Sedona is known as a hiking destination and for a good reason. There are trails for all level skills so there’s something for everybody. This guide includes the best hikes in Sedona and everything you need to know about them.
Keep in mind you will need to buy the Red Rock Pass for most hikes. It’s $5 per day or $15 per week and you can purchase it right at the parking lot of the trail. This pass is required if you want to leave your car on National Forest land around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
TIP: most trails are well marked. However, I recommend downloading the maps of the trails in advance or using apps like All Trails. This will help you know where to go even if there’s no service.
Cathedral Rock
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Hard
Requirement: Red Rock Pass
Parking: There’s a parking lot on Back O Beyond Road but the space is really limited and gets full really fast.
This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, specially during sunset. The trail is short but it’s really steep, so you would have to use your hands to climb. Once you get to the top, you will see a sign that says “End of Trail” If you go to the right you can walk all the way to the edge (picture below). If you go to the left you will find really cool formation that require a little bit more of climbing. Either way you go, the views at the top are stunning!
Boynton Canyon (Subway Cave)
Distance: 7.1 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Requirement: Red Rock Pass
Parking: There’s a parking lot at Boynton Canyon Park or you can park at Boynton Pass Road.
Subway Cave is located in Boynton Canyon, but the trail won’t take you directly there. After 2 miles, turn right off the main trail. After you turn right (around 0.2 miles), you will see a creek bed. You will turn right and go uphill. Once you get to the base of the cave, there’s two ways to get inside.
Option 1: You can go to the left and climb the steep rocky dirty trail. It’s a short climb and it will take you to a cave. Walk around the corner; it gets a little narrow, so watch your step.
Option 2: You can go to the right and climb up the rocks at the bottom of the cave. The rock is almost a slide at a 45 angle, really steep. It’s easiest if you stay at the left of the rock and follow the rut. It’s a little slippery so watch your step.
The best time to visit to get the best light is during morning-afternoon.
Birthing Cave
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Requirement: None
Parking: You can park at the Long Canyon Trailhead but its really small.
This is a really easy trail. After 0.6 miles of starting, you will get to a fork in the road. Take a small trail on the left to get to the cave. Once you see it in front of you, follow the path to the top. This part is a little steep but not too crazy. Climbing up into the cave walls can be a little challenging, there is very little to hold onto so wearing good hiking shoes is recommended.
The cave is large and shallow. If you want to capture the whole cave, you need a wide-angel lens.
Airport Mesa
Distance: 5 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Requirement: None
Parking: There’s a parking lot but it’s really limited. If you continue, there’s a larger area where you can park for just $3 and it’ll only add 5 more minutes to your hike.
This is a really short hike. Follow the staircase next to the parking lot and that’s it! If you want to add more, you can do Airport Loop. It’s a 3 miles loop trail around Sedona’s Airport.
The best time to visit is during golden hour.
Merry Go Round
Distance: 1.2 miles roundtrip (with 4×4) or 6.4 miles roundtrip (without 4×4)
Difficulty: Easy
Requirement: None
Parking: There’s a parking lot where Munds Wagon Trail starts but it gets full really fast.
There are two options to do this hike. If you don’t have a 4×4 high clearance car, you will have to walk 6.4 miles roundtrip via Munds Wagon trail. If you have a 4×4 high clearance car, you can continue and park at the top and only hike 1.2 miles roundtrip. The trail is well marked but mostly unshaded, bring enough water specially if you are doing the long version.
Sugarloaf (Keyhole Cave)
Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Hard
Requirement: Red Rock Pass
Parking: There’s a small parking lot at Sugarloaf trailhead.
The trail starts at Sugarloaf trailhead. Once there, you’ll take Teacup trail. When you reach an intersection, turn left to Thunder Mountain trail and just after that take the wash on the right. Once the wash narrows a little bit, you’ll move to the trail on the left and follow the path until you get to the base of the cave. Now it’s time to climb. I would recommend to stay on the right side of the cave and crawl. This part is steep and slippery so wearing good hiking shoes is important.
Secret Slick Rock
Distance: 0.7 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Easy
Requirement: None
Parking: There’s a small parking lot in front of the trail.
This is one of the shortest hikes in Sedona. Just follow the path until you get to a flat area and you will be rewarded with a stunning view. It’s perfect for picnics and photoshoots.
Devil’s Bridge
Distance: 2 miles roundtrip (with 4×4) or 4.2 miles roundtrip (without 4×4)
Difficulty: Easy
Requirement: Red Rock Pass if you park in Dry Creek Road.
Parking: If you have a 4×4 you can park at Devil’s Bridge Trail, if not you’ll have to park in Dry Creek Vista Trail or Mescal Trailhead.
This is one of the most iconic trails in Sedona. If you have a 4×4 high clearance car you can drive to the Devil’s Bridge trailhead. If you don’t have a 4×4 high clearance car, you will have to start in Dry Creek Vista or Mescal Trail. Most of the trail is flat, but as you get closer to the bridge it narrows down until in becomes a rock staircase. Once you go up the staircase, you will get to a flat surface. From here, there’s another rock staircase with even steeper steps. Luckily, once you get to the top you will continue straight to the bridge. Take in mind you’ll probably have to wait in line for a picture.
I’d recommend to pick your favorite trails and add more depending how you feel. If you need planning your trip to Sedona, check my Sedona Travel Guide. Have fun hiking!
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