Top 8 Hikes in Sedona, Arizona

Here are the top 8 hikes in Sedona, Arizona. If you know us, you know we absolutely love it here—so much so that we got married here in 2022! This place holds a special kind of magic, with indescribable energy and breathtaking beauty. You could spend a weekend or even an entire week in this incredible pocket of the desert and never run out of things to enjoy!

We live a few hours south of Sedona, but try to visit a few times a year because it's just THAT amazing! We like to think of ourselves as pretty knowledgeable about all things to do and see in Sedona—after all, we’ve just about done it all!

While there are an endless number of hikes in Sedona, there are a few of our favorites. Before we get into the hikes, here are some logistics that are important to know about taking a holiday in Sedona.

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How to get to Sedona

If you're coming from out of state, you'll probably fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is a 2-hour drive (about 120 miles) south of Sedona.

There's an airport in Sedona, but it's only open for private jets.

Rent a car from the airport

In our opinion, this is the easiest thing to do. We promise you'll want a car in Sedona as the public transit has its limitations and the hiking trails can be quite far from the main city center.

Airport shuttle

You can also book an airport shuttle, which will take you from the airport to your hotel.

Uber in Sedona

While there is Uber in Sedona, ride availability and wait times can vary. In our opinion, don't rely on Uber!

Parking Passes

If you plan on hiking, you'll probably need the Red Rock Parking Pass. Luckily, this pass is cheap compared to other parking passes! It's $5 per day or $15 for a week! You can also purchase an annual pass for only $20! You can purchase this pass HERE, or at the parking lots in Sedona.

What to pack

PACK CASUAL! The only time you'll need a nice outfit is if you plan on having dinner at one of the fancy restaurants! Some necessities include:

• Hiking boots (mose Sedona hikes are safer with hiking boots! THESE are our favorite!)

• Sunscreen

• Hats

• Reusable water bottle (you'll want water on every hike! Check HERE for recommendations on how much water to have with you depending on the temperature)

• Backpack

• Snacks (you'll want to stock up on protein bars, meat sticks, nuts, dried fruit - maybe even make yourself a sandwich to pack for hikes!)

• Headlight/bonoculars

Where to stay

We've stayed in just about every part of Sedona! Last time, we were pretty central and could walk to Tlaquepaque, which we loved! Overall, we'd prioritize a good view from your accommodation over location because there's nothing like being able to admire the beautiful view from your personal balcony!

Budget(ish) - Cottage near Uptown | Los Abrigados Resort

Mid - Sky Rock Sedona

Luxury - Oak Creek Family House

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What to do in Sedona besides hike

There are so many things to do in Sedona besides hiking! We're in the process of creating another blog with all this information in detail, but for the time being, here are our recommendations!

Verde Canyon Railroad is the perfect day trip from Sedona! Just 30 minutes away in historic Clarkdale, this 4-hour scenic train ride winds through stunning red rock canyons and along the Verde River. Sit back, relax, and enjoy complimentary champagne and snacks as you take in the breathtaking views.

Sedona UFO and Stargazing Tour is an unforgettable experience! A local recommended this activity to us and we were BLOWN away with what we saw. The night sky in Sedona is something else because of the restrictions on light pollution!

Tlaquepaque is one of the best spots in Sedona for strolling and dining. Designed to resemble a traditional Mexican village, it’s full of charm with cobblestone streets, vibrant courtyards, and inviting restaurants.

Slide Rock State Park, just north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon, is such a fun spot to cool off on a warm day. We love sliding down the smooth red rocks into the chilly creek and then relaxing on the sun-soaked boulders. It’s also a beautiful place for a short hike or a picnic surrounded by the canyon’s gorgeous scenery.

Indian Gardens Cafe is one of our favorite stops along Oak Creek—perfect for grabbing a coffee or a fresh, delicious meal surrounded by the trees. We love sitting out on the shady patio; it feels peaceful and tucked away, like a little oasis just outside of Sedona.

