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Sedona, Arizona is a superb mountaineering vacation spot. Within minutes of this desert city, you’ll discover tons of of trails the place you possibly can hike by canyons and pine forests and amongst the enduring crimson sandstone towers and buttes.
Many of the hikes will be difficult, although, and contain scrambling up the crimson rocks. If like me, you’re not assured with mountain climbing, or simply need a quick stroll, there are some wonderful choices.
We got down to discover the perfect simple hikes in Sedona and share our favourites beneath. Most of them take an hour or much less and are appropriate for newcomers, however they nonetheless function beautiful views.
We additionally embody useful suggestions on your mountaineering journey, the place to remain, and a map with all these simple Sedona hikes.
Contents
Tips for Hiking in Sedona
Sedona has grow to be a well-liked mountaineering vacation spot lately. Trails will be crowded and parking at the most well-liked ones is restricted. Here are our tricks to make mountaineering in Sedona extra gratifying.
- Buy a move – Many Sedona path parking heaps require you to indicate a recreation move in your automobile. You can purchase a Red Rock Pass at required areas ($5 a day/$15 every week) or in case you have an America the Beautiful annual nationwide parks move (as we did), you need to use that. Some locations have separate charges and I’ve famous these beneath.
- Visit through the week if attainable – Weekends are busier, so select quieter trails on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Start early – Arriving at trailheads by 7am is one of the simplest ways to keep away from the crowds (and warmth within the hotter months). After 5pm also can work until it’s a spot that’s particularly identified for its sundown views.
- Wear mountaineering footwear – Sedona mountaineering trails are rocky and muddy, so mountaineering footwear or boots with good traction are important. Be ready to get orange dust all over the place (we saved our mountaineering footwear in our automobile).
- Use the AllTrails app – Even quick hikes in Sedona aren’t all the time simple to comply with as they’re usually a part of a community of a number of trails. We discovered our AllTrails+ subscription actually helpful so we may obtain path maps on the app for offline use. Read the path opinions too for recommendations on present circumstances.
- Bring loads of water – This is the desert, in spite of everything, and the solar will be intense.
Where to Stay in Sedona
We discovered West Sedona the perfect base for a mountaineering journey because it’s quieter and extra native than Uptown Sedona and is near many trails.
There are nonetheless loads of eating places and shops. Whole Foods is beneficial for mountaineering snacks.
We beloved the Wilde Resort and Spa. It’s close to a busy highway, however the grounds are lovely. There’s a heated pool (I swam within the snow!), two sizzling tubs (good for post-hike), and loads of comfy seating round firepits.
Rooms are fashionable, spacious, and cozy—the perfect ones have mountain views.
Check costs for Wilde Resort right here.
The Best Easy Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
These are our favorite simple Sedona hikes from the shortest and best to extra of a average path that’s price the additional effort.
1) Oak Creek Trail at Crescent Moon Ranch
Distance: 1.2 miles (2km) out and again
Time: half-hour
Total elevation acquire: Flat
Parking price: $11 (pay money or card at entrance sales space). Red Rock Grand Annual Passes are accepted however not the weekly Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful.
Facilities: Toilets and picnic tables.
AllTrails web page: Oak Creek Trail
Note: this isn’t the West Fork Oak Creek Trail, which is far tougher and half-hour exterior Sedona.
Oak Creek Trail is without doubt one of the best hikes in Sedona. This quick stroll is appropriate for the aged and younger youngsters, and the paved sections are wheelchair-friendly.
The riverside path begins within the Crescent Moon Ranch picnic space on the Red Rock Loop Road, which has lovely views on the best way down.
Crescent Moon is in style for picnics, swimming, sunsets, and views of the Sedona icon, Cathedral Rock, mirrored within the river.
Parking generally is a downside at busy occasions, however at 5pm in winter, we had no points. This stroll can be greatest in fall (for vibrant leaves) or summer time (for swimming), however even with naked bushes in winter, it was a fairly and simple stroll.
There are good views of Cathedral Rock from numerous factors on the path and the perfect is on the rocky space on the finish. You can climb on some rocks within the river to see the reflection of the sandstone butte within the water.
This space is called the Red Rock Crossing Vortex, which is regarded as a spot of excessive religious vitality.
If you stroll a bit of past the rocky space, there are even higher, unobstructed views from a meadow.
Cathedral Rock seems greatest within the late afternoon when it’s lit up by the solar. Quite a couple of folks had gathered right here to attend for sundown.
