Sedona has a way of stopping people mid-sentence. You’re driving in from Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon and suddenly the red rock formations appear — massive, improbable, glowing in the late afternoon light. It looks like someone turned the saturation up on reality.
But Sedona is more than a pretty backdrop. The trail system here is world-class, with everything from easy creekside walks to technical Jeep roads that’ll test your rig. Here’s what’s actually worth your time.
Best Sedona Hiking Trails
1. Cathedral Rock Trail
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard | Distance: 1.2 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 740 ft
Short but steep. This is the iconic Sedona scramble — hands-on-rock climbing through red sandstone slots to a saddle between the cathedral spires. The views from the top are the postcard shots you’ve seen a thousand times. They don’t do the real thing justice.
Tip: The trail is extremely popular. Arrive before 7 AM or after 4 PM. The Red Rock Pass parking area fills up fast.
2. Devil’s Bridge Trail
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 4.2 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 400 ft
The largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. You can walk out onto the bridge and stand 50 feet above the canyon floor. The hike itself is a gradual climb through juniper forest before a short, steep scramble at the end.
Heads up: This is the most Instagrammed spot in Sedona. Expect a line to take photos on the bridge during peak hours.
3. West Fork of Oak Creek Trail
Difficulty: Easy | Distance: 6.9 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Sedona’s best canyon hike. You’ll follow Oak Creek through a narrow, forested canyon with towering walls, fall foliage (October is spectacular), and multiple creek crossings. Flat terrain, deep shade, and that rare desert-meets-forest feel.
Best for: Families, hot summer days, anyone who wants a mellow but stunning walk.
4. Bear Mountain Trail
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: 4.9 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 1,975 ft
The hardest maintained trail in Sedona and one of the most rewarding. Nearly 2,000 feet of elevation gain in under 2.5 miles — it’s relentless. The summit delivers 360-degree views of the entire red rock landscape. Bring trekking poles and plenty of water.
5. Soldier Pass Trail
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 4.1 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 500 ft
This trail packs in a lot: the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, seven sacred pools (natural rock basins), and a network of red rock formations. Limited parking — only 12 spots at the trailhead, so arrive early.
6. Boynton Canyon Trail
Difficulty: Moderate | Distance: 6.1 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 800 ft
One of Sedona’s famous vortex sites. The trail winds through a box canyon with towering red walls on both sides. Whether you feel the “energy” or not, the setting is undeniably special. A short spur trail early on leads to the Boynton Canyon vortex point.
7. Hangover Trail
Difficulty: Hard | Distance: 3 miles round trip | Elevation Gain: 600 ft
Exposed, technical, and exhilarating. You’ll traverse narrow rock ledges with serious drop-offs — not recommended if you’re uncomfortable with heights. The payoff is some of the most dramatic views in Sedona from perspectives most visitors never see.
Best Sedona Offroad Trails
Sedona’s Jeep trails are legendary. The red rock terrain creates technical challenges that are different from anywhere else — smooth sandstone, loose red sand, and tight clearance between rock walls.
8. Broken Arrow Trail
Difficulty: 3/5 | Distance: 3 miles | Time: 2-3 hours
The most popular Jeep trail in Sedona and for good reason. You’ll drive over slickrock ledges, past Chicken Point (a cliff overlook), and through terrain that showcases exactly why Sedona’s offroading is special. Guided Jeep tours run this route constantly, so expect company.
9. Schnebly Hill Road
Difficulty: 2.5/5 | Distance: 12 miles | Time: 2-3 hours
A rocky, washboarded road climbing from town to the Schnebly Hill Vista — one of the best viewpoints in Sedona. The road is rough but any 4WD vehicle with decent clearance can handle it. The last mile into the vista gets rocky. Closed seasonally (typically December through March).
10. Diamondback Gulch
Difficulty: 3/5 | Distance: 5 miles | Time: 2-3 hours
Technical rock crawling through a narrow gulch with tight turns and ledges. Less trafficked than Broken Arrow, which makes it a better experience if you want the trail to yourself. Requires good clearance and driver confidence.
11. Outlaw Trail
Difficulty: 3.5/5 | Distance: 8 miles | Time: 3-4 hours
A network of rocky terrain southeast of town with options to make it easier or harder depending on your line choices. Good intermediate-to-advanced trail with some challenging ledges and off-camber sections.
12. Greasy Spoon / Van Deren Cabin Trail
Difficulty: 2/5 | Distance: 14 miles | Time: 3-4 hours
A scenic backcountry drive through high desert to a historic cabin site. Less technical than the red rock trails but longer, with great views of the Mogollon Rim. A good option when you want miles and scenery over obstacles.
When to Visit Sedona
Best months: March through May and October through November. Spring brings wildflowers; fall brings cooler temps and color in Oak Creek Canyon.
Summer: Hot (95-105F) but manageable if you hike early. West Fork and the shaded canyon hikes are good summer options. Monsoon season (July-August) brings afternoon thunderstorms that can cause flash floods in narrow canyons.
Winter: Mild and uncrowded. Daytime highs in the 50s-60s make for ideal hiking weather. Some Jeep trails close after snow.
Practical Tips
- Red Rock Pass required — $5/day or $15/week for most trailhead parking. Available at ranger stations and many local businesses.
- Arrive early — the most popular trailheads (Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge) fill before 8 AM on weekends. No overflow parking means you’re out of luck.
- Water — carry at least 1 liter per hour of hiking in warm months. There’s almost no shade on most Sedona trails.
- Offroad permits — no special permits needed for the Jeep trails, but stay on designated routes. The red soil is fragile and recovery takes decades.
Where to Camp
Dispersed camping is limited around Sedona proper, but options exist:
- Forest Road 525 — free dispersed camping north of town in Coconino National Forest
- Dry Creek Road area — a few free sites on forest roads west of town
- Dead Horse Ranch State Park — $20-30/night with full amenities in nearby Cottonwood
Browse all Sedona trails with GPS data and difficulty ratings on our Sedona trails page.
