Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona (Popular, Easy, Hard & Cave Hikes)

A Quick Introduction to Sedona

location

Sedona, Arizona, is a captivating desert town about 2 hours north of Phoenix. It’s renowned for its breathtaking red rock formations, which create a stunning landscape that draws visitors from around the globe. Geographically, Sedona is 30 minutes from Flagstaff and 90 minutes from the Grand Canyon. This unique setting provides a blend of striking natural beauty, with its towering red rock buttes and canyons, alongside lush pine forests. This location contributes to Sedona’s mild climate and its reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual connection.

best months to visit

here’s a little intro of what it’s like to visit sedona in different seasons throughout the year. i’ve been in almost every month, and they’re all great for different reasons! the best hikes in sedona are beautiful in ALL SEASONS.

Spring (March – May):

• Weather:
  • Pleasant, temperate weather, mid-60s to low 80s.
• Experience:
  • Wildflowers blooming depending on winter rain, popular time, so expect more crowds

Summer (June – August):

• Weather:
  • Hot, with daytime temperatures reaching the 90s, Monsoon season, with afternoon thunderstorms.
• Experience:
  • Fewer crowds compared to spring and fall, Great for early morning hikes and enjoying cooler evenings.

Fall (September – mid-October):

• Weather:
  • Comfortable temperatures, similar to spring. mid-60s to low 80s, crisp evenings.
• Experience:
  • Beautiful fall foliage against the red rock backdrop, Excellent for hiking and outdoor photography, Another popular time, so expect crowds.

Winter (December – February):

• Weather:
  • Cooler temperatures, with potential for snowfall (SNOWDONAA!!), Daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s, chilly evenings.
• Experience:
  • Fewer crowds, providing a more peaceful experience

Popular Hikes in Sedona

Let’s start off with reviewing the MOST POPULAR HIKES IN SEDONA. The ones all the visitors try to do! The ones that keep people coming back over and over again. It must be a for a reason, right? 

cathedral rock

There’s not doubt that Cathedral Rock is one of the MOST POPULAR HIKES IN SEDONA. Its dramatic, towering spires and steep drop off at the top are stunning (obviously you need to be careful). The relatively short but challenging climb to the saddle rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding red rock landscape. Furthermore, Cathedral Rock is recognized as a powerful vortex site, attracting those seeking spiritual connection and heightened energy. All of this makes Cathedral Rock a must-do hike for visitors to Sedona.

devil’s bridge

Okay, picture this: you’re hiking through gorgeous red rock country, and then, BAM! You see it – Devil’s Bridge, a natural sandstone arch that looks like something out of a movie! That’s a huge part of why everyone loves hiking to Devil’s Bridge. It’s not just a hike, it’s an adventure with a seriously epic payoff. Standing on (or near!) that bridge is a bucket-list moment, and the photos you’ll get are absolutely incredible. Plus, the trail itself is a fun mix of easy stretches and a bit of a climb, so it’s a good challenge without being too overwhelming. It’s just a classic Sedona experience, and everyone wants to say they’ve conquered Devil’s Bridge, which makes it one of the BEST HIKES IN SEDONA.

soldier’s pass

Alright, let’s talk Soldier Pass! If you’re looking for a hike that packs a serious Sedona punch, this is it. It’s like a sampler platter of all the cool stuff the area has to offer. You’ll wander past the “Seven Sacred Pools,” which are these neat little natural pools carved into the rock that sometimes fill with water! Then, you’ll get to see “Devil’s Kitchen,” a giant sinkhole that’s super impressive. And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a secret cave to explore, but we will get into that later! Plus, the trail itself is just beautiful, winding through classic Sedona scenery. It’s not just one cool thing, it’s a whole bunch of them all rolled into one hike, which is why it’s one of the best hikes in Sedona! (& one of the most popular).

boynton canyon

Boynton Canyon is another VORTEX HIKE IN SEDONA. This trail weaves you through a lush, verdant canyon, a striking contrast to the typical red rock vistas, offering a refreshing change of scenery. You’ll find yourself surrounded by towering canyon walls, whispering pines, and a sense of serene isolation that’s hard to beat, making it one of the best hikes in Sedona! Go to the caves section to read about the famous “Subway Cave” that is off of this trail!