Red Rock Crossing Trail is a path on the opposite facet of the river, however there was no method for us to cross it with out getting our toes moist (this is perhaps simpler in summer time).
If you might be in search of a brief, simple path in Sedona, Oak Creek Trail may be very accessible and has improbable Cathedral Rock views. The solely draw back is the doorway price with most passes not accepted.
2) Lower Chimney Rock Loop
Distance: 1.4 mile (2.3km) loop
Time: half-hour
Total elevation acquire: 115 toes (35 metres)
Parking price: None
Facilities: None
AllTrails web page: Lower Chimney Rock
Lower Chimney Rock is a brief and candy path that’s simply accessible in West Sedona.
It begins from the Thunder Mountain Trailhead. Parking is restricted (as all the time), however we obtained an area at 5pm and the path wasn’t busy.
It’s not fairly as simple because the paved Oak Creek Trail because it’s rocky and will be muddy, however elevation acquire is minimal.
This is a loop hike round Lower Chimney Rock. We went clockwise and the primary half wasn’t that thrilling, however there are higher views of Chimney Rock on the second half.
There’s additionally an optionally available detour to climb up the summit of the rock within the center for sweeping views. We didn’t do that because it entails some steep scrambling.
There are loads of alternatives to increase your hike because it hyperlinks to different trails. In explicit, the Chimney Rock Loop (2.3 miles mixed with Lower Chimney) seems like a great add-on however requires a bit extra elevation acquire.
While I don’t suppose Lower Chimney Rock Loop is a Sedona must-do, it’s a pleasing stroll if you find yourself low on vitality or time, particularly in case you are staying shut by.
3) Tea Cup Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles (3.6km) out and again
Time: 1 hour
Total elevation acquire: 272 toes (83 metres)
Parking price: None
Facilities: None
AllTrails web page: Tea Cup Trail to Coffeepot Rock
The Tea Cup Trail is in the identical West Sedona mountaineering space as Lower Chimney Rock however begins from the Sugarloaf Trailhead.
Perhaps as a result of we began at 3pm, we discovered it a lot tougher to get parked on the small parking zone right here and needed to wait quarter-hour for one more automobile to depart. It’s in a residential space however road parking isn’t allowed.
Warning: I don’t suggest mountaineering the total path as listed on AllTrails in case you are in search of a simple hike. But the views are so good it’s price contemplating strolling a part of it.
The first part is simple, though the path is rocky and muddy as is typical in Sedona.
You begin on a part of the Sugarloaf Loop, which is pretty flat and busy with different hikers. You can detour as much as the Sugarloaf summit, which we didn’t do, however it sounds pretty easy (not like many rock summits), so I want we’d carried out it.
Once you attain the Tea Cup Trail, it turns into quieter and after about 20 minutes there’s a spectacular view of Coffeepot Rock.
I like to recommend turning again right here and maybe including on the Sugarloaf summit. We continued the path and it took us scrambling on the sting of Coffeepot Rock, which was method out of our consolation zone, so we turned again.
4) Schuerman Mountain Lookout
Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7km) out and again
Time: 45 minutes
Total elevation acquire: 367 toes (112 metres)
Parking price: None
Facilities: None
AllTrails web page: Schuerman Mountain Lookout
If you might be in search of a brief Sedona hike with out crowds, Schuerman Mountain Lookout is a superb choice, particularly within the late afternoon or at sundown.
The path begins at Schuerman Mountain Trailhead throughout the highway from a college. Unusually for Sedona, it was simple to get parked, and we solely noticed two different {couples} on the path.
You begin on the Schuerman Mountain Trail then go left on the signal for the vista.
The out-and-back stroll as much as the perspective has extra elevation acquire than the earlier hikes, so it’ll get your coronary heart going, however it’s not too tough. As all the time, count on a rocky path.
The panoramic views from the highest are effectively well worth the climb. You can see a lot of Sedona together with Cathedral Rock.
5) Fay Canyon Trail
Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7km) out and again
Time: 1 hour
Total elevation acquire: 194 toes (59 metres)
Parking price: None
Facilities: Toilet at parking
AllTrails web page: Fay Canyon Trail
Fay Canyon is without doubt one of the best hikes in Sedona because it’s principally flat and sandy relatively than the same old rocky path.
It’s solely a 10-minute drive out of city, however it feels extra distant than the opposite hikes on this listing with none homes in sight. There’s even a warning about bears!
