Welcome to red rock country! Sedona is one of my favorite places and I feel so blessed to have visited many times. The enormity and beauty of the red rocks never gets old. There’s an endless number of hiking trails in and around Sedona, but here are my top favorites! I’ve linked each hike to its page on AllTrails so you can click for more details.
If it’s your first time visiting, make sure to get a Red Rocks Pass so you can park in the lots. They are only $5 daily or $20 annually if you plan to visit often. You can acquire one at a self service station at many of the trailheads, or at a variety of places in Sedona.
Fay Canyon (~2.5 miles)
My absolute favorite spot on earth. The hike back into the canyon is a little over a mile and is very flat. Once you get to the end of the trail, you can start climbing straight up on the slickrock until you reach this view. We usually pack a sandwich and a drink and take in the beauty!
Bear Mountain (~4.5 miles)
A tough hike with incredible views as the reward. Located on the West side of town, the 6,400 ft summit boasts 360 degree views of the red rocks. But seriously, not for the faint of heart! There is one major point when you start heading down… only to head waaay back up!
North Wilson Mountain Trail (~7.8 – 9.5 miles)
Another difficult one, this is the tallest mountain in Sedona. It’s located is on the East side of Sedona near Slide Rock State Park and provides a variety of scenery as you make your way up in elevation. The North Wilson Mountain Trail is about 11.5 miles, but the route we took was only 7.85 miles. We started at Encinoso Picnic Area then followed North Wilson Trail up to the Sedona Overlook. I enjoyed stopping at the Sedona Overlook where we enjoyed lunch, and don’t know that going further provides much more in terms of scenery.
West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108 (~6.5 miles)
Again located on the East side, this was such a pretty trail to hike during the month of October. It’s completely different scenery from the red rocks and instead feels like you’re in a forest surrounded by trees, canyon walls, and a nearby stream, which you do have to cross a few times! It was a very calming and enjoyable hike after tackling Bear Mountain the day before.
Cathedral Rock (~1.2 miles)
A quick hike that doesn’t require much exertion, but does require hiking or good gripping shoes. You basically climb straight up the slickrock to the top, which makes it quick but a little stressful if you aren’t used to trusting your shoes.
Devil’s Bridge (~4 miles)
Maybe THE most popular hike in Sedona, this trail can get very crowded. I do think it’s worth going at least once, even if only to get the iconic picture! The hike is much better if you have a high clearance vehicle to take to the actual trailhead. Otherwise, you’ll need to start in the parking lot and walk the dirt path back to get to the trailhead. However instead of taking this popular route, we prefer taking the Chuck Wagon trail. It’s a bit longer (~5.7 miles total), but provides more shade and variety of scenery with less crowds.
The hike itself really isn’t too difficult, but may be scary if you’re afraid of heights or a little climbing. But still very doable, and the bridge is pretty wide for walking.
This trail is located outside of Sedona. If you’re getting of I-17 coming from Phoenix, you’ll turn right instead of left and can park at either the Bruce Brockett Trailhead or the Bell Trailhead. Either way, you’ll follow signs for Bell Trail the entire way.
The hike is about 4 miles each way, with sun blazing the whole time, but rewards you with an amazing watering hole for sunbathing, cliff jumping, and a super fun day! Be sure to pack plenty of water though since the hike is pretty long and doesn’t provide shade.
We also brought a small sling cooler with a few beverages, sandwiches, and snacks along with our towels to enjoy our afternoon. I’d also recommend an extra pair of shoes you can wear in the water – the rocks are a bit tough on the bare feet!
Robber’s Roost Trail (~3 miles)
Outside of Sedona on the West side, this is a short trail with a unique ending and great view of Sedona. If you have a high clearance vehicle, you can cut off most of the hike by parking at the actual trailhead. Either way, the hike is pretty easy with just a bit of climbing. However, to get to the the cave and lookout point, you need to walk on a narrow part of the rock with a cliff on the other side. Very doable, so don’t be intimidated!
Subway Cave (~6 miles)
While this used to be a super secret spot, it’s popularity on Instagram has made it less secretive and more crowded. To get to the cave, you’ll hike Boynton Canyon trail and divert off the main path when you see the ‘Alligator Tree’, located about 2 miles from the trailhead. The tree has this name because the bark itself resembles alligator skin. Once you encounter the tree, you turn right and follow the new trail from there.
The hike is very moderate, but to get up to the cave viewpoint, you have to climb up a narrow & steep crack between the two rocks. It’s a little intimidating, but with good shoes and hopefully a helping hand from a friend, you can make your way up! If it’s too scary, you can walk to the left and wind up on a less-steep route through the ruins. We ended up taking this path back down, which I recommend!
If you’re serious about doing this hike, I would read a few other blogs that go more in-depth on directions!
Good thing you now have water shoes!
Guess I need to go back now!
Love the blog Ellie!
Thanks so much, Beth!