Easy Hikes in Sedona

EASY HIKES IN SEDONA are great for a number of reasons. Maybe you want to fit multiple trails into your itinerary, so doing a few shorter/easier ones is better than one long one. Maybe you’re milking an injury or maybe you’re a beginner hiker. Whatever the reason, here’s a few easy hikes in Sedona that I love.

doe mountain

Doe Mountain is for sure one of the best hikes in Sedona, and isn’t too hard. Unlike some of Sedona’s longer treks, Doe Mountain’s relatively short, mesa-top trail provides a quick ascent to breathtaking 360-degree vistas. The flat summit makes for easy exploration once you’ve reached the top, allowing ample time to soak in the stunning red rock formations and surrounding landscape. This hike is perfect for those seeking a balance between effort and payoff, offering a taste of Sedona’s grandeur without demanding a full day’s commitment. Doe Mountain is a great option for families, visitors with limited time, or anyone wanting to capture iconic Sedona scenery with a manageable hike.

This hike is amazing for viewing hot air balloons fly around sunrise. I’ve actually flown in hot air balloons twice in Sedona and I loved it. Interested? Read my post here!

bell rock

Bell Rock is a great easy, beginner hike. PLUS, it’s one of the first things you see when you drive in off highway 179 into Sedona. It is  one of Sedona’s most iconic vortex sites and unlike a traditional trail to a singular destination, Bell Rock invites exploration of its rounded, layered slopes, allowing hikers to choose their own adventure. Whether you opt for a gentle stroll around its base or a more challenging climb to its higher points, the panoramic views of Sedona are fantastic.

marg’s draw

Margs Draw in Sedona offers a less crowded, more intimate hiking experience, perfect for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with the desert landscape. This trail meanders through a picturesque canyon, revealing hidden pockets of lush vegetation and vibrant red rock formations. The relatively gentle elevation gain makes it accessible to a wide range of hikers, allowing for a relaxed pace and ample opportunity to appreciate the serene surroundings. Unlike the more popular, heavily trafficked trails, Margs Draw provides a sense of tranquility, where the only sounds are the rustling of leaves and the gentle chirping of birds, which I think makes it one of the best hikes in Sedona!

secret slick rock

I love this one. If you want an easy hike or a place to meditate eor take your family members and watch sunset (I took my grandparents here!), this is the hike for you. This trail, often less crowded than its more famous counterparts, provides an opportunity to enjoy some solitude. This hike provides STUNNING views of Cathedral Rock, one of the most beautiful landmarks in Sedona.

FAQ: Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona

What is the most popular hike in Sedona? Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge are consistently the two most popular hikes in Sedona. Cathedral Rock is short (1.2 miles) but steep, with iconic views and a powerful vortex energy that keeps people coming back. Devil’s Bridge is a little longer at 3.9 miles and rewards you with Sedona’s largest natural sandstone arch — and honestly one of the best photo spots in all of Arizona.

Do I need a permit to hike in Sedona? No permit is required to hike in Sedona, but you do need a Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $20/annually) to park at most National Forest trailheads. If you take the free Sedona Shuttle to the trailhead, no pass is needed.

What are the best easy hikes in Sedona for beginners? Bell Rock, Birthing Cave, and Doe Mountain are my top picks for beginners. All three are under 2 miles, manageable for most fitness levels, and still deliver the dramatic red rock scenery Sedona is famous for. Bell Rock is especially great if it’s your first time — it’s one of the first things you see driving into town and you can go as easy or as adventurous as you want on it.

What are the least crowded hikes in Sedona? Marg’s Draw, Secret Slick Rock, and Keyhole Cave are all significantly less trafficked than the popular trails. If you want to avoid crowds entirely, go on a weekday and hit the trailhead early. Wilson Mountain and Bear Mountain also tend to be quieter simply because the difficulty keeps casual visitors away.

Are dogs allowed on Sedona hiking trails? Most Sedona trails are dog-friendly — Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Boynton Canyon, Doe Mountain, and Bell Rock all allow leashed dogs. The main exception is inside the caves. Soldier’s Pass Cave, for example, does not allow dogs into the cave itself. Always check the individual trail listing on AllTrails before you go.

What is the best time of year to hike in Sedona? Spring (March–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best hiking weather, with temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s. That said, both seasons are also the busiest. Winter is genuinely underrated — fewer crowds, cooler temps, and the chance of seeing the red rocks dusted in snow (Snowdona is real and it’s magical). Summer is doable if you’re hiking early morning before the heat kicks in.

How long do you need in Sedona to hike the best trails? I’d say three days is the sweet spot. You can knock out the popular hikes (Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Soldier’s Pass) on days one and two, then spend day three exploring cave hikes or some of the less crowded trails. If you only have one day, prioritize Devil’s Bridge in the morning and Cathedral Rock at sunset — you won’t regret it.