There are so many hiking trails in Sedona, it can be overwhelming to choose which hikes to do. I live in Arizona and have hiked many of Sedona’s trails, so I created this guide to help you plan your visit!
Note that popular trailhead parking areas close during peak visitation, and you may have to use Sedona’s free shuttle service.
LEAVE NO TRACE. Sedona is suffering from overtourism, so please do your part to preserve this beautiful place. Don’t stack rocks. Pack out your trash, including food waste like orange peels.
Scrambling in Sedona
Many popular Sedona hikes include scrambling, meaning non-technical climbing up steep rock sections. I feel scrambling enhances the adventure and is fun for most kids. However, this added challenge is not suitable for all hikers. My dad is afraid of heights and was unable to complete several trails when he visited.
If a trail includes scrambling, I will note it in the description.
Lucy’s Picks
These are the best hikes in Sedona that I highly recommend to visitors!
Bell Rock
1 mile, 200 ft elevation
Bell Rock is a classic, easy sunset hike in Sedona. There are cairns—rock stacks—that mark the best route up Bell Rock, but there’s not an official end point. Just scramble up the rock, and pick a spot to watch the sunset. Despite being highly popular, there’s plenty of space to spread out on the rock for a scenic sunset.
Cathedral Rock
1.5 miles, 700 ft elevation
Cathedral Rock is the most iconic hike in Sedona, and it’s worth navigating the crowds for. This trail has scrambling sections, and we had to routinely wait in line/take turns to pass.
To avoid using the shuttle, I like parking at Baldwin Trailhead for 4 miles roundtrip. Baldwin Trail has nice views of a river and Cathedral Rock from the valley below.
Wilson Mountain
9 miles, 2500 ft elevation
Wilson Mountain is the highest peak in Sedona, and the view lives up to the hype. The elevation gain is consistent and gradual, so it’s like a long walk up a hill. There’s an impressive ponderosa pine forest at the top.
The trailhead parking lot is small, so start at sunrise on the weekend. Fortunately, the limited parking helps reduce the crowds.
Popular Picks
Sedona has been “loved to death,” and it’s apparent on these overcrowded trails. These popular hikes are on every visitor’s bucket list, so I had to include them. However, having hiked all over Sedona, I personally don’t think they’re worth battling the crowds for.
Devil’s Bridge
4 miles, 500 ft elevation
I avoid Devil’s Bridge. The trail is suffering from overuse to the point where I find it unenjoyable. However, I know the photo opportunity is irresistible, and you will probably hike it against my advice. The lighting is best late morning/midday (pictured right), but there was a line of around 100 people waiting to take a photo. When I hiked it early morning (pictured left), the bridge was in shade and not ideal for photos.
There are multiple trails to Devil’s Bridge, and my recommended route is from Mescal Trailhead. The most popular trail, Dry Creek Road, is a dirt road and not very scenic.
Subway Cave
5 miles, 600 ft elevation
Subway Cave is accessed by an unmarked trail off Boynton Canyon, and there’s a short but steep scramble at the end. This cave is undoubtedly beautiful, but there are many other stunning caves in Sedona without crowds.
This cave was made famous by Instagram, so it’s crowded despite not having a maintained trail. On my most recent hike, there was a line of people waiting to scramble up into the cave. It was unnerving watching hikers squeeze past each other on narrow ledges.
West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon
6.5 miles, 500 ft elevation
During fall, this trail becomes Sedona’s most popular hike (though it’s just outside Sedona, technically). Fortunately, the hikers are well-dispersed throughout the trail. The rocks aren’t very red in this area, but it’s a beautiful river through a narrow canyon. There are many water crossings, but I was able to keep my feet dry by stepping on rocks.
You might like: Where to Find Fall Colors Near Phoenix.
Seven Sacred Pools
1.5 miles, 100 ft elevation
The pools are small, and some AllTrails reviews say “underwhelming.” However, that sunrise photo with the pools is one of my favorite photos I’ve taken in Sedona. The pools are on Soldier Pass trail, which also features a large sinkhole.
I combined the pools with Soldiers Pass Cave for a three-mile roundtrip hike. It’s tricky to climb up into the cave, especially if you’re short. I’m 5’4″ and needed a boost.
I plan to take many more trips to Sedona, so I will update this list as I do!
Latitudes with Lucy 
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