Hiking is the number one reason people come to Sedona, and for good reason. Here are the trails we recommend most to our guests, roughly from easiest to hardest. Distances are approximate round trips.
1. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop
About 4 miles · easy to moderate. A mostly flat loop around two of Sedona's most recognizable formations, right in the Village of Oak Creek. Great for families, and you can scramble partway up Bell Rock if you want a little adventure.
2. Airport Mesa
About 3 miles for the full loop · moderate. Circles the mesa with 360-degree views of West Sedona. Even if you skip the loop, the short walk up to the overlook is one of the best sunset spots in town.
3. Little Horse Trail to Chicken Point
Moderate. A pleasant climb to a slickrock viewpoint between the Chapel area and Bell Rock, with views of Twin Buttes along the way. It's served by the free trailhead shuttle.
4. Soldier Pass
About 4.5 miles · moderate. Packs a lot into one hike: the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools and an optional climb to the Soldier Pass arches. The trailhead lot is tiny, so take the shuttle.
5. Boynton Canyon
About 6 miles · moderate. A gradual walk into a box canyon in West Sedona, with a side trail to the famous Subway Cave for those comfortable with a steep final scramble.
6. Devil's Bridge
About 4 miles from Dry Creek Vista · moderate, with a steep finish. Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch, and yes, you can walk across it. Go early: the line for the classic photo on the bridge gets long by mid-morning.
7. Cathedral Rock
About 1.2 miles · short but strenuous. Steep slickrock climbing with a few hands-on sections, leading to a saddle with jaw-dropping views. It's short but not easy. Wear shoes with real grip and skip it when the rock is wet.
Parking, passes and the free shuttle
- Sedona Shuttle: free trailhead shuttles run to Cathedral Rock, Little Horse, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek Vista (for Devil's Bridge) and Mescal from park-and-ride lots in town. It runs on a seasonal schedule, so check sedonashuttle.com before you go.
- Red Rock Pass: many national forest trailheads require a recreation pass to park. Check the Coconino National Forest website for current pass options and prices.
- Conditions: trails and roads occasionally close after storms. Check the Coconino National Forest site for alerts before heading out.
- Water and timing: carry more water than you think you need, and start early in warm months.