With hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails, it can be challenging narrowing down where to hike in Sedona. This article shares 7 easy-moderate hikes in Sedona, Arizona, that provide breathtaking views with relatively minimal effort. These hiking trails are perfect for families and anyone short on time during a trip to Sedona.
Keep in mind, hiking difficulty is always going to be subjective. All of the hikes on this list are short and only have a few hundred feet of elevation gain, at most, which is why I consider them all to be easy-moderate hikes. They are also all rated easy or moderate on AllTrails. Regardless of the hike you choose I’m confident you’re going to have an incredible time on any of these trails!
Table of Contents: Easy-Moderate Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
Recreating Responsibly in Sedona, Arizona
Before I dive into this Sedona hiking guide, it’s important to take some time to discuss how to recreate and hike responsibly when visiting. Sedona has become an extremely popular destination for hikers, and for good reason! The landscape is absolutely gorgeous and there are some amazing trails around town. But with so many visitors it’s important for everyone to recreate responsibly and minimize their personal impact.
Here’s how you can recreate responsibly while hiking in Sedona:
Leave No Trace
Follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles. This means:
- Plan ahead & prepare. Hiking in the desert comes with unique considerations, so make sure you research your trails and pack appropriately.
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Stay on trails or other durable surfaces like slickrock and washes.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack out all waste and trash, including food scraps and pet waste.
- Leave what you find. Don’t carve into, take, or stack rocks.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Check for fire bans and practice campfire safety. This means creating your campfire in an existing fire ring; making sure the fire is attended and doesn’t get out of control; and making sure the fire is out completely (stir the ashes until they are cool to the touch).
- Respect wildlife. Never feed wildlife. Make sure to maintain a safe distance from wildlife.
- Be considerate of others. Wear headphones instead of blasting music over a bluetooth speaker. Remember uphill hikers have the right of way on the trail.
Trailhead Parking in Sedona
Sedona is an incredibly popular place to hike, and many trailheads have limited parking available. This creates issues like traffic and overflow parking on neighboring roads. In order to alleviate some of the parking issues, the city has begun implementing the Sedona Shuttle to transport hikers to the trailhead.
Most trailheads around Sedona, including some of the trails in this guide, require either a Red Rock or America the Beautiful Pass to park at.
Respect Archaeological Sites
Sedona is the ancestral homeland of the Sinagua, Hopi, Diné, Yavapai, and Tonto Apache peoples. There are countless archaeological sites in Sedona, many of which are still used as sacred, ceremonial locations by Indigenous peoples. These sites are protected by federal laws, including, but not limited to, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Damaging, defacing, or destroying archaeological sites is a federal crime. Please treat the land and any archaeological sites you encounter with respect when visiting Sedona.
Here are some best practices when visiting an archaeological site:
- Never sit, touch, lean, or stand on walls of archaeological sites.
- Don’t touch petroglyphs and pictographs (the oils from your fingers can break them down faster).
- Leave all artifacts where you find them.
- Don’t allow pets or small children in archaeological sites.
Don’t bust the crust!
A lot of the land around Sedona is covered in biological soil crust, otherwise known as cryptobiotic soil. Cryptobiotic soil plays a critical role in the desert ecosystem and is extremely delicate. It can take years to decades to recover from damage, so it’s important to stay on developed trails, or travel over durable surfaces like dry washes or slickrock, to avoid disrupting the cryptobiotic soil!
Easy-Moderate Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
1. Seven Sacred Pools
There are 2 different trailheads that you can start from to hike to the Seven Sacred Pools. Both hikes are easy, but one is a little longer than the other. If you hike from the Soldier’s Pass Trailhead you’ll follow a relatively flat forested trail. In addition to seeing the Seven Sacred Pools, you’ll also pass a sinkhole along the way. The best time to see the Seven Sacred Pools is right after a rain or snow storm when there’s water flowing.
If you want a longer hike that is a bit more challenging you can continue hiking beyond the Seven Sacred Pools to Soldiers Pass. There’s a little scrambling required to get up into the cave, but it’s a cool place to explore if you’re up for a bigger adventure.
Trail Stats for Seven Sacred Pools
Trailhead Location: Google Maps
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at both trailheads.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Very difficult. Parking is extremely limited at the main trailhead and there is no overflow parking allowed along the road. I recommend taking the Sedona Shuttle to the trailhead.
Distance: ~1 mile out-and-back unless you choose to hike further
Elevation Gain: 100 ft.
Difficulty: Very easy (1-2/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed within Coconino National Forest.
Seven Sacred Pools Trail Map
2. Bell Rock Trail
Bell Rock is one of the most easily recognizable geologic formations in Sedona and is considered a “vortex” location. Located near the village of Oak Creek, the Bell Rock Loop is a quick and easy hike with incredible views. In addition to hiking the loop, you can also climb up Bell Rock for more of a challenge.
