Sedona is one of America's great hiking destinations — a landscape of towering red-rock buttes, spires, and canyons laced with trails for every ability. Here are the best hikes in Sedona, from iconic bucket-list routes to gentler family-friendly walks.
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Devil's Bridge
Sedona's most famous hike leads to a natural sandstone arch you can walk across for an unforgettable photo. It's a moderate trail, busiest at sunrise — start early for parking and the best light.
Cathedral Rock
A short but steep scramble up smooth sandstone to a saddle with panoramic red-rock views. It's strenuous in places and a renowned sunset spot — one of Sedona's signature climbs.
Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop
A flexible, mostly easy loop around two of Sedona's iconic formations. You can keep it flat or scramble up Bell Rock as far as you're comfortable — great for families.
West Fork Trail (Oak Creek Canyon)
A gentle, shaded creek-side trail through Oak Creek Canyon, crossing the water repeatedly. Cooler than the exposed red-rock trails and stunning in autumn.
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Soldier Pass
A moderate trail past the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools, with the option to continue to the Soldier Pass Cave — a varied, rewarding hike.
What to Pack for These Hikes
Sedona's trails are exposed, rocky, and hot for much of the year. A few essentials make every hike here safer and more comfortable:
Trail Hiking Shoes
Red-rock trails
Sedona's slickrock and loose red dirt are hard on the feet — grippy hiking shoes turn sketchy descents on Cathedral Rock into sure footing.
Check Price on AmazonA Hydration Backpack
Hot, exposed trails
Shade is rare and the desert dries you out fast — a hydration pack keeps water on your back and your hands free for scrambles.
Check Price on AmazonA Packable Sun Hat
Open-sun hiking
Hours of full sun on the rock add up quickly — a wide-brim packable hat keeps you cooler and saves you from a burn.
Check Price on AmazonTrekking Poles
Rocky descents
Steep, rocky descents are easier on the knees with poles — they pack down small and earn their place on Soldier Pass and Devil's Bridge.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike in Sedona?
Devil's Bridge is the most famous, leading to a walkable natural arch, while Cathedral Rock offers a thrilling short climb to panoramic views. Both are bucket-list Sedona hikes; for an easier option, the Bell Rock loop or the shaded West Fork Trail are excellent.
When is the best time to hike in Sedona?
Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. Start hikes early in the day year-round to secure parking (which fills fast) and to avoid the intense midday heat, especially in summer. Carry plenty of water on the exposed red-rock trails.
About the author
SK Kutubuddin · Founder & Editor
The founder and editor of Travel and Time. An aeronautical engineer with close to two decades in aviation, I build the site’s flight, distance, and trip-planning tools myself and check every figure before it goes live. I write from Kolkata, India.
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