Sedona sits at 4,350 feet in the Verde Valley, where the Colorado Plateau drops toward the Sonoran Desert below. The red rock formations here are Permian-age sandstone capped by harder basalt, sculpted over millions of years by Oak Creek and its tributaries.
Most Sedona trailheads require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week, $20/year) from the Coconino National Forest. A few trailheads are free. The Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday through Sunday during peak season (March through May, September through early November) and eliminates the need for a pass during operating hours.
Best hiking season is October through May. Summer highs regularly hit 95°F to 100°F. Early morning starts are possible in summer but the exposed red rock surfaces heat up fast.
Browse trail guides below.
Soldier Pass Trail is a 4-mile round trip hike in west Sedona through a natural sinkhole, Soldier Pass Arches, and a cave alcove with a permit-limited trailhead that keeps crowds manageable
Cathedral Rock Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip scramble up Sedona's most photographed red rock formation, with chains for the steep final section and views over Oak Creek Canyon from the saddle
Boynton Canyon Trail is a 6-mile round trip hike in west Sedona through a canyon with towering red walls, a vortex site, ancient cliff dwellings, and one of Sedona's most varied red rock environments
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop is a 4-mile loop around two iconic Sedona red rock formations with optional scrambling up Bell Rock, one of the most accessible hikes in Sedona's red rock country
Wilson Mountain Sedona hike climbs 2,600 feet to the highest peak in red rock country. Full guide to First Bench, Second Bench, and the 7,122-foot summit
West Fork Oak Creek Canyon hike is 6.8 miles of shaded canyon, creek crossings, and Arizona's best fall foliage. Full guide to timing, parking, and safety
Vultee Arch trail Sedona winds through Sterling Canyon to a 40-foot sandstone arch named for aviation pioneers who died here in 1938. Less crowded than most Sedona hikes
Soldier Pass trail Sedona connects Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and a small cave in 4 miles. One of Sedona's most feature-packed short hikes
Secret Canyon Trail is 6.4 miles into one of Sedona's tallest, narrowest canyons. Full guide with directions, permit info, photo spots, and safety tips
Long Canyon Trail is 6.8 miles of peaceful sandstone canyon in west Sedona. No Red Rock Pass needed. Full guide with directions, photos spots, and tips
Jim Thompson Trail Sedona is a flat 6-mile round trip on a historic road grade with Steamboat Rock views. Easy terrain, light crowds, no Red Rock Pass required
Hangover Trail Sedona crosses a knife-edge ridge with 200-foot drops on both sides. Full loop is 11.2 miles with 1,500 ft gain. Not for casual hikers
Fay Canyon trail Sedona is 2.2 miles round trip with a natural arch spur, good shade, and flat terrain that makes it one of Sedona's best family-friendly hikes
Doe Mountain trail Sedona guide: 1.9-mile round trip to a flat sandstone mesa summit with 360-degree views. Best Sedona sunrise and effort-to-payoff ratio
Devil's Bridge Sedona is the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. Beat the crowds with this guide to timing, trailheads, and the arch walk itself
The Cockscomb and Aerie loop is 5 miles of ridge hiking above west Sedona with 800 ft of gain and views of Capitol Butte, Bear Mountain, and Dry Creek basin
Brins Mesa trail Sedona climbs to an open sandstone plateau with panoramic Capitol Butte views. 5-mile loop, no Red Rock Pass required at the Jordan Road trailhead
Bell Rock Sedona hike combines an easy 4-mile loop with an accessible scramble up a 300-foot sandstone butte. Best Sedona hike for first-timers and dog owners
Bear Mountain Sedona hike gains 2,100 feet in 4.6 miles with route-finding required. The steepest trail in Sedona delivers 360-degree summit views. For experienced hikers only
Airport Mesa trail Sedona is a 3.3-mile loop at 4,500 feet with 360-degree views of the red rock valley. The best sunset hike in Sedona, and one of four vortex sites