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Top 10 Hikes in Sedona

1) Munds Wagon Trail to Merry Go Round Rock

We got married on Munds Wagon Trail, so it will always hold a special place in our hearts, but it’s also genuinely one of the best hikes in Sedona! Don't worry, you don't have to hike the whole thing to experience some incredible views (this is just a few steps from the parking lot)!

Parking - There are about 30 parking spaces in the Munds Wagon parking lot. This is a less-traveled trail, so if you arrive early, you should be fine. You will need a Red Rock Parking Pass for this lot, which can be purchased online or at the booth located in the lot.

Difficulty - Moderate due to distance, elevation, and climb if you plan on ascending Merry Go Round Rock.

Distance - The hike was about 8.5 miles! AllTrails states it's 6.5 miles, but we found it to be longer!

Elevation Gail - 1,102 feet (mostly at the end as you reach Merry Go Round Rock)

Time - We spent about 5 hours and 40 minutes out on the trail from start to finish.

Hiking boots recommended

You can find the trail we followed HERE!

What we love about it - While we are slightly biased since we got married on this trail, we can objectively say, this trail has everything we look for in a hike! There's beautiful desert flora and fauna, running water (at certain times of the year), wooded areas, interesting rock formations, AND one of the most spectacular views at the end.

We did this hike on a Saturday, and we were one of the only people on the whole trail! For some reason, most people don't know to hike this one. For the most part, the only people you'll see are from the Pink Jeep Tours!

Also, the payoff at the end is UNREAL. Merry Go Round Rock looks unassuming from a distance, but the views you get from standing on the edge, looking out to the valley, are breathtaking.

To find this picture location - Once you hike up to Merry Go Round Rock, turn left and walk all the way to the ledge (past the trees), and this spot will open up!

We were worried it would feel sketchy walking on these rocks, but they're a lot wider than they look in the pictures. You won't have to jump over any open spaces with far drops!

2) Sugarloaf Loop summit & Tea Cup Loop

Located in West Sedona, Sugarloaf Loop summit to Tea Cup Loop is another underrated trail that not many tourists explore! We've seen many locals walking their dogs on this trail. This is a great family-friendly hike!

Parking - The parking lot is small (about 15 spots), but it's free! If the lot's full, wait around for a few minutes, and something will open up!

Difficulty - Easy/Moderate

Distance - 2 miles

Elevation Gain - 400 feet (if you decide to summit Sugarloaf Mountain, which you should!)

Time - We spent about 1.5 hours enjoying this trail!

You can find the trail we followed HERE.

About this trail - We love this trail because it's easy and enjoyable. While you're still walking on loose, uneven rock, the elevation gain is minimal, unless you plan to summit Sugarloaf, which we highly recommend! This trail has many shaded areas!

On the trail, you'll get amazing views of Coffee Pot Rock and Thunder Mountain up close! From the top of Sugarloaf, you'll get a unique 360-degree view of the valley below!

3) Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is a popular hike for a reason, and one you MUST do upon arriving in Sedona. Not only is this rock one of the coolest formations in Sedona, it's also an energy vortex!

Parking - There are about 40 spots in the lot. This is a very popular trail, so we recommend arriving early! You will need a Red Rock Parking Pass for this lot, which can be purchased online or at the booth located in the lot.

If you plan to do this hike Thursday-Sunday, you'll have to take the shuttle, as they close the lot due to popular demand for this trail. You can find information on where to park/catch the shuttle HERE.

Difficulty - Hard! About 80% of this hike is climbing and scrambling. You'll need both hands free for the majority of the hike.

Distance - 1.5 miles

Elevation Gain - 722 feet

Time - You'll need 1.5-2 hours for this hike. You'll want to take your time climbing and spend a decent amount of time at the top!

Hiking boots recommended

You can find the exact trail we followed HERE.

The Climb - We love this hike for the climb—most of the way you’re scrambling on hands and feet, with a few fun spots where you wedge between rocks to pull yourself up. We've met so many people on this hike who have been willing to help and give people directions on where to step and how to make it to the top safely. There's no shade on this hike until you arrive at the top.