To climb Bell Rock follow the trail signs for Bell Rock Climb. The trail will eventually lead you up the north side of Bell Rock, allowing you to take in expansive views of the red rock valley and Courthouse Butte to the west. The Forest Service maintains easily identifiable wire basket cairns to mark the trail. Eventually the official cairns peter out and you have to rely on route finding skills to continue climbing up Bell Rock. The terrain gets looser after this point, but there are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos before the end of the official trail.
Trail Stats for Bell Rock
Trailhead Location: Google Maps. There are 2 trailheads that you can park at to hike Bell Rock, both located off of Highway 179. I recommend parking at the Courthouse Vista parking lot in order to easily access Bell Rock.
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at both trailheads.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Easy-moderate. There’s ample parking at both trailheads, but the area can get crowded.
Distance: ~2 mile loop
Elevation Gain: approximately 250 ft.
Difficulty: Easy (2.5-3.5/10). There is some scrambling involved if you want to climb up Bell Rock.
Estimated Hike Time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed within Coconino National Forest.
Bell Rock Loop Trail Map
3. Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is an extremely popular hike in Sedona, but I think it’s worth the trip if you like cool rock features. The trail takes you to a scenic natural bridge that is actually much wider than most photos make it seem. It’s common to see long lines to take photos on the bridge, so this is a great hike to do for sunrise to beat the crowds. If you start your hike about an hour before sunrise, you should get to the bridge in time for the best morning light.
The hike to Devil’s Bridge is only 2 miles out-and-back with roughly 400 ft. of elevation gain if you have a 4WD vehicle and park at the upper trailhead. If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, you’ll need to park in the lot at the beginning of Dry Creek Rd., which adds another mile or so each way. You can either walk the road or take the Chuck Wagon Trail.
Trail Stats for Devil’s Bridge
Trailhead Location: Upper Trailhead: Google Maps | Dry Creek Trailhead: Google Maps
Bathrooms?: There are pit toilets at the Dry Creek Trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Very difficult to park at the upper trailhead. You need a 4WD vehicle to get to the main trailhead, which has fairly limited parking. More parking is available at the Dry Creek Trailhead, but it gets filled quickly. Take the shuttle for this one!
Distance: 2 miles out-and-back from upper trailhead
Elevation Gain: ~400 ft. from upper trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate (5-6/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 1-2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed within Coconino National Forest.
Devil’s Bridge Trail Map
4. Thunder Mountain Trail & Chimney Rock Pass Loop
The Thunder Mountain Trail & Chimney Rock Pass Loop is a great lesser-trafficked trail in Sedona. Unlike many other Sedona trails you’re not hiking to a specific destination on this hike, rather, the journey is the destination with beautiful red rock views throughout the entire hike.
If you want to make your hike more difficult you can also hike to the top of Chimney Rock, which provides 360° views around Sedona. For some easier extra mileage you can also tack on the Andante Trail for a rolling trail through the desert. Be aware, mountain bikes are allowed on the trails in this area. While hikers technically have the right of way, it’s always a good idea to stay alert and keep an eye out.
Trail Stats for Thunder Mountain Trail & Chimney Rock Pass Loop
Trailhead Location: Google Maps
Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate. There are a decent number of parking spaces. There’s also additional parking nearby at the Andante Trailhead.
Distance: ~2 miles
Elevation Gain: 375 ft. if you don’t summit Chimney Rock
Difficulty: Easy (2.5-3.5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 45-90 minutes
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed within Coconino National Forest.
Thunder Mountain Trail & Chimney Rock Pass Loop Trail Map
5. Broken Arrow Trail & Twin Buttes Trail to Chicken Point
For a scenic easy-moderate hike in Sedona check out Broken Arrow Trail & Twin Buttes Trail to Chicken Point. This is a popular area for different types of recreational activities, including Jeeps and mountain bikes, but it also provides incredible views for hikers.
There is a Jeep road that runs adjacent to Broken Arrow Trail that is part of the Pink Jeep Tour route, so I recommend heading up the Twin Buttes Trail and back down Broken Arrow Trail to help create some more distance from the vehicles during the beginning of your hike. The hike up Twin Buttes Trail takes you through a forest of juniper and pinyon pine, and across red rock mesas with plenty of opportunities for photos.
Once you reach the end of the trail at Chicken Point you’re treated to a stunning view of Bell Rock to the west, which makes this a great Sedona sunset hike. Hike back to the trailhead along Broken Arrow Trail following wire basket cairns to help guide the way.
Trail Stats for Broken Arrow Trail & Twin Buttes Trail to Chicken Point
Trailhead Location: Google Maps
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Moderate-difficult. The road to the trailhead is rough and may not be suitable for 2wd vehicles (driving beyond the trailhead requires 4×4). Parking at the trailhead is also fairly limited.
Distance: 3.5 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 400 ft.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (3-4/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 1-2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed within Coconino National Forest.