The free parking is throughout the highway from the trailhead and is kind of spacious. As this can be a in style path, it will possibly replenish, although—it was a lot busier after we left at 9.30am than after we arrived at 8.30am.
The path takes you thru a inexperienced canyon with steep crimson cliffs on either side. When you attain the top of the path signal, you possibly can select to scramble up the massive rocks past.
This part is tougher however not too dangerous—it was extra like large rocky steps. Even going up a couple of minutes offers you a surprising view again down into the canyon and past to Sedona’s crimson rocks. It was the perfect a part of the hike for us.
On the best way again by the canyon we took the Fay Canyon Arch facet path. This shouldn’t be marked and is simple to overlook, so ensure to obtain the AllTrails map to seek out it.
This takes you to a rock arch, however it’s not a simple path. It’s fairly a steep climb, and it obtained more and more scrambly, so we turned again. There is an effective view of the canyon up right here, however skip this facet path if you would like a simple stroll.
6) Margs Draw Trail
Distance: 3.1 miles (5km) out and again
Time: 1 hour
Total elevation acquire: 276 toes (84 metres)
Parking price: None
Facilities: None
AllTrails web page: Margs Draw Trail
Margs Draw is without doubt one of the greatest simple hikes in Sedona to keep away from crowds. Even on a Saturday morning, we solely noticed a couple of others.
The complete Margs Draw Trail is 4 miles out and again. You can park at both finish—Huckaby Trailhead is on the north finish (Red Rock Pass required) and Broken Head Trailhead (free) is on the south finish—however parking can replenish.
Instead, we began in the course of the path on the Margs Draw Trailhead on the finish of Sombart Lane, the place parking was simple and free.
From right here the stroll begins uphill, however the ascent doesn’t final lengthy. It solely takes 10 minutes on the spur path (Margs Draw Spur A) to achieve the principle path. From right here you possibly can stroll in both route.
We went left and walked for one more 20 minutes till we reached the highway and turned again the best way we got here. You may additionally add within the south part of the path.
Margs Draw is simple with solely mild inclines. It’s greener than many Sedona trails with a number of juniper, cypress, and pinyon pine bushes.
A spotlight is Snoopy Rock, which does look spectacular, though we struggled to see the Snoopiness of it.
Margs Draw isn’t probably the most scenic path in Sedona, however it was easy, nice, and quiet with some fairly views.
It can be good for a run because it’s much less rocky than most of the trails and is near city.
7) Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop
Distance: 3.7 mile (6km) loop
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total elevation acquire: 430 toes (131 metres)
Parking price: Red Rock or America the Beautiful Pass Required
Facilities: Toilet at parking
AllTrails web page: Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop
This loop across the two massive rock formations, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, is my high choose in case you are in search of a simple Sedona path with attractive views.
It’s a bit of longer than the hikes above, however it’s principally stage with just some mild uphills.
The path is 20 minutes from Sedona on the best way to Oak Creek Village, however it’s a fairly drive out right here.
We parked at Courthouse Vista, which is the place to begin for a number of trails. Parking does replenish, so it’s price going early—we began at 7.10am and there have been just a few areas left at 8.30am even on a freezing winter morning.
Yavapai Vista Point Parking is another choice, a 10-minute stroll from the trailhead.
We began on the Bell Rock Pathway, related to the Courthouse Butte Loop, after which ended again on Bell Rock Pathway. Although it’s pretty simple to comply with, there are lots of completely different trails, so the AllTrails map is useful to maintain you on observe.
By mountaineering in a clockwise route, you save the perfect views for the second half. We beloved getting up near the crimson rocks and seeing Courthouse Butte sprinkled with snow within the morning gentle.
By beginning early, it was very peaceable, and we didn’t see anybody else till the top.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can climb Bell Rock, however it’s a scramble up (we skipped it).
With lovely views all through, I extremely suggest this simple path.
8) Soldier Pass and Brins Mesa Loop
Distance: 5 mile (8km) loop
Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (plus break)
Total elevation acquire: 890 toes (271 metres)
Parking price: Red Rock or America the Beautiful Pass Required
Facilities: Toilet at parking
AllTrails web page: Seven Sacred Pools by way of Soldier Pass to Brins Mesa Loop
The Soldier Pass and Brins Mesa Loop is by far the longest, steepest hike on this listing, however it was additionally our favorite Sedona path.
