Sedona is one of the premier hiking destinations in Arizona. You’ll find an endless landscape of red rock formations, hidden caves, and breathtaking overlooks. There are countless trails to explore, but here are 5 of the best hikes in Sedona that can’t be missed!
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5 Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
Table of Contents
Devil’s Bridge Trail
- Distance: 3.9 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona.
It leads to the largest sandstone arch in the Coconino National Forest. Visitors can actually walk on top of the bridge to capture that iconic Sedona photo.
The entire trail offers scenic views of the surrounding red rock country and desert landscape.
The trail is not too difficult with only a 520-foot elevation gain. It follows along an old jeep trail and through a sandy wash before gradually ascending up to the bridge.
Once you reach the base of the bridge, there is a steep natural rock staircase leading to the top. This is a very popular trail and you will most likely have to wait in line to get your photo on top of the bridge.
It is best to come early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the bulk of the crowds.
There is little shade on the trail, so avoid hiking during the summer months and be sure to bring plenty of water.
To reach the trailhead, you’ll need to park at the Dry Creek Vista parking lot and then walk 1 mile along the rugged Dry Creek Road (FR 152) to reach the official trailhead.
I would recommend upgrading to AllTrails Pro so that you can download the map offline. There is very limited cell service and this will alert you if you are going off trail.
If you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, you can drive along Dry Creek Road to reach the trailhead.
The parking area at Dry Creek Vista is small and gets filled up quickly.
If you are planning to visit during the weekend, I would highly recommend taking the Sedona Shuttle from the designated park & ride location in town.
The shuttle service operates Thursday through Sunday. It runs daily during spring break and peak tourist season. Check the site for an updated schedule.
The shuttle is free to ride and it is free to park at the park & ride lot.
Cathedral Rock Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Challenging
Cathedral Rock is a close contender for one of the best hikes in Sedona.
If you only have time for one hike, this is often recommended as the one hike you should do in Sedona.
Although the trail is relatively short, it packs a big punch. It will leave you breathless, both from the views and the intensity.
It is quite steep, and in some portions you’ll be rock climbing more than you are hiking.
You’ll find natural rock staircases along the trail and some areas that require climbing with your hands while using hand and footholds.
The trail traverses up the open red rock, so it is not always clear where the trail is. However, it is a heavily trafficked trail so it is easy to just follow the other hikers.
The trail is also intermittently marked with cairns and white painted dots.
When you reach the top, you’ll come to a saddle point with a sign that reads “End of the Trail”. The view here is remarkable!
Your effort will be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the imposing red rocks and the valley below.
If you head to the left, you’ll come to another viewpoint with towering pinnacles. After you take in the views, return down the same route.
As an interesting side note, Cathedral Rock is also the world-renowned site for one of the most powerful vortexes on earth.
Parking at the trailhead is limited, but you can now take the Sedona Shuttle to the trail.
The trail is also fully exposed so bring plenty of water and sunscreen and avoid hiking during the summer months.
West Fork Trail
- Distance: 6.5 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
The West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is rumored to be one of the top 10 trails in the US.
It is definitely one of the best hikes in Sedona, and perhaps all of Arizona.
This trail offers a change of scenery from the typical red rock hikes found in Sedona.
The West Fork Trail follows through Oak Creek Canyon along the banks of Oak Creek. The scenic trail is surrounded by swaying oak trees and towering cliffs.
What makes this trail extra special is that the canyon is spectacular in every season.
You’ll find blossoming trees in the spring, lush greenery in the summer, vivid autumn leaves in the fall, and sometimes you’ll even be treated with a dusting of snow in the winter.
Its beauty is what inspired the notable author, Zane Grey, to write his novel Call of the Canyon.
The trail is relatively flat and easy and offers unique scenery as you traverse between canyon walls and across the creek.
The moderate trail rating comes from the 13 river crossings along the way, so plan to get your feet wet.
If the river is low enough you can usually hop across the rocks, but I would still wear sturdy water shoes or lightweight tennis shoes that dry easily. Hiking poles will also come in handy.
At the beginning of the trail, you’ll pass through trees and meadows and before long, you’ll encounter the remains of the old Mayhew Lodge.
