Doe Mountain Trail: Best Sunrise Hike in Sedona
Doe Mountain Trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail located in Sedona, Arizona. It is considered to be a moderately challenging hike, with an elevation gain of 400 feet. The trail winds its way up a low, flat-topped mesa, offering stunning views of the surrounding Sedona Red Rocks Country. From the top of the mesa, you can see Bear Mountain, the Wilson Mountains, Loy Butte, Boynton Canyon, and Chimney Rock. This is a perfect sunrise hike, as the colors hit the red rock just right and create an awe-inspiring glow.
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WHY SHOULD I HIKE ON DOE MOUNTAIN TRAIL?
WHERE IS DOE MOUNTAIN?
Doe Mountain Trail is located less than 10 miles West of Downtown Sedona, about 20 minutes by car. It’s within a few miles of the Devil’s Bridge, Boynton Canyon, and Bear Mountain Trailheads. It’s a beautiful and short trail that’s perfect for any Sedona trip.
NEED SOMEWHERE TO CAMP??
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HIKING DOE MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Fortunately, navigating the Doe Mountain Trail is an absolute breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this trail offers a seamless experience for all. As someone who loves the outdoors, I personally rely on AllTrails to enhance my adventure. Not only does it provide detailed trail maps, but it also keeps me informed about my progress, which is especially helpful when fatigue sets in.
To take it a step further, I highly recommend upgrading to the Pro version. Why? Because it offers the incredible feature of receiving notifications when you stray off the trail. This invaluable tool ensures your safety and allows you to confidently explore your surroundings. So, embrace the full potential of Doe Mountain Trail and make your hiking experience even more exhilarating with AllTrails Pro.
Doe Mountain is easy to navigate.
DOE MOUNTAIN TRAIL STATS
The Doe Mountain Trail starts at a small paved parking lot. It’s important to know that Sedona has a Shuttle now, which they created to help mitigate traffic issues due to popularity. I understand why they set it up, but I’m not always the biggest fan. It limits your ability to hike at Sunrise ans Sunset, and they don’t allow dogs even though Sedona is very dog friendly. It makes the trail LESS accessible to many. Regardless, this trail DOES NOT have a shuttle stop, so you can park yourself. Always, hike early or later in the day for better parking.
THE DOE MOUNTAIN TRAIL STARTS WITH A FEW SWITCHBACKS, AND THEN A STRAIGHT PATH UP TO THE SUMMIT.
The Doe Mountain Trail starts with a few switchbacks. You’ll have beautiful views of West Sedona and Bear Mountain which is across the street. It’s really easy to follow the trail. Once you get closer to the top, you’ll see the flat top butte. Then it’s just a short walk to the summit. I love how simple this trail is.
DOE MOUNTAIN- THE DESINATION
WANT TO CHECK OUT A FEW OTHER HIKES WHILE IN SEDONA?
Sedona is full of beautiful hikes, none of which that are too long!
Check out my post: The Subway Cave (Boynton Canyon Trail)
Off-the-beaten path: How to Find Keyhole Cave
A Sedona Classic: Cathedral Rock
If you hike at Sunrise, you’ll be able to see Sedona’s beautiful Hot Air Balloons, weather permitting. I loved sitting on the edge of Doe Mountain watching numerous hot air balloons rise over the mountains. They actually land close to the base of Doe Mountain Trail. I have done a Hot Air Balloon Tour in Sedona and absolutely loved it!
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT DOE MOUNTAIN
Doe Mountain Trail is an incredible hiking experience for beginners in stunning Sedona. If you are seeking an effortless yet rewarding opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise illuminating the majestic red rocks, look no further than this perfect trail. Uniquely captivating, the Doe Mountain Trail promises an unforgettable journey amidst nature’s splendor. With its serene beauty and manageable terrain, this hike is an absolute must-try for both nature enthusiasts and avid explorers alike. So lace up your hiking boots, embrace the natural wonder, and let Doe Mountain Trail make your day.
