles before getting to the fun stuff.

There are two parking lots for Bell Rock but the north one is the closest to Bell Rock. The southern parking lot adds about a mile to the hike. From the north parking lot, there is a short walk to where you start hiking up Bell Rock.  

Despite being categorized as a moderate trail it isn’t that difficult. It is ranked as moderate because of the elevation gain and there are parts of the trail where you have to scramble up the rocks to climb up Bell Rock. You can climb up as far as you are comfortable.

Read More: Hiking Bell Rock in Sedona

14. Boyton Canyon Trail

• Length: 7.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 1,350
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trailhead

Another one of the popular vortex sites in Sedona is at Boynton Canyon Trail. This trail will take you through the canyon and Subway Cave. There are so many beautiful caves in Sedona and this one is no different. This is another one of the most popular hikes in Sedona because of the cave and vortex.

The trail going through Boynton Canyon is pretty flat making it a nice stroll through the desert. The canyon walls offer some shade from the overhead sun which makes hiking in the summer a lot more enjoyable.

There is a turnoff near the beginning of the hike called the Boynton Vista Trail. This is a short detour before you make your way to the end of the canyon that is a lot of fun. This detour is about 0.4 miles roundtrip.

There are great views of the Enchantment Resort and surrounding area, but it is a steep hike to the top. The main vortex is located on the Boynton Vista Trail at the base of a rock spire. However, people have experienced smaller vortexes everywhere throughout this area.

At the end of the canyon, there is a short climb where you can look down Boynton Canyon. It is a really pretty view and a great highlight of this hike. If you are just hiking to the back of the canyon, the hike is 6.3 miles with about 800 feet of elevation gain.

Boynton Cave/Subway Cave

One of the most popular reasons to hike this trail is to visit the Boynton Cave, also known as the Subway Cave. The trail to the cave is about 2 miles into the hike. There aren’t any markers pointing the way to the cave but keep an eye out for a large juniper tree on the lefthand side of the trail. The turnoff for the side trail to the cave is on the right.

From the turnoff, it is a 0.4-mile walk to the cave. The ancient ruins in the cave are on the right-hand side of the cave, just around the corner.

15. Cathedral Rock Trail

• Length: 1.4 miles
• Elevation Gain: 690 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate  
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: Cathedral Rock Trailhead

This is definitely one of our favorite hikes in Sedona, AZ. The entire trail is entertaining, plus it is a short trail. It has moderate difficulty because there are some parts of the trail where you have to scramble up the rocks using your hands and feet.

We hiked this trail with our twins who were four at the time and they handled it like champs! There were a few places on the trail where we had to help them up or down a large step but overall, they hiked most of the trail themselves.

This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, AZ so plan on sharing the trail and parking can be tricky, but it is well worth the effort. Avoid hiking this on the weekends and get an early start if you can.

Another really awesome time to hike is just before sunset. Watching the sunset from the top of Cathedral Rock is one of my favorite Sedona memories.

As you are heading up Cathedral Rock, there are beautiful views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Mogollon Rim, and the red rocks to the west. Keep an eye out for the rock pillars that help guide you up the trail. There are worn-away handholds and footholds to help you up the steep areas.

The Cathedral Rock vortex is at the top in the saddle.

Read More: Hiking Cathedral Rock

16. Baldwin Trail

• Length: 2.0 miles
• Elevation Gain: 216 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route: Loop
• Trailhead: Baldwin Trailhead on Verde Valley Road

This is a short hike but has a huge payoff. One of the prettiest places along this trail is Red Rock Crossing which is one of the Sedona vortexes. From the Baldwin Trailhead, Red Rock Crossing is a short 0.2-mile out and back trail. You can continue on the rest of the loop if you would like.

This is a really nice and easy stroll ending with beautiful views of Cathedral Rock. Red Rock Crossing is part of Oak Creek Canyon and is a great place to take pictures, especially at sunset.

Depending on the water levels, you may be able to cross the river. Usually, during the spring, water levels can be high, and more than likely you won’t be able to cross the river.

If you want to avoid crossing the river, you can park at the Crescent Moon Day Use Site. There is a $10 fee (CASH ONLY) for parking there. This side of the river does have better views of Cathedral Rock.

17. Sedona Airport Loop Trail

• Length: 3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 375 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Route: Loop
• Trailhead:  Airport Mesa Trailhead

This is a very convenient and easy place to hike because it is right in downtown. This area is a popular place to watch the sunset and enjoy hiking in Sedona.

The loop trail wanders around the upper rim of the mesa and has beautiful views of the surrounding Sedona area including Cathedral Rock, Mogollon Rim, and West Sedona.

If you want a shorter hike you can park at the Airport Mesa. This is where people gather to watch the sunset. From here, you can take the Brewer Trail which follows Airport Road and has beautiful views of downtown Sedona. We hiked this trail at sunset, and it was really pretty.  

Once you are down the hill, there is a loop in the trail and then you can turn back around to loop back up to Airport Mesa.