Between 1923-1968, the lodge catered to notable guests such as Pres. Herbert Hoover, Jimmy Stewart, and Walt Disney. Clark Gable even celebrated his anniversary here!
The lodge closed in 1968 and sadly burned down in 1980 after the property was acquired by the Forest Service.
You’ll also find the remains of Bear Howard’s cabin which was built in 1870.
Howard’s friend was mauled to death by a bear, so he took it upon himself to hunt and kill every bear in this canyon. This sad turn of events is what earned him his nickname “Bear”.
The Thomas family later moved into the cabin where they made a few additions and planted an apple orchard.
Take time to read the posted signs detailing the history of the area.
To reach the trailhead, you’ll park at the Call of the Canyon day-use area.
The short Call of the Canyon trail starts at the parking lot, weaves through the orchard, and crosses a bridge before transitioning into the West Fork Trail.
This is a very popular trail and the lot consistently fills up by 9:30 am, so plan to arrive early. Parking is $12 per vehicle for up to 5 people, and $3 for each additional person.
Check the Forest Service site for more information, including seasonal hours and trail updates.
Fay Canyon Trail
- Distance: 2.3 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Easy
The Fay Canyon Trail is a leisurely hike along the base of a box canyon. It follows along a dry creek bed lined with juniper and oak trees.
About 0.5 miles up the trail, you’ll come across an unmarked spur trail. If you follow it for about 0.6 miles, you’ll reach a large sandstone arch.
The trail is not well marked. However, it is marked on the AllTrails map so I would recommend using AllTrails Pro so that you can download the map as there is no service.
Up until this point, the trail is pretty but there’s nothing too remarkable.
But once you reach the end of the canyon, you’ll see a sign marked ” End of Trail”. If you keep going past the sign, you’ll discover a hidden gem.
You’ll see a big rock that is a popular spot to climb up for a better view.
From here, you’ll see a backcountry trail that leads a little deeper into the canyon.
If you stay to the right, you’ll soon come to a large secluded alcove that has been carved out of the towering 1200-foot Supai sandstone cliffs. This is known as Half Moon Cave.
Use caution as you scramble up to the alcove, but once you get there you will witness one of the best views in Sedona.
It looks out over the canyon where you can catch a glimpse of Cathedral Rock in the distance.
The best part is that you will most likely have this view all to yourself.
The Fay Canyon Trail is a popular and busy trail, but not many people venture up to the cave.
Just keep in mind that although the designated Fay Canyon Trail is rated easy, it will take some effort to scramble up these rocks at the end.
For more details and information, see our complete guide to Hiking Fay Canyon Trail.
Soldier Pass Trail
- Distance: 4.5 miles out and back
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
The Soldier Pass Trail is great because there are several unique features all along the way.
After about 0.2 miles, you’ll come to the Devil’s Kitchen. This is a massive active sinkhole that has collapsed multiple times from 1880-1995.
Continue along the trail for about 0.45 miles longer and you’ll reach the Seven Sacred Pools. These pools are one of the most photographed spots in Sedona.
Not only is it a pretty site, but it is baffling how these natural pools are always filled with water, even during times of drought.
However, the real gem of the trail is the Soldier Pass cave.
It was once a secret cave but has become more popular over the years.
You’ll need to take a spur trail to reach the cave and it can be a little tricky to find. It is located 1.3 miles up the trail from the parking lot.
The spur trail is marked on AllTrails, so I would recommend downloading the map offline in order to find it.
I have also included more detailed instructions and photos in our guide, 15 Fun Things to do in Sedona With Kids.
After the cave, you can go back to the main trail and continue on to the pass, or turn back and make your way back to the parking lot.
The parking lot is quite small and is only open Monday-Wednesday. If you are visiting Thursday-Sunday, you will need to take the free Sedona Shuttle.
The shuttle runs every day of the week during spring break and high peak. Check the site for an updated schedule.
If your looking for more things to do in Sedona, check out our guide for the Best Things to do in Sedona.
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I hope this guide will help you discover some of the best hikes in Sedona! As always, practice Leave No Trace and pack out anything that you pack in.
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