Broken Arrow Trail & Twin Buttes Trail to Chicken Point Trail Map
6. Airport Loop Trail
Located centrally in the heart of Sedona, the Airport Loop easy is a great easy-moderate hike that packs in tons of views. The primary parking area to hike the Airport Mesa Loop is located on the side of Airport Rd., but be aware the lot is small and parking is limited. If that lot is full, continue driving to the large parking lot for the scenic lookout up the road.
Airport Mesa is a very popular place to watch the sunset in Sedona, but don’t let the inevitable crowds deter you from hiking the trail. Most people stay in the parking area to watch the sunset because it provides a great view over Sedona. However, once you’re out on the trail the crowds will thin out.
The Airport Mesa Loop trail isn’t very long or steep, however it is rocky with basalt boulders and red rock which may be challenging for some hikers. As you make your way around Airport Mesa you’re treated to views of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Oak Creek Valley.
Note, this trail becomes extremely muddy after rain so wait a few days before hiking to give things a chance to dry out. The trail is also below the airport, so you may encounter planes taking off and landing during your hike!
Trail Stats for Airport Loop Trail
Trailhead Location: Google Maps
Bathrooms?: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Difficult. There’s limited parking at the actual trailhead, but more parking is available at the airport for a small fee.
Distance: 3.2 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 415 ft.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (3.5-4.5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 90 minutes-2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed within Coconino National Forest.
Airport Loop Trail Map
7. Doe Mountain
For one of the best short and sweet hikes in Sedona, check out Doe Mountain. While the hike up Doe Mountain is labeled as “moderate” on AlllTrails, I would qualify it as “easy” for experienced hikers and “moderate” for folks who don’t hike regularly.
The trailhead for Doe Mountain shares the same parking lot as the trailhead for Bear Mountain, which is a challenging Sedona hike. While the trail up Doe Mountain is short, there is a steady incline the entire way with a couple of steeper sections near the top.
Doe Mountain makes a great Sedona sunset hike. Since the trail is so short you can spend some extra time taking in the sunset at the top of Doe Mountain without having to worry about hiking back to your car in the dark (although always pack a headlamp on a sunset hike)!
Trail Stats for Doe Mountain
Trailhead Location: Google Maps
Bathrooms: There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
Trailhead Parking Difficulty: Fairly easy. There’s ample parking, but since the trailhead serves multiple trails it could be crowded.
Distance: 1.5-2.5 miles out-and-back depending how far you hike on top of the mountain
Elevation Gain: 430 ft.
Difficulty: Easy-moderate (4-5/10)
Estimated Hike Time: 1-2 hours
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs must be leashed within Coconino National Forest.
Doe Mountain Trail Map
What to Pack When Hiking in Sedona, Arizona
*This section contains affiliate links, which means if you click a link & make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.*
Pack:
You’re going to need a backpack for your hike in Telluride to help carry essential gear and extra clothes, as necessary. I personally use and love the Osprey Sirrus 24L. A trail running vest is a great option on shorter hikes if you want to be able to carry sufficient water while staying light on the trail.
Water:
It’s very important to stay hydrated while hiking in the desert, so make sure you carry enough water for your hike – 1L/hour of hiking during warmer months. Also consider carrying electrolyte packs like Liquid IV to add to your water, especially if you’re hiking during warmer months!
Snacks:
Protein bars, trail mix, pb&j sandwiches, dried fruit, and jerky are all great hiking snack options!
Headlamp:
Carrying illumination, like a headlamp, is important in case you find yourself out after dark.
Sun Protection:
Sun protection is very important when hiking in the desert, so make sure to wear a sun shirt, and carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
First-Aid Kit:
A well stocked first-aid kit should always be in your pack as part of the 10 essentials. Consider carrying band-aids, moleskin, gauze, tape, tylenol, and tweezers.
Map & Compass:
While all of the trails in this guide are fairly well-maintained and easy to follow, you should always carry a map & compass in the event you get lost – and know how to use them. At the very least, be sure to download the trail map to your phone and carry a backup battery charger.
Knife:
A knife can come in handy for a variety of purposes on a hike, especially in the event of an emergency.
Emergency Shelter:
It’s important to carry an emergency bivvy or space blanket when hiking in case you have to spend an unexpected night on the trail. While this likely won’t happen, especially on an easy hike, having this lightweight piece of gear can potentially save your life in an emergency.
Hiking Poles:
Since all of the hikes in this guide are relatively easy, hiking poles are definitely optional. I would recommend them most for Devil’s Bridge or Doe Mountain. In general hiking poles can provide a number of benefits from stability to reducing pressure on your joints.
Appropriate Layers:
What clothing you specifically need to wear or carry depends on a number of factors including the forecast, time of year, and your personal preferences. Helpful layers to consider wearing/bringing include a sun shirt, rain coat, and outer layer (how heavy of an outer layer you need to carry will depend on the month you’re hiking).
Emergency GPS:
I always carry a Garmin in-reach mini GPS on hikes to easily get in contact with authorities in the event of an emergency. There’s limited cell reception once you’re outside of town, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency device just in case!
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