If you would like a shorter hike but would like views of Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, you can park at Airport Mesa and then hike the trail up to the top of the Summit Trail. This is a half-mile hike with beautiful views.

The Airport Mesa Vortex is at the intersection of the Sedona View Trail and Airport Loop Trail.

18. West Fork Trail in Sedona

• Length: 6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 564 feet
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Route: Out and Back
• Trailhead: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead

If you’re looking for a hike in Sedona with water, the West Fork Trail is a great option. This Sedona trail follows Oak Creek and is a very pleasant walk. This is a great hike to do during warmer temperatures because there is lots of shade from the trees and you can cool off in the water.

This is one of the most popular trails in the Coconino National Forest. As you walk along the trail, you will be surrounded by large canyon walls that have been carved from water erosion. In the fall, the colored leaves are beautiful.

You do have to cross the stream a couple of times. There are some stones laid across the river so you won’t have to get too wet, or you can just walk across the shallow stream.

At the end of the trail, you can continue hiking up the stream into the Secret Mountain or you can turn around. The canyon is about 14 miles long. The really nice part about this trail is you can turn around whenever you’d like. You can still enjoy this beautiful trail without having to go the entire way.

If you are interested in learning more about the vortexes in Sedona, check out this vortex guide!

Sedona Vortex Tour

A great way to visit the vortexes around Sedona if you’re short on time or don’t want to spend your entire time hiking is a Sedona vortex tour with Arizona Safari Deep Tours.

This half-day Sedona vortex tour will take you to some of the most popular vortexes in Sedona and you will learn about the fascinating history of the vortexes. The history is fascinating, especially the power grid sites identified in 1981.

Check Prices for a Sedona Vortex Tour Here!

Best Hikes in Sedona with Water

If it is a hot day and you want to combine a hike with a cool down in the water afterward, you are in luck. There are lots of great hikes in Sedona with water nearby. There are also a number of fun swimming holes to explore like Grasshopper Point and Slide Rock State Park.

Here are some highly recommended hikes in Sedona with water:

☑️ Red Rock Crossing via the Baldwin Trail
☑️ West Fork Trail
☑️ Huckaby Trail via Schnebly Hill Road
☑️ Bell Trail
☑️ Oak Creek Trail

Waterfalls in Sedona, AZ

Unfortunately, there are not any hikes in Sedona with a waterfall. One of the closest and most popular waterfall hikes in Northern Arizona is Havasu Falls which is a three-hour drive from Sedona.

Hiking in Sedona Map

Recommendations for Picking a Hike

With so many hiking trail options, it can be hard to narrow down where you want to spend your time, especially if you’re only in Sedona for a couple of days. Hopefully, these recommendations can help you narrow some things down –

✅ If you want a short and easy hike, we recommend the Airport Mesa Loop, Bell Rock, or West Fork Trail.

✅ If you are looking for classic and photogenic Sedona hikes, we recommend Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Bell Rock, and the Boynton Cave.

✅ If you are hiking with small kids, we recommend Bell Rock and the Birthing Cave. If your kids are strong hikers, you can climb Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge. My twins climbed Cathedral Rock when they were four.

What is the best hike in Sedona?

When it comes down to naming the best hike in Sedona, it can be tricky. It depends on your hiking level and what you are comfortable with. If you only have time for one hike in Sedona, I recommend Cathedral Rock near sunset.

Tips for Hiking in Sedona

Sedona is a beautiful place to hike but has become more popular in recent years. This can lead to full parking lots and frustration. But with some careful planning and some patience, you will have a great time. We love hiking in Sedona.

Red Rock Pass in Sedona

Most of the Sedona trailheads require a Red Rock Pass to park. The pass is $5 per day or $15 per week. You can purchase this at the trailhead with a credit card or you can visit the Sedona Visitor Center.

Another fantastic option that works for parking as well is using the America the Beautiful Interagency Pass. We have this pass and use it all over the country. It is valid for the national parks (helpful if you’re visiting the Grand Canyon) as well as thousands of different sites.

This pass has saved us a ton of money, including on our parking fees in Sedona.

Is it free to hike in Sedona?

There is no fee to hike the trails but some of the Sedona trailheads do require a Red Rock or America the Beautiful pass to park.

Hike Early or Later in the Day

Especially in the summer months, hiking during the afternoon can be hot. It is best to avoid hiking earlier or later in the day. The hours leading up to sunset is a beautiful time to hike in Sedona, especially at Cathedral Rock.

If you are hiking towards sunset, make sure you bring a headlamp. This is especially helpful on hikes like Cathedral Rock because you can have your hands free to help with climbing down the rocks on the trail.

Check Prices for a Headlamp on Amazon Here!

The other bonus of hiking earlier or later in the day, is you will miss out on the busy afternoon. Sedona is a very popular place for hiking so the parking lots and trails can be busy. It is easier to find parking first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Bring Lots of Water

Sedona can be hot, even in the winter months so it is always a good idea to bring lots of water. Although higher in elevation, Sedona is still in the desert. Most of the Sedona hikes have little shade cover so being prepared with enough water is really important.

We have been loving hydro flasks because they help keep our water cold, even during hot hikes. It is so nice to have a cold drink of water during a hike.

Check Prices for Hydro Flasks on Amazon Here!

Be Prepared with Sunscreen and Sun Protection

As we’ve said, hiking in Sedona can get really hot and there is not a lot of shade protection. It is important to come prepared with adequate sun protection like hats and sunscreen.

Sedona’s High Elevation

Sedona sits at about 4,300 feet above sea level making it cooler than Phoenix and Tucson. It isn’t as high as some of the surrounding mountains though so you can hike here year-round. It is a good idea to be aware of the higher elevation when you are enjoying the places to hike in Sedona.

Be sure to bring lots of water and take a break if you need one. Some of the trails are quite steep so it’s a good idea to remember your physical limitations.   

Tip: If you’re looking for another beautiful place to explore in Northern Arizona, be sure to check out Antelope Canyon.

What do I Need to Hike in Sedona?

Layers

It is important to remember that even though Sedona is in the desert, it can cool off quite a bit in the evenings and early mornings. If you’re starting your hikes early, you will want to bring a jacket, even in the summer.

We have visited Sedona in January and February and ended up using pretty heavy jackets both times. During the early mornings, especially if it is windy, you are going to want a warm jacket. We were so glad we had our warm jackets during our morning hikes during this last visit.

We love our puffy jackets because they are warm but can condense down pretty small in our backpacks when we aren’t using them. Plus, they are pretty warm for how small they are. We have used both Eddie Bauer and Columbia jackets and have really liked both brands.

Check Prices for Puffy Jackets on Amazon Here!

Sturdy Shoes and Sandals

Most of the top hikes in Sedona have some sort of rocks on them unless you are taking a very easy stroll on a flat path. Some of the most iconic hikes like Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock require some rock scrambling. These rocks can be steep and slippery so it’s a good idea to bring durable shoes with good support.

I love hiking in my Tevas, especially when it is warm outside. If you’re looking for something you can get wet but are closed-toed, Keens are a great option.  

Check Prices for Tevas on Amazon Here!

Backpack

One especially important thing to have while you are hiking in Sedona is a reliable hiking backpack. We often pack a lunch to eat on the trail and bring plenty of water for all of us.

It’s important to have a backpack that carries the supplies you need on the hiking trails in Sedona to make sure you are prepared.

Check Prices for Backpacks on Amazon Here!

Headlamp

Some of the best hiking in Sedona happens as the sun is going down. This is especially true in places like Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa. Usually, after you watch the sunset at the iconic location, you will have a walk back to your vehicle.

It’s a good idea to be prepared with a headlamp so you can have your hands free as you are navigating the trail.

Check Prices for Headlamps on Amazon Here!

Sunscreen

I sunburn so easily so I have to make sure I am always prepared with sunscreen, even in the winter. The Sedona sun is hot and most of the trails have little shade. We’ve always had a great experience with Neutrogena sunscreen.

Check Prices for Sunscreen on Amazon Here!

Hat

Another important part of protection from the sun is a good hat. This can help keep you cooler as you hike and provide valuable protection from the sun’s harsh desert rays.

Where to Stay in Sedona

We have stayed in hotels in Sedona as well as camped in our RV. There are lots of great dispersed camping spots in Sedona or there are awesome campgrounds if you prefer something with more amenities.

If you are wanting to stay in a hotel, we recommend Bell Rock Inn by Diamond Resorts. It is just minutes from the Bell Rock hike, making it close to all of the fun things to do in Sedona. We have stayed there before, and it is a great place to stay. In our studio, we had a full-size fridge and hot plate which made it really easy to cook meals and pack lunches to take with us during our hikes.

The hotel has two awesome outdoor pools and a hot tub. They heat the pools in the winter to around 80F which is awesome. We totally took advantage of swimming every night after hiking in Sedona. They also have a gym on-site and a BBQ area.

Check Prices for Bell Rock Inn in Sedona Here!

Additional Sedona Travel Blogs

Sedona is such a magical place to visit. Every time we find ourselves in Arizona, we stop by, even if it is just for a couple of days. The beautiful scenery and amazing hiking trails make it a great place to visit. It is also a great place to drive through if you are heading out on a road trip through the American Southwest.

If you’re looking for more info on traveling to Sedona, Arizona, check out these additional Sedona travel guides:

• 18 Unbelievable Trails for Hiking in Sedona
• Everything to Know About Hiking Cathedral Rock in Sedona
• A Complete Guide to Hiking the Birthing Cave in Sedona
• Everything You Need to Know About Hiking Devil’s Bridge
• How to Hike Soldier Pass Trail and Soldier Pass Cave
• 12 Best Spots for Dispersed Camping in Sedona
• 9 Best Sedona Vortex Tours
• Sedona to Antelope Canyon: A Complete Roadtrip Guide
• 28 Best Things to Do in Sedona with Kids
• A Complete Guide to Hiking Bell Rock In Sedona
• Broken Arrow Trail: Driving and Hiking This Sedona Trail