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Red rock formations under a blue sky in the American Southwest

Destination Guide

The Best Hikes in Sedona

Red-rock trails for every level, from easy strolls to clifftop views

By Daniel HartReviewed
6 min read

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.

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:

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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.

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A 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.

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A 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.

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Trekking 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Written by

Daniel Hart

Founder & Editor

Daniel Hart is the founder and editor of Travel and Time. An aeronautical engineer who spent two decades in aviation, he built the site’s flight-distance, route, and airport tools and oversees its research and accuracy. He has travelled widely across India over twenty years of work postings.

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