Hiking & Trails near Sedona
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Red Rocks & Creek Canyons

Hiking & Trails

You don't come to this part of Arizona and stay indoors. Sedona's iconic trails are 25-35 minutes from our door, and the Verde Valley has its own hidden gems closer to home. Whether you want an easy creek-side stroll or a heart-pounding scramble up Cathedral Rock, it's all here.

West Fork Trail

Sedona's most beloved trail — 6.9 miles through a narrow box canyon with 13 creek crossings and towering red rock walls. Fall colors are spectacular.

David's Tip

Go early. By 9 AM the parking lot is full. The first mile is paved — keep going, it gets better. Fall colors peak in late October.

Fall colors peak late October. Canyon floods during monsoons.
35 min $ Moderate Canyon Creek crossings
Bell Rock Pathway

Easy 3.6-mile loop around one of Sedona's most iconic formations. Gentle terrain with spectacular views at every turn. A vortex site.

David's Tip

The views are incredible at sunset. Start from the Bell Rock Vista parking area for the best approach. Great for beginners.

30 min $ Easy Iconic views Vortex
Cathedral Rock Trail

Challenging 1.2-mile climb to the saddle between Cathedral Rock's spires. 360-degree views at the top and a powerful vortex site.

David's Tip

Sunrise is magical here with fewer people than sunset. The rock scramble near the top looks harder than it is — use the cairns. Bring grippy shoes.

30 min $ Strenuous Views Vortex
Devil's Bridge Trail

Popular trail leading to Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch. Walk across the bridge for a photo-worthy moment above the canyon.

David's Tip

Start from the Mescal Trailhead to avoid the crowded main trailhead. It's 0.5 miles longer but you'll actually find parking.

35 min $ Moderate Iconic Photo-worthy
Slide Rock State Park

Natural water slide formed by slick creek bed rocks with swimming holes. One of Arizona's most popular summer attractions.

David's Tip

Visit on weekdays before 10 AM to avoid crowds. Water is cold year-round — the slide is best in July and August. Wear old shoes, the algae is slippery.

Best late spring through early fall. Closed in winter.
30 min $$ Swimming Family-friendly Iconic
Parsons Trail

Quiet 7.4-mile out-and-back along Sycamore Creek. Remote swimming holes and solitude — the opposite of crowded Sedona trails.

David's Tip

The swimming holes at mile 3 are worth the walk. Bring water shoes for the creek crossings. This trail rarely has crowds.

20 min $ Moderate Swimming holes Quiet
Desert trail through pines at Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Lagoon fishing, birding trails, and shaded picnic areas along the Verde River. Perfect for families or anyone wanting an easy day outdoors.

15 min $ Easy Family-friendly Fishing
Doe Mountain Mesa Top

Flat mesa top with 360-degree views after a short but steep climb. Less crowded than Cathedral Rock with equally stunning panoramas.

David's Tip

This is the locals' favorite sunrise spot. The entire mesa top can be explored on social trails. Bring a headlamp if hiking for sunrise.

35 min $ Moderate Sunrise spot Less crowded
Boynton Canyon Trail

Combines red rock views with lush vegetation and a powerful vortex site. 6.1 miles round trip through one of Sedona's most beautiful canyons.

35 min $ Moderate Vortex Canyon

David's Trail Picks by Fitness Level

First-timers: Bell Rock Pathway — flat, scenic, impossible to get lost. Moderate hikers: West Fork Trail — the creek crossings make it feel adventurous without the exposure. Want a challenge: Cathedral Rock — the scramble near the top is real, but the summit views are the best in Sedona.

All trails require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $15/week at trailhead kiosks). Start early — parking fills by 9 AM at popular trailheads.

Make It Your Basecamp

Every trail on this page is within 35 minutes of our property. Book your stay and hit the trails.