With its stunning red rock formations, Sedona, Ariz., is a beautiful place to visit for spectacular landscape views. Here are a few of the most popular Sedona hikes.
When hiking in Sedona, you can enjoy splashes of color as you have never seen before. We recommend planning at least one sunrise and one sunset hike — Sedona is known for the beautiful colors on the horizon at these hours.
If you’re choosing a sunset hike, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the return journey, as you don’t want to get stuck on a trail in the dark.
Most of these hikes are easy to moderate because of Sedona’s flatter ground. So, if you’re looking for more of an adrenaline-filled adventure, I’d suggest a different mode of travel.
In Sedona, you will often see people on ATVs, dirt bikes, and mountain bikes. Which is why many of the trails we’ve picked are multiuse.
Remember that Sedona is in the desert. If you’re hiking these trails during the summer months, bring your hot-and-sunny, no-shade necessities — sunscreen, sun protection, and lots of water. During the winter months, the temperature cools down a bit, but you should still carry the essentials.
The 8 Best Hikes in Sedona
Cathedral Rock Trail
![26349932096_cc0ebcfbf2_k 26349932096_cc0ebcfbf2_k](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/07/26349932096_cc0ebcfbf2_k.jpg)
Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular trails in Sedona. Many reviews of this trail say hiking at sunset is a great time to see the different colors of the Sedona landscape. This trail has a few challenging sections where you might need to use your hands, but handholds and footholds are there for your convenience.
The hike up to Cathedral Rock is a bit steep in places, but there are some good perches for breaks on the way up. And, you’ll find some great places for photo ops. Look for mini side trails for views of Platform Rock and the Edge of the World once you reach the top.
On the horizon, you can spot several famous red rock formations like Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. There is a small fee to park at the trailhead.
- Location: Back O’ Beyond Road, Coconino National Forest
- Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 744 feet
- Highlights: Expansive desert views and a satisfying summit
Devil’s Bridge Trail
![3466162521_bf7d78ff44_k 3466162521_bf7d78ff44_k](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/07/3466162521_bf7d78ff44_k.jpg)
- Location: Dry Creek Road, Coconino National Forest
- Distance: 1.8 miles round trip or 4 miles round trip from the Mescal Trail
- Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
- Elevation gain: 400 feet
- Highlights: Up-close experience of a geologic wonder
Soldier Pass Trail
![8471848097_4a5bb4dc33_o 8471848097_4a5bb4dc33_o](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/07/8471848097_4a5bb4dc33_o.jpg)
- Location: Shadow Rock Drive, Coconino National Forest
- Distance: 4.1 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Highlights: Glimpse into the subterranean world through an actively growing sinkhole
The Birthing Cave
![IMG_8780 IMG_8780](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/07/IMG_8780.jpeg)
- Location: Long Canyon Trailhead, Coconino National Forest
- Distance: 2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 400 feet
- Highlights: View the rugged desert through the natural frame of a massive sandstone cave
West Fork Trail
![3879569502_aa84004f1a_k coconino national forest](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/07/3879569502_aa84004f1a_k.jpg)
- Location: Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino National Forest
- Distance: 6.9 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 800 feet
- Highlights: Experience the cool and refreshing riparian ecosystem as a welcome contrast to the desert’s dry heat
Fay Canyon Trail
![48228718302_796cea225c_k 48228718302_796cea225c_k](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/07/48228718302_796cea225c_k.jpg)
- Location: Fay Canyon Trailhead in Coconino National Forest
- Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 190 feet
- Highlights: Panoramic vistas that showcase the grand scale of the surrounding red rock desert
Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
![28249202109_7ea7d38a2a_k 28249202109_7ea7d38a2a_k](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2020/07/28249202109_7ea7d38a2a_k.jpg)
- Location: Courthouse Vista in Coconino National Forest
- Distance: 4 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 300-350 feet
- Highlights: The feeling of soft red desert sand underfoot, towering stone skyscrapers
Black Canyon Trail
![Black Canyon Trail Black Canyon Trail](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2021/08/Black-Canyon-Trail.jpg)
- Location: Off of Ogden Ranch Road, just south of Sedona
- Distance: 8.3 miles
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
- Highlights: Expansive views