Once you reach the top, you'll see a sign that reads "trail end". This large encircled space is where the energy vortex is. Either sit, close your eyes and reflect, or take an epic photo along the ledge of the cliff!

Although there's a sign that says "trail end", you can turn left and follow the path around to another epic viewpoint! You'll have to do a little more scrambling before reaching this spot. Someone told us it's believed that an ancient city exists in the skies above this area.

Let us know if you feel the energy!

4) Boynton Canyon to Subway Cave

We almost skipped over this hike, but we're so glad we didn't. The payoff of this hike is one of the most spectacular in Sedona!

Parking - There are about 35 parking spots, but they fill up quickly, so arrive early! You will need a Red Rock Parking Pass for this lot, which can be purchased online or at the booth located in the lot.

If the parking lot is full, there are a few parking spots in the street down the road.

Whenever parking on the street in Sedona, double-check the street signs to make sure you're in a parking zone! You won't need to pay for street parking.

Difficulty - Moderate

Distance - This hike is 6.6 miles (out and back) if you plan to follow the Boynton Canyon Trail to the Boynton Canyon vortex and Subway Cave. If you plan to visit the Boynton Canyon as well, it's about 8 miles out and back.

Elevation Gain - 850 feet

Time - 3.5 hours

Hiking boots recommended

You can find the exact trail we followed HERE. If you want to visit the Subway Cave, you'll only follow this trail until you see the sign for the cave. We'll explain more below!

About this Trail - About 1/2 mile into this hike, you'll spot a sign for the Boynton Canyon vortex. We recommend hiking up to the top. It's an amazing place to have a snack or meditate.

If you want to continue to the Subway Cave, follow the Boynton Canyon Trail signs. Some of this hike will be alongside a neighborhood and road, but we promise the payoff is worth it!

Eventually, you'll pass an unofficial sign on the ground for the Subway cave turnoff. Usually it's marked with sticks/rocks on the ground - you'll know it when you see it!

Once you arrive at Subway Cave, you have two options for the climb. You can head straight up into the cave by shimmying yourself up a narrow shaft of rock, or turn left and walk around to the side, where you'll have an easier scramble up!

If you take the easier option, know you'll have to walk across a very narrow strip of rock to arrive in the Subway Cave. It felt safe to us, but some people with us were afraid of heights and wouldn't walk around the edge!

There's a lot of shade on this trail!

5) Mesa Airport Loop

Mesa Airport Loop is another one of our favorites, and one we make sure to hit on every trip to Sedona (sometimes even twice per trip)! You can do this hike any time of day, but it makes an amazing sunrise or sunset excursion! If you plan to hike at sunset, make sure you give yourself enough time to make it back to your car before it gets dark (or have a headlamp)!

Parking - The parking lot is HUGE and has tons of spots. You don't have to worry about not being able to find a spot. It's $3 to park in the lot. The Red Rock Pass isn't valid for this lot.

Difficulty - Easy/moderate due to distance

Distance - Around 5 miles to complete the full loop and hike up to the sunset viewpoint that faces East.

Elevation Gain - 700 feet

Time - We spent about 3 hours on this hike, including some time on the mound watching the sunset.

Hiking boots recommended

You can find the exact trail we followed HERE.

About this hike - We love this hike because it's easy and enjoyable. We recommend skipping the viewing platform near the parking lot that faces west and hiking around to the viewpoint that faces east. You'll see the viewpoint as you drive up! It's the large mound known as "Airport Mesa."

If you plan to do this hike at sunset, start counterclockwise, about an hour before sunset, so you can do the full hike and end on the Airport Mesa lookout point facing east to see the glow of the sun on the mountains!

6) Seven Sacred Pools and Soldiers Pass Cave

Soldiers Pass is another popular trail, but for good reason! On this trail, you'll pass many unique landmarks and landscapes only a short distance from the parking lot!

