Best Hiking in Sedona

Trying to find the best hiking in Sedona ? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Arizona, Coconino County

01 :43 hrs
3.4 mi
355.8103 ft
Hard

The hike starts with a steep climb up the north slope of Wilson Mountain and then descends down Sterling Canyon to the Vultee Arch trail. Much of the trail is through a pine forest that provides lots of shade during hot months. Hikers can either turn back after arriving at Vultee Arch or shuttle vehicles between the Sterling Pass trailhead and Vultee Arch trailhead for a one-way trip. There is no official parking at the Sterling Pass trailhead so you will need to park on the side of SR 89A.

2

Arizona, Yavapai County

01 :03 hrs
0.6 mi
172.43079 ft
Moderate

The trail up to the saddle of Cathedral rock is a short but tough climb with rewarding views from the top. The hike is very exposed with steep cliffs so wearing good hiking shoes is recommended. There are lots of other side trails in the area but the trail is marked with cairns to help show hikers the right path. There are also lots of trails around the base of cathedral rock that also offer good views without hiking up to the saddle. Avoid hiking the trail in wet or rainy conditions as it can be very slippery.

3

Arizona, Flagstaff

02 :58 hrs
3.3 mi
79.47644 ft
Moderate

The trail up the west fork of Oak Creek is a beautiful scenic hike that offers some of the best scenery in Sedona. The hike has very little elevation change as it follows the creek through the canyon making it a good choice for hikers of all levels. There are lots of creek crossings along the way so be sure to wear appropriate shoes. The trail ends where you can no longer hike further without walking up the creek in water. The hike is especially popular during the spring when flowers are in bloom and in the fall when the leaves are changing color. The hike is very popular and parking can fill up fast, especially on weekends. There is a fee to park and access the trail.

4

Arizona, Flagstaff

01 :31 hrs
1.6 mi
109.16516 ft
Moderate

This popular hike leads over varied terrain through scenic red rock country to the well-known spot of Chicken Point. The trail also leads past a sinkhole named Devil's Dining Room and has a connecting trail to Submarine Rock. The trail is mostly exposed but has very mild elevation change making it a good option for hikers of all skill levels. The trailhead is easily accessible and only requires driving on a dirt road for a very short distance.

5

Arizona, Yavapai County

01 :23 hrs
3 mi
157.50171 ft
Moderate

This scenic trail offers amazing views of the Sedona area from the top of a flat-top mesa. The trail starts from the same trailhead as the Bear Mountain trail and heads southwest climbing to the top of Doe Mountain. At the top hikers can then explore the mountain top and take in beautiful landscape views of many of Sedona's most prominent red rock landmarks. Just before arriving at the top of the mesa the trail narrows out and becomes steeper. This is the only way back down so pay attention to where the trail meets the top of the mountain for the return trip back.

6

Arizona, Coconino County

01 :23 hrs
3.6 mi
69.49072 ft
Moderate

The loop trail around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock is considered one of the most scenic red rock settings in all of Sedona. The trail is quite flat and easy making it a great choice for hikers of all levels. There are two trailhead/parking areas that can be used to access the trail, both located just off of SR 179. There are other popular trails that branch off the main loop trail including the Llama Trail and Big Park Loop. Mountain biking is allowed on certain sections of the trail as well as some of the connecting trails so watch for others when on the trail.

7

Arizona, Flagstaff

01 :15 hrs
3.1 mi
60.018677 ft
Moderate

The trail to Submarine follows the Broken Arrow Trail for one mile before branching off to the left. The trail then continues to Submarine Rock where hikers can explore the many trails that travel around the base of the rock formation as well as trails that lead to the top where excellent views of the surrounding area are available. After spending time at Submarine Rock you can return the way you came or continue on Broken Arrow Trail and even further on Little Horse Trail.

8

Arizona, Yavapai County

01 :12 hrs
1.3 mi
93.2218 ft
Moderate

Hiking Fay Canyon is an easy shady walk through a scenic canyon of red rock cliffs. This is a great hike for families with kids or those looking for a relaxing hike. There is a natural stone arch a half mile up the canyon that can be viewed by taking a short but more technical side trail. The canyon is also home to a diverse variety of vegetation with an amazing show of wildflowers in the spring.

9

Arizona, Yavapai County

00 :48 hrs
0.7 mi
82.53052 ft
Moderate

The trail to Devils Bridge is short but steep hike in the Sedona Backcountry to a beautiful natural stone arch. Just over half a mile into the hike there is a short trail that breaks off to an overlook. The main trail towards the end splits into two different trails for hikers to choose from. One trail leads hikers right under the arch and the other one goes over the top of the arch. The road to the trailhead is a little rough and may require high-clearance vehicle.

10

Arizona, Yavapai County

00 :11 hrs
0.5 mi
12.362671 ft
Easy

The Palatki Ruins are a designated World Heritage Site and consist of both ancient cliff dwellings and indian rock art. The heritage site is open to the public but reservations are needed due to limited parking. Visitors who have made a reservation will check in at the visitor center and then take the short but scenic trails to the cliff dwellings and the rock art. There are park rangers at the site who can provide information and history regarding the ruins. Access to the site is via a somewhat rough dirt road and a pass will need to be obtained to enter the site. Before visiting the site call the Palatki Heritage Site for information regarding reservations.

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