Adventure

The Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona

From the red rock trails of Chicken Point to the jaw-dropping walk across Devil's Bridge.

March 31, 2022

the moon rising over scenic cathedral rocks Sedona Arizona at sunset

A outdoor lover's paradise in Northern Arizona, Sedona is defined by its impressive red rocks—and the fantastic trails that traverse them.

Sedona hikes offer a variety of challenges, including the option to trot through the scenery with ease. First time hikers will feel comfortable on flat footpaths around famed rocks, while avid adventurists can build their own adventures with steep scrambles and long distance trails. But the allure of Sedona is not limited to its otherworldly terrain—this desert destination also offers great ways to unwind after you unlace your hiking boots, with top notch hotels, restaurants, and wellness spas close at hand.

A few words to the wise: Sedona’s immense popularity in recent years (thanks in large part to the surge in domestic tourism), means trailhead parking lots fill up notoriously early. Consider carpooling, taking a ride share, or walking to your hike to save yourself some time.

Note that the hike lengths listed below can vary based on where you officially pick up a trail; many merge and intersect across Red Rock Country. Wherever you go, pack plenty of water, and as in most rustic areas, don’t expect great cell service once you're out hiking—always remember to take a picture of the trail map at the start of a hike to help navigate your return. Below are our favorite Sedona hikes.

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West Fork, Oak Creek Canyon
Distance: 6.5 miles, out and back
Best for: An immersive scenic hike
Step into the Cocino National Forest for this day trip–worthy hike defined by pine trees, wildflowers, red rocks, and flowing water that calls for a quick dip when the weather is hot. Throughout the hike, you’ll find yourself on stone paths, wooded trails, and walking through the ancient curved walls of Oak Creek Canyon. Plenty of space is available to picnic and rest along the way. Families may also want to take a detour (by car) to nearby Slide Rock State Park, a natural water slide and swimming hole popular with kids.
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Snoopy Rock
Distance: 2.3 mile loop
Best for: Beginner hikers
An ideal hike for family travelers, those with limited mobility, or first-time hikers, this trail named for the popular Peanuts dog is relatively flat and easy to traverse. Popular with trail runners as well, the hike is beautiful at all times of day, although limited shade means it can feel spectacularly hot in summer temperatures.

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Cathedral Rock
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Best for: Recreational hikers looking for an iconic experience
Emblazoned on many a souvenir, Cathedral Rock is one of the Sedona hikes loved by daytrippers and locals alike. The intensity is low at the beginning and gets harder as you scale upwards—it’s more of a rock climb in some parts, but those who have never climbed can easily succeed with good hiking boots. If inclines aren’t for you, feel free to turn around when the trail meets rock—plenty of people do. Expect at least 90 minutes to reach the top, where there's enough space to spread out a picnic before exploring the summit and heading back down. Sunrise and just before sunset are the best times for this hike, but it’s popular all day long.
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Doe Mountain
Distance: 1.5 miles, out and back
Best for: Experienced hikers short on time
If you’re looking to fit in a quick morning hike with a view, Doe Mountain is your spot. The entire hike, mostly on a steep and rocky incline, takes about a half hour each way. The trail up affords a beautiful view on flat, cactus-spiked rock, and the hike down offers plenty more stops to enjoy the scenery. The lunch break hike is a popular route, so expect to say hi to many more hikers at midday.

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Devil’s Bridge
Distance: Two mile loop, but those without an ATV will also have to hike to the start of the trail from Dry Creek Vista Trailhead (a 4.2 mile trip) or Chuckwagon Trail (a 5.8 mile trip)
Best for: Social media-inspired hikers
Perhaps one of the most iconic hikes in Sedona thanks to the photo opp at the end, Devil’s Bridge is a thrilling, yet oft-crowded, four-mile (round-trip) hike. This trail is moderate in intensity, with enough vertical stairs to make bringing a large water bottle worthwhile. To get the iconic photo over the Devil’s Bridge, swap cameras with a fellow hiker or set up your phone on a tripod to film yourself walking across the thin plateau with a frightening drop below. Ask locals when the best time for this hike is when you go, because it changes by season—shadows can obscure the worthwhile views if you go at the wrong time.
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Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Distance: 14 acres of trails, can be ADA accessible with prior arrangement
Best for: Meditative walks and silent strolls
This sacred and peaceful Buddhist site is open to all to meditate, hike, and enjoy the fresh air and natural sounds surrounding a 36-foot-tall stupa. Trails are mostly flat with a low incline, making them easy to traverse in athletic sandals or hiking boots. Shade is limited the further you venture from the stupa, so bring a hat or visor.

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Chicken Point
Distance: 1.5 miles if you start from Broken Air trailhead
Best For: Daytrippers and solo hikers
A quintessential Sedona hike, this perpetually popular (but not too crowded) hike is great for solo hikers who don’t want to feel isolated. Jeeps tours head right to the top, meaning you’re sure to see other tourists along the way (and have someone at one of the viewing points to snap a photo). This loop is moderately difficult, but can be taken at any pace, and is lush with the red rock trails that make Sedona so special. Like many local hikes, you can also choose your start and end points for a full loop, or just a trek to the highlight of Chicken Point itself.
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Bear Mountain
Distance: 4.9 miles, out and back
Best for: Advanced hikers looking for a challenge
Known as one of Sedona’s most challenging hikes, Bear Mountain is worth climbing for its summit with 360-degrees views of the entire region. Many points on the way up offer pull-offs for enjoying views and allowing your body to rest and recharge as you work your way to the top. The trail is steep with loose rock, and recommended for those familiar with the terrain. Bring layers for breezy spots, especially if you plan to enjoy the summit’s views for a while.