Hiking in Sedona
Sedona, Arizona, is known for its red rocks, stunning natural beauty, abundant outdoor activities and arts community.
You can drive north from Phoenix to Sedona directly in about two hours or take a slightly longer route and go from Phoenix to Flagstaff first. Then, from Flagstaff, you can take the scenic drive back south on 89A to Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon.
Just before you get to Sedona, make a stop at Slide Rock State Park. Take a short walk down to Oak Creek, which is a popular place to escape the heat.
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona. I started from the Mescal Trailhead. Parking can be limited, but you can take the Sedona Shuttle there for free. The trail is mostly flat for the first part before it starts gradually gaining elevation.
There were two short sections where you have to scramble up some rocks before you reach the top, but people of all ages were able to do it. Just take your time. I waited in line around 45 minutes to take my photo on the bridge, so be prepared to be patient and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Out and back, I hiked 4.5 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain.
Another popular hiking spot is Bell Rock. You can either hike around the rock or up the rock. Parking is limited, but there is another lot close by at Yavapai Vista.
I opted to climb up Bell Rock and was rewarded with spectacular views. You don’t have to make it all the way to the top to enjoy great views.
There can be slippery spots, so take your time, wear good hiking shoes and watch where the trails the people in front of you are taking.
I hiked two miles with 300 feet of elevation gain out and back and had these amazing views.
The Birthing Cave via Long Canyon Trail is another short hike with an awesome payoff. It’s a flat trail for most of the way. This post has all the details you need to find where to go.
The last part of the trail is a steep climb to get into the cave, but it’s so cool! I enjoyed just sitting and enjoying the views. I hiked two miles with 230 feet of elevation gain out and back.
Little Horse Trail is also a great place to hike. You can take it all the way to Bell Rock or just go as far as you’d like.
I didn’t have much time and only hiked a mile or so but still found many beautiful views to enjoy.
Leaving the trailhead, we saw an amazing rainbow over the red rocks!
Cathedral Rock is also a popular hiking trail. It’s 1.2 miles with 741 feet of elevation gain.
If you don’t have a chance to hike Cathedral Rock, I recommend enjoying the views of it from Lover’s Knoll.
Another fun outdoor activity in Sedona are the Pink Jeep Tours. I took the Broken Arrow Tour that lasts for two