Best Hikes in Sedona: The Complete Trail Guide

Quick Answer: The best hikes in Sedona are Cathedral Rock (1.2 mi, iconic vortex views), Devil's Bridge (up to 4.6 mi, largest natural sandstone arch), West Fork Trail (6.9 mi, creekside and shaded), Bell Rock Pathway (easy, family-friendly), and Soldier Pass (5 mi, sinkhole + Seven Sacred Pools). All require a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.

Sedona has over 100 marked trails carved through 1.8 million acres of Coconino National Forest. This guide covers the 10 hikes worth prioritizing on your first, second, and third visits — ranked by what visitors actually search for.

Before You Hike: Three Essentials

Red Rock Pass — $5/day or $15/week. Buy at any trailhead kiosk (credit card only) or use an America the Beautiful Pass. Required at almost every trailhead.
The Sedona Shuttle — Free, runs Thursday–Sunday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. It's the only way to reach Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Little Horse, and Mescal trailheads those days because the trailhead lots close.
Water and start time — Bring 1 liter per hour of hiking, minimum. Start at sunrise in summer, and by 8 a.m. even in cool months to secure parking.

The Top 10 Sedona Hikes, Ranked

1. Cathedral Rock Trail

The photo you've seen. The vortex everyone talks about.

Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 750 feet
Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous (short but includes rock scrambling)
Trailhead: Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Back O' Beyond Road
Coordinates: 34.8252° N, 111.7884° W
Open in Google Maps
Time: 1–2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash (but scrambling is tough for small/older dogs)
Vortex site: Yes — the saddle between the spires

The most iconic hike in Sedona. You'll climb slickrock with hand-and-foot scrambling for the last quarter mile. Views from the saddle stretch across Oak Creek Valley to Courthouse Butte. Best at sunset (crowds are heavy but justified). Thursday–Sunday, take the free Sedona Shuttle from Route 15 park-and-ride.

2. Devil's Bridge Trail

Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch — the classic "walk out on the bridge" shot.

Distance: 4.2 miles (via Mescal Trailhead) or 2 miles (via 4×4 Dry Creek Road)
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (final approach is steep and exposed)
Trailhead options: Mescal Trailhead (34.9002° N, 111.8404° W), Dry Creek Trailhead, or Chuckwagon Trailhead
Open in Google Maps (Mescal)
Time: 2–3 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash

Expect a 20–30 minute wait to get your photo on the bridge in peak season. Start before 7 a.m. to avoid it. If you don't have a high-clearance 4×4, the Mescal Trailhead approach is the most scenic and the shortest walking option.

3. West Fork of Oak Creek Trail

Sedona's most magical hike. Creekside, shaded, unforgettable in fall.

Distance: 6.9 miles round-trip (turn around any time)
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (nearly flat)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Call of the Canyon Recreation Site, Highway 89A north of Sedona
Coordinates: 34.9880° N, 111.7443° W
Open in Google Maps
Parking Fee: $12 per vehicle (separate from Red Rock Pass)
Time: 3–5 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash

Thirteen creek crossings through a towering red-and-gold canyon. Peak foliage is mid- to late October. Expect a full parking lot by 10 a.m. any weekend from September through November.

4. Bell Rock Pathway

The best easy trail in Sedona. Great for all ages.

Distance: Up to 3.6 miles round-trip (customizable)
Elevation Gain: Minimal (climb Bell Rock itself is optional and adds ~500 ft)
Difficulty: Easy along the pathway; Moderate–Strenuous if you scramble Bell Rock
Trailhead: Courthouse Vista or Bell Rock Trailhead, Highway 179
Coordinates: 34.8102° N, 111.7657° W
Open in Google Maps
Time: 1–3 hours
Vortex site: Yes — the base of Bell Rock

The paved-ish pathway makes this Sedona's best accessible-friendly option. Turn around whenever you like. Advanced hikers can scramble up Bell Rock itself for panoramic views.

5. Soldier Pass Trail

Sinkhole, seven pools, and a secret cave in one 5-mile loop.

Distance: 4.5–5 miles (loop options via Brins Mesa)
Elevation Gain: 836 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Soldier Pass Trailhead
Coordinates: 34.8892° N, 111.7793° W
Open in Google Maps
Time: 3–4 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, on leash
Access: Thursday–Sunday only via Sedona Shuttle; other days park at the trailhead (fills by 8 a.m.)

Highlights: Devil's Kitchen sinkhole (fenced overlook near start), Seven Sacred Pools (0.6 mi in — often dry in summer), and Soldier Pass Cave (short but exposed side scramble). The Cibola Pass alternate trailhead is a good backup if Soldier Pass is closed.

