The Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona | A Hiking Travel Guide

The Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona | Sedona Travel Guide

Sedona has been nearing the top of my hiking bucket list for a long time and it’s safe to say… it totally lived up to the hype! Imagine giant red rock towers, deep green canyons and trails which make you stop every few minutes to take it all in. It feels a bit like stepping onto another planet! It is the perfect destination for an active escape with plenty of hiking routes, gorgeous swimming spots and delicious cafes to refuel at. I have jam packed this guide with all my top recommendations, including some hidden gems to help you get away from the crowds.

The Practicalities

How To Get There & Get Around:

There are regular flights into Phoenix airport which is about a 2 hour drive from Sedona. I recommend hiring a high clearance vehicle to allow for easy access to all trails.

Where To Stay:

I actually stayed in nearby Flagstaff because I was visiting a friend up there, but if I was staying in Sedona I would have opted for Mountain Modern or L’Auberge De Sedona.

When To Visit:

I would recommend visiting in March-May or September-November for manageable temperatures and less crowds, it can get absolutely hecticly busy with unbearable heat in peak summer.

How Long To Stay:

You could easily spend a whole week exploring Sedona and the surrounding area at a relaxed pace, but I would recommend around 3-4 days to cover most of the highlights.

Sedona Travel Tips:

Purchase a Red Rock Pass prior to our arrival in Sedona, print it and place it in your car window. This is required at most trailheads within the Sedona region.

Consider using the Sedona Shuttle service if you want to arrive at trailheads later in the day, as parking is very limited. Otherwise, arrive as early as you can.
Download any trail maps you are using before you set off to your hike, as phone signal can be patchy on the trails.

The Best Hikes In Sedona

There are numerous hiking trails in Sedona, enough to keep you on your feet for weeks!

However, if you’re short on time then these are my absolute top recommendations – including some hidden gems – for when you visit:

Distance: 13.5km

Elevation: 360m

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Map: Download Here

This was my personal favourite trail we completed, as it was well off the beaten tourist path, we didn't see any other hikers most of the time were on it! It weaves its way through a valley and climbs up onto a mountain saddle, weaving its way along the edge of a cliff with non-stop incredible views. It is not suitable for those with a fear of heights or a lack of confidence with easy scrambling.

Distance: 2km

Elevation: 200m

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Map: Download Here

This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, so you won't be alone on the trail, but it is well worth giving it a go. It is a short steep route with a little bit of scrambling, and you are rewarded at the top with gorgeous views of surrounding rock formations and valleys.

Distance: 2.5km

Elevation: 150m

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Trail Map: Download Here

Doe Mountain is far enough off the beaten path that you might just have it to yourself like we did. It is a short and steep hike up to the summit of Doe Mountain where you are rewarded with views over the surrounding valleys. We were lucky enough to spot a bear from the top! It would be a great location to water sunrise or sunset.

Distance: 6.5km

Elevation: 150m

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Trail Map: Download Here

This is a relatively easy hike with non-stop views of iconic Sedona rock formations. The trail starts as a loop around the butte and then you have the option of adding on the climb up Bell Rock which I highly recommend, the views are incredible! A small amount of gentle scrambling is required.

Distance: 11km

Elevation: 300m

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Map: Download Here

Perhaps one of the most iconic hikes in Sedona, you can't miss it! The trail weaves through a canyon and about 4km in there's an option to turn right and climb up to the Subway Cave, an absolutely gorgeous cave and famous photo spot with views over the valley. It is one of those rare places which is totally worth the hype, the scenery blew us away!

Distance: 4km

Elevation: 150m

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Trail Map: Download Here

This short and sweet trail is another gem which is less trafficked than more popular Sedona trails. It weaves along the base of a canyon until an abrupt "end of trail sign" - but that isn't really the end! I recommend adding on two extensions, the first being halfway along the canyon up to Fay Arch, and the second being at the end of the canyon where you can scramble up to a large flat rock overlooking the valley - both spots give gorgeous views.

The Best Cafes In Sedona

Sedona is home to a whole range of delicious cafes and restaurants, but these were my personal favourite spots to stop at for coffee, snacks or lunch:

Local Juicery – Your one stop shop for all things uber-healthy and superfood-laden. Try their glowing beauty matcha – divine!
Berry Divine – A cute little acai bowl cafe with a great selection of toppings.
ChocolaTree – An organic vegetarian restaurant with nourishing meals served in a cute garden setting.
Picazzo’s – An Italian spot which has classics such as pizza and pasta, as well as nourishing salad bowls and plenty of plant based options.
Indian Gardens – Our favourite! A cute little cafe with a garden oasis, serving up breakfast and lunch classics.

Bonus tip: Head to the Harding natural spring to refill your water bottles with the most delicious fresh spring water.

The Best Swimming Spots In Sedona

It can get seriously hot in Sedona, so it’s nice to find a little swimming spot to cool down post hike. Here are my top three recommendations:

Red Rock Crossing. The most scenic swimming location in terms of the surrounding views. There’s no cliff jumping but plenty of beachy areas and shallow swimming spots to enjoy.
Grasshopper Point. A gorgeous spot located along a bend in Oak Creek, it remains shady until midday and has plenty of options for swimming, terraces to lay on and ledges to jump off.
Slide Rock. The most popular and well known swimming spot in Sedona, but you just can’t miss it. It’s absolutely gorgeous, with the creek narrowing and being surrounded by cliffs. It’s got plenty of spots to lie down, jump off and go for a dip. The most popular activity is riding down the creek itself which forms a waterslide!