Easy Hikes in Sedona: 10 Scenic Trails for Beginners

Sedona is known for its jaw-dropping red rock hikes — but not all of them require steep scrambles or heart-pounding climbs. In fact, some of the most beautiful trails in Sedona are also the most accessible. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, planning a relaxing weekend getaway, or just want incredible views without an intense workout, these easy hikes in Sedona deliver big scenery with minimal effort. From peaceful canyon walks to iconic vortex views, this list highlights beginner-friendly trails that prove you don’t have to hike hard to experience the magic of Sedona.

Best Easy Hikes in Sedona

While Sedona is famous for bucket-list trails like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, you don’t need steep scrambles or long mileage to experience its iconic red rock scenery. Some of the most memorable views in Sedona are found along beginner-friendly trails with manageable elevation gain and flexible distances.

Below, you’ll find my favorite easy hikes in Sedona — each offering incredible scenery, well-marked trails, and options to turn around whenever you’re ready. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, traveling with family, or simply looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure, these hikes prove that “easy” doesn’t mean boring in Sedona.

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.

soldier’s pass to seven sacred pools

If you’re looking for a short and unique Sedona hike, the Soldier Pass trail to the Seven Sacred Pools is an easy out-and-back option that packs a lot into just 1.1 miles. The trail begins along the popular Soldier Pass corridor but quickly reaches the famous natural rock basins known as the Seven Sacred Pools — a series of sandstone depressions that fill with water after rain or snowmelt. While the pools can sometimes be dry in warmer months, the surrounding red rock scenery and views of the cliffs above still make this a worthwhile stop. The trail is mostly flat with minimal elevation gain, making it accessible for beginner hikers or anyone wanting a quick adventure. If you’re up for adding distance, you can continue farther along Soldier Pass to reach Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole or the Soldier Pass Cave, but the pools alone make for an easy, scenic hike.

birthing cave

The Birthing Cave in Sedona is a popular and rewarding hike due to its accessibility and unique features. Unlike some of Sedona’s more challenging trails, the Birthing Cave is relatively easy to reach, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers. Its distinctive concave shape offers a visually captivating experience, and the cave provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding red rock landscape. It’s a bit of a challenge to photograph- you need to use wide angle! This combination of ease of access, unique geological formation, and scenic beauty makes the Birthing Cave one of the best hikes in Sedona.

doe mountain

Doe Mountain is for sure one of the best easy hikes in Sedona. 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!

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! If you want to make this hike even easier, you don’t need to do the whole hike!

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.

airport mesa loop

One of the most scenic bang-for-your-buck hikes in Sedona, the Airport Mesa Loop delivers panoramic red rock views with relatively minimal effort. This 3.2-mile loop circles the mesa just below the Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook, offering sweeping vistas of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte almost the entire way. The trail has a steady but manageable elevation gain of around 400 feet, making it a great option for beginners who want a short hike that still feels adventurous. The path is well-defined, though rocky in sections, so sturdy footwear is helpful. To make it easier, you don’t need to do the whole loop! This is for sure one of the most beautiful easy hikes in Sedona.

fay canyon trail

If you’re looking for a peaceful, mostly flat hike surrounded by towering red rock walls, Fay Canyon is one of the best easy hikes in Sedona. This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail winds gently through a wide desert canyon with minimal elevation gain, making it ideal for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a relaxed scenic walk. The path is well-marked and gradual, with open views of sandstone cliffs rising dramatically on both sides.

About halfway in, you’ll find an optional spur trail leading to the Fay Canyon Arch. The short scramble to the arch is steeper and requires some light route-finding, but it’s completely optional — you can enjoy the main trail without it. Because the canyon walls provide partial shade, Fay Canyon is also a solid choice during warmer months compared to more exposed Sedona hikes. It’s quiet, beautiful, and proof that an easy hike in Sedona can still feel immersive and dramatic.

west fork trail

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Sedona that feels completely different from the typical red rock desert scenery, the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is a must. This lush, shaded trail follows the creek through a narrow canyon, featuring towering rock walls, seasonal fall foliage, and multiple creek crossings that make the experience feel more like a forest walk than a desert hike.

While the full trail stretches about 6.5 miles out and back, you don’t have to hike the entire route to enjoy it. One of the best things about West Fork is that you can turn around whenever you’d like, making it as short and easy as you need. Even hiking just the first mile or two offers beautiful scenery and plenty of creek access, which is why it’s often considered one of the most beginner-friendly hikes in Sedona when done partially. The minimal elevation gain and shaded canyon setting also make this a great option during warmer months when many Sedona trails feel too exposed.

west fork trail

If you’re looking for an easy hike in Sedona that feels completely different from the typical red rock desert scenery, the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is a must. This lush, shaded trail follows the creek through a narrow canyon, featuring towering rock walls, seasonal fall foliage, and multiple creek crossings that make the experience feel more like a forest walk than a desert hike.

While the full trail stretches about 6.5 miles out and back, you don’t have to hike the entire route to enjoy it. One of the best things about West Fork is that you can turn around whenever you’d like, making it as short and easy as you need. Even hiking just the first mile or two offers beautiful scenery and plenty of creek access, which is why it’s often considered one of the most beginner-friendly hikes in Sedona when done partially. The minimal elevation gain and shaded canyon setting also make this a great option during warmer months when many Sedona trails feel too exposed.

chapel of the holy cross

While not a traditional hike, the walk up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most accessible and rewarding “easy hikes” in Sedona — especially for visitors who want incredible views without spending hours on the trail. Located in the Village of Oak Creek, this short, paved pathway climbs just about 0.5 miles round trip from the parking area to the chapel entrance, with a steady but manageable incline along the way.

Built directly into the red rock cliffs, the chapel itself is one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks, and the views only get better as you make your way up. From the top, you’ll have sweeping panoramas of the surrounding desert landscape, layered mesas, and distant red rock formations. Benches along the path offer places to rest, making this a great option for families, casual visitors, or anyone easing into Sedona hiking. It’s especially beautiful at sunrise or late afternoon, when the light reflects off the surrounding rock walls and gives the entire area a warm glow.

Gear for Your Hikes in Sedona

Even on Sedona’s easiest trails, preparation makes all the difference. Sturdy hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip are helpful, as many paths are rocky or uneven. Always carry more water than you think you’ll need — the desert heat can be intense year-round, even on short hikes. Sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is essential, since many trails offer little shade. I also recommend downloading offline maps (AllTrails or Google Maps) before heading out, as cell service can be spotty in canyon areas. Even easy hikes in Sedona are still desert hikes, so a little planning goes a long way.

Hiking Boots

Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are one of the most important items for this trail. The route includes loose rock, steep inclines, and a short scramble near the cave — so proper grip and ankle support go a long way. HERE are my favorite hiking boots shown below.

Plenty of Water

There’s little to no shade along the hike (besides in the cave), and Arizona desert heat can be intense year-round. I recommend bringing at least 2–3 liters of water per person, even for a shorter hike like this.

Sun Protection

A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential. The trail is fully exposed, and you’ll feel the sun quickly — especially on the ascent. I’ve been using the Freaks of Nature sunscreen (shown below) sold at REI, created by a legendary surfer!

Hiking Bag/ Pack

My favorite hiking backpack lately (that both my husband and I wear) is the Gregory Kiro 24 Pack sold at REI. It’s light, comfortable, and works for small or longer day hikes! I love the stunning color, too. Pictured below!