While it’s extra of a average than a simple path, it doesn’t require rock scrambling (simply good footwear for the same old rocks/mud). We discovered it excellent—a little bit of a problem however not an excessive amount of, and the beautiful surroundings was price it.
If you don’t wish to do the entire thing, flip it into a simple hike by simply strolling to Seven Sacred Pools and again (40 minutes every method from Jordan Rd).
This is a well-liked mountaineering space with many trails and parking choices. The AllTrails map (which may be very helpful right here) begins at Soldier Pass Trailhead, however though the parking is free, it’s very restricted and doesn’t open till 8am. Cars queue earlier than then to get a spot.
It’s higher to do what we did and park on the Jordan Road Trailhead (additionally known as Jim Thompson Trailhead and Brins Mesa Trailhead). This requires a move and the highway there’s tough (doable in a sedan), however there are extra areas, and most significantly, it’s open 24/7 so you will get an early begin.
I extremely suggest beginning earlier than 7.30am and mountaineering in a clockwise route. This method you attain Soldier Pass Trail earlier than 8am (when vehicles are allowed in) and can seemingly have the Seven Sacred Pools to your self.
We discovered the primary half of the path very quiet (even on a Saturday morning) and solely noticed others when coming down Brins Mesa later within the morning.
From Jordan Road Trailhead, begin by following indicators for Brins Mesa then quickly after hook up with the Cibola Pass Trail, which turns into the Jordan Trail. The crimson rocks like The Sphinx regarded lovely within the morning gentle.
Then you flip proper onto the Soldier Pass Trail and move Devil’s Kitchen, an enormous sinkhole. It took us about half-hour to get right here.
10 minutes additional alongside the straightforward path are the Seven Sacred Pools, a collection of small swimming pools of water within the sandstone.
The backdrop of Coffeepot Rock makes it particularly scenic and early within the morning it was a tranquil spot to pause and take heed to the birds.
For a shorter hike, you can flip again right here. Otherwise, proceed on the path marked Soldier Pass/ Brins Mesa for extra lovely views.
There’s an optionally available 1-mile return unmarked facet path to a cave (use AllTrails to seek out it), however we skipped it because it entails scrambling.
About midway into the hike (2.5 miles) we started the uphill climb that’s the toughest half. It did get our hearts going however didn’t really feel too lengthy.
We took a snack break on some sunny rocks close to the highest then continued on the path that crosses over to Brins Mesa.
It’s vast open up right here with expansive views which are particularly beautiful as we descended the path right into a sea of inexperienced and crimson rocks. We have been grateful to be strolling down and never up this hill!
If you may have the time and vitality, I extremely suggest Soldier Pass and Brins Mesa. Start early to benefit from the epic views in peace.
Popular Sedona Hikes We Skipped
These are thought-about a few of the greatest hikes in Sedona, however we selected to not do them. Partly due to crowds and partly as a result of they contain rock scrambling that we weren’t assured with.
People love these hikes for a motive, so I’m not saying you shouldn’t do them. But there are such a lot of trails in Sedona that there’s no have to really feel the stress to hike these, particularly in case you are frightened of heights.
- Cathedral Rock Trail – This hike is brief however steep and entails scrambling up close to vertical rocks with sheer drop-offs. The views on the high look lovely, however it’s not for these with a concern of heights.
- Devil’s Bridge Trail – This 4-mile hike is known for its sandstone arch and folks queue to take a photograph on the slender rock bridge. The final part is steep and slippy and will be icy in winter.
- Airport Mesa Trail – This in style sundown hike doesn’t look too tough (though it’s rocky), however it’s busy and parking is a significant problem.
Sedona Hiking Map
Which is the Best Easy Hike in Sedona?
My high two picks for brief Sedona hikes with the greatest views are the Courthouse Butte/Bell Rock Loop and Fay Canyon. They are pretty flat and will be accomplished in below 90 minutes.
If you need the best hike in Sedona with no rocky, muddy path to take care of, Oak Creek Trail is an easy paved stroll with a beautiful view.
To keep away from the crowds in Sedona, Schuerman Mountain and Margs Draw are wonderful choices.
My private favorite hike in Sedona is the Soldier Pass and Brins Mesa Loop. It’s longer and steeper however doesn’t require mountain climbing and the pay-off is price it.
What are your favorite simple mountaineering trails in Sedona? Leave a remark beneath.
More USA Posts
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California