6. Boynton Canyon Trail (and Boynton Vista)

Sedona's most spiritual hike. Sacred to the Yavapai-Apache Nation.

Distance: 6.1 miles round-trip (full trail); 1.2 miles for Boynton Vista side trail
Elevation Gain: 512 feet
Difficulty: Moderate (full); Easy (Vista only)
Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trailhead, near Enchantment Resort
Coordinates: 34.9083° N, 111.8500° W
Open in Google Maps
Vortex site: Yes — Boynton Vista rocks (up-flow vortex)
Time: 3–4 hours (full) or 1 hour (Vista)

If you only have time for the vista, head 0.5 miles up the main trail, then right onto Boynton Vista Trail for a quick uphill scramble to twin rock formations with 360° views. Do not touch or climb on cliff dwellings.

7. Airport Mesa Loop Trail

Sunset views without the Cathedral Rock scramble.

Distance: 3.3 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Trailhead: Airport Mesa Trailhead OR Airport Mesa Overlook (paid parking $3)
Coordinates: 34.8483° N, 111.7899° W
Open in Google Maps
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Vortex site: Yes — small hill visible from the overlook

The loop rings Table Top Mountain with constant views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Twin Buttes. Best sunset trail for people who want the view without the scramble.

8. Doe Mountain Trail

Short hike, huge summit plateau, minimal crowd.

Distance: 1.6 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate (steady climb, no scrambling)
Trailhead: Doe Mountain Trailhead (shared with Bear Mountain lot)
Coordinates: 34.9128° N, 111.8611° W
Open in Google Maps
Time: 1–2 hours

Underrated. The summit is a broad plateau — walk out to any edge for a different view. Excellent alternative to Cathedral Rock at sunset if you want fewer people.

9. Brins Mesa Trail

A moderate ramble that blends forest and red rock.

Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 620 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: Brins Mesa (west end) or Jim Thompson (east end)
Coordinates: 34.9013° N, 111.7663° W
Open in Google Maps
Time: 2–3 hours

Often paired with Soldier Pass for a loop. The mesa itself opens to sweeping views of Wilson Mountain and the town below.

10. Birthing Cave (via Long Canyon)

Sacred Yavapai-Apache site with a photogenic dome cave.

Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 300 feet
Difficulty: Easy–Moderate (final scramble)
Trailhead: Long Canyon Trailhead
Coordinates: 34.9155° N, 111.8360° W
Open in Google Maps
Time: 1.5–2 hours

Treat this as a sacred site — visit respectfully, don't play loud music, and don't scrape the walls. The final approach is a short but steep slickrock scramble into the dome.

Where to Get a Sedona Trail Map

Free at any Red Rock Visitor Center — the paper Coconino National Forest map is the best overview.
AllTrails — download the offline map before you go (cell service is spotty).
Sedona Chamber Uptown Visitor Center — 331 Forest Road, open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

Trail Selection by Type of Hiker

You Are...	Start With...
First-time visitor	Cathedral Rock + Bell Rock Pathway
Family with kids	Bell Rock Pathway + Sugarloaf Loop
Senior / limited mobility	Bell Rock Pathway + Red Rock Crossing
Photographer	Cathedral Rock (sunset) + West Fork (fall)
Long-distance hiker	Wilson Mountain (11 miles, 2,300 ft gain)
Vortex seeker	Cathedral Rock + Airport Mesa + Boynton Vista
Dog owner	Bell Rock + West Fork + Doe Mountain

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardest hike in Sedona? Wilson Mountain (via First Bench or North route) is Sedona's hardest well-known hike — 11 miles round-trip with 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Bear Mountain (5 miles, 2,000 ft gain) is a shorter but steep alternative.

What is the easiest hike in Sedona with the best view? Bell Rock Pathway. It's nearly flat, kid- and dog-friendly, and gives you head-on views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte within the first mile.

Do I need a Red Rock Pass for every hike? Almost — every listed trail here requires either a Red Rock Pass, an America the Beautiful Pass, or a Discover Pass. The Chapel of the Holy Cross and Amitabha Stupa are exceptions (no pass needed).

Can I hike Cathedral Rock at sunset with kids? Only kids comfortable scrambling on all fours. The final 0.4 mile is exposed slickrock with 750 feet of gain. For sunset with kids, choose the Airport Mesa Loop instead.

Is Devil's Bridge really that scary? The bridge itself is 5 feet wide. If you have a normal fear of heights and stay near the center, it's fine. If you have panic-level fear of heights, take your photo from the side, not on top.

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Best Hikes in Sedona: The Complete Trail Guide (2026)