SedonaStays

Sedona Hiking Trails

From easy canyon strolls to challenging summit scrambles, Sedona offers over 100 trails through some of the most stunning red rock landscapes on Earth.

Trail Quick Reference

TrailDifficultyDistanceElevation Gain
Cathedral RockModerate1.2 miles round trip740 ft
Bell Rock PathwayEasy3.6 miles round trip100 ft
Devil’s BridgeModerate3.9 miles round trip400 ft
West Fork TrailEasy6.9 miles round trip200 ft
Soldier Pass TrailModerate4.6 miles round trip630 ft
Bear MountainHard4.9 miles round trip1,975 ft
Fay CanyonEasy2.4 miles round trip150 ft
Boynton CanyonModerate6.1 miles round trip700 ft

Trail Guides

Cathedral Rock

Moderate
Distance

1.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

740 ft

Trailhead

Back O’Beyond Trailhead

One of the most iconic hikes in Sedona, Cathedral Rock is a steep scramble up slickrock that rewards hikers with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the red rock landscape. The final push involves hand-over-foot climbing on smooth sandstone.

Highlights

  • Iconic saddle viewpoint between the spires
  • One of Sedona’s four energy vortex sites
  • Stunning sunset photography location

Insider Tips

Arrive before 7 AM to secure parking. The trail is exposed with no shade — bring plenty of water. Wear shoes with good grip for the slickrock scramble.

Bell Rock Pathway

Easy
Distance

3.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

100 ft

Trailhead

Bell Rock Pathway Trailhead (Village of Oak Creek)

A gentle, mostly flat pathway that loops around the base of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. This family-friendly trail offers close-up views of two of Sedona’s most recognizable formations without any technical climbing.

Highlights

  • Up-close views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
  • Vortex energy site at Bell Rock’s base
  • Accessible for all fitness levels and families

Insider Tips

Plenty of parking, but the lot fills by mid-morning on weekends. You can extend the hike by scrambling partway up Bell Rock on informal paths.

Devil’s Bridge

Moderate
Distance

3.9 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

400 ft

Trailhead

Dry Creek Road / Mescal Trailhead

Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch spans 54 feet across a dramatic canyon. The trail crosses open desert before climbing through a rocky canyon to reach the bridge. Walking across the narrow bridge with canyon views on both sides is an unforgettable experience.

Highlights

  • Largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona
  • Walk across the bridge for dramatic photos
  • Multiple route options of varying difficulty

Insider Tips

The Dry Creek Road route is shortest but requires a high-clearance vehicle. Park at Mescal Trailhead for a longer but more accessible hike. Go early — expect a line to walk across the bridge by 10 AM.

West Fork Trail

Easy
Distance

6.9 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

200 ft

Trailhead

Call of the Canyon Day Use Area (Oak Creek Canyon)

Considered one of the top 10 hikes in America, West Fork winds through a lush canyon along Oak Creek with 13 creek crossings. Towering canyon walls draped in ferns and wildflowers create a microclimate unlike anywhere else in Sedona.

Highlights

  • Spectacular fall foliage (October–November)
  • 13 creek crossings through Oak Creek
  • Lush canyon with 200-foot sandstone walls

Insider Tips

The $12 parking fee fills the lot quickly — arrive by 8 AM, especially in fall. Bring waterproof shoes or sandals for creek crossings. The trail is shaded and cool even in summer.

Soldier Pass Trail

Moderate
Distance

4.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

630 ft

Trailhead

Soldier Pass Trailhead

A diverse trail that packs multiple geological wonders into one hike. You’ll pass the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, seven sacred pools carved into the sandstone, and climb to panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock formations.

Highlights

  • Devil’s Kitchen — a massive sinkhole
  • Seven Sacred Pools natural rock formations
  • Panoramic views from the ridgeline

Insider Tips

Limited trailhead parking (only 12 spaces) — arrive very early or take the shuttle. The trail can be muddy after rain. The seven sacred pools often dry up in summer.

Bear Mountain

Hard
Distance

4.9 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

1,975 ft

Trailhead

Doe Mountain / Bear Mountain Trailhead

The most challenging maintained trail in Sedona, Bear Mountain is a relentless climb through juniper forest and exposed slickrock to the summit at 6,550 feet. The payoff is arguably the best panoramic view in all of Sedona.

Highlights

  • Highest maintained summit trail in Sedona
  • 360-degree views spanning Flagstaff to the Verde Valley
  • Challenging scrambles and route-finding sections

Insider Tips

This is a true workout — bring at least 2 liters of water per person. Start early to avoid afternoon heat. The trail is steep and exposed with several sections requiring hands. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

Fay Canyon

Easy
Distance

2.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

150 ft

Trailhead

Fay Canyon Trailhead (Boynton Pass Road)

A short, gentle walk through a beautiful box canyon surrounded by towering red rock walls. Fay Canyon is shaded, peaceful, and less crowded than many popular Sedona trails. An optional scramble leads to a natural arch.

Highlights

  • Hidden natural arch via a short scramble
  • Shaded canyon walk — great for hot days
  • Quieter alternative to more popular trails

Insider Tips

The main trail is easy and flat. The arch is found via an unmarked spur trail on the right about 0.8 miles in — look for cairns. The arch scramble is moderate difficulty.

Boynton Canyon

Moderate
Distance

6.1 miles round trip

Elevation Gain

700 ft

Trailhead

Boynton Canyon Trailhead

A beautiful canyon hike that combines red rock scenery, lush vegetation, ancient ruins, and one of Sedona’s four famous vortex sites. The trail winds through a canyon flanked by 500-foot red rock walls.

Highlights

  • One of Sedona’s four major energy vortex sites
  • Ancient Sinagua cliff dwelling ruins visible from the trail
  • Lush canyon vegetation with diverse bird life

Insider Tips

The vortex site is a short spur trail on the left near the start — don’t miss it. Parking fills early on weekends. The full trail ends in a dense forest at the back of the canyon.

Sedona Hiking Tips

Best Time to Hike

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer ideal temperatures. Summer hikes should start before 7 AM. Winter brings occasional snow at higher elevations.

What to Bring

At least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), sturdy footwear with good grip, and a trail map or downloaded GPS route.

Parking & Red Rock Pass

Most trailheads require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week). Buy online or at local vendors. Parking fills early on weekends — arrive before 8 AM or use the free shuttle.

Stay Close to the Trailheads

Our Sedona vacation rentals put you minutes from the best hiking in Red Rock Country. Wake up, lace up, and be on the trail before the crowds arrive.

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