Parking - Soldiers Pass parking lot is small (about 15 spots). If you plan on hiking Thursday-Sunday, plan on parking in the free lot (1 mile) from the trailhead and taking the shuttle. You can find the shuttle information HERE.

From our understanding, the shuttle runs about once an hour and holds 24 people. It's free, but you might want to reserve a spot online if you're visiting during peak season. We walked from the shuttle parking lot to the trailhead, so we didn't have to wait for the shuttle! If you decide to do this, walk on the Sunrise Trail so you don't have to walk in the road!

Difficulty - Easy/moderate

Distance - 3 miles round trip if you plan to hike all the way to the cave (about 6 miles if you walk from the shuttle lot)

Elevation gain - 420 feet

Time - We spent about 3 hours on this hike, including 30 minutes at the cave and other stop-off points along the way!

Hiking boots recommended

You can find the exact trail we followed HERE.

About this hike - We love this hike because you don't have to hike far before you start seeing amazing landmarks!

First, you'll pass Devils Kitchen, a massive, active sinkhole formed by the collapse of underground caverns in the 1880s.

You’ll eventually come across the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of small, picturesque pools that are especially stunning when they’re filled with water—though depending on the season, they may be dry.

Finally, you'll happen upon Soldiers Pass Cave!

This is a popular place, so we're sure you'll see people climbing up and down from the cave, but if you don't, look for this cutout!

You'll climb up the right side into the beautiful sandstone interior and have the option to climb into the lookout hole you see in the picture here!

While the climb into the cave is short, you'll need to use your hands and feet to hoist yourself up!

7) Bell Rock Loop

Bell Rock Loop is one hike you simply can’t miss in Sedona! Bell Rock is one of the area’s most iconic formations—and you’ll recognize it instantly because, true to its name, it looks just like a giant bell. Bell Rock Loop is the perfect family-friendly hike.

Parking - There are about 35 parking spots, but they fill up fast, so arrive early! You will need a Red Rock Parking Pass for this lot, which can be purchased online or at the booth located in the lot.

Difficulty - Easy/moderate, depending on whether you climb up Bell Rock or not.

Distance - This loop is about 2 miles around Bell Rock. It's an extra mile if you wish to climb up the middle of the rock!

Elevation gain - 243 feet for the loop and an extra 200 feet to go up Bell Rock

Time - Plan to spend about an hour hiking the loop and an extra 30/45 minutes for the climb!

Hiking shoes recommended

You can find the exact trail we followed HERE.

About this hike - This trail is perfect for a sunrise outing or whenever you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll. The loop is easy and enjoyable, though you’ll want to keep an eye out for passing cyclists!

On this trail, you'll get magnificent views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and some of the other rock formations out in the distance!

If you have the time, we highly recommend hiking up Bell Rock for a stunning, elevated view of the valley below! The climb does involve a bit of scrambling over the rocks, but it’s manageable for most hikers and adds just enough adventure to make the experience even more rewarding.

8) Crescent Moon Ranch

Crescent Moon Ranch is the perfect spot to unwind and give your legs a break from all the other hikes! It’s more of a leisurely nature walk than a traditional hike, making it an ideal place to slow down and soak in the scenery.

You'll get a gorgeous view of Cathedral Rock from the parking lot!

Parking - There's a ton of parking here, so you won't have to worry about snagging a spot. It's a $15 fee to park in the lot. The Red Rock parking pass isn't valid here. The America the Beautiful pass is valid.

Difficulty - Easy

Distance - 2 miles

Elevation gain - 52 feet

Time - Plan on spending a few hours here! You can sit along the creek, have a picnic, or go swimming!

You can find the exact trail we followed HERE!

About this hike - We love this trail because it’s easy, relaxing, and perfect for all ages. It’s short with almost no elevation gain, making it an ideal family-friendly hike. In fact, you don’t even have to think of Crescent Moon Ranch as a hike—there are plenty of spots right at the start where you can simply unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature without having to walk too far!

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We hope you love all these hikes as much as we do! Thank you for following along and supporting our page.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us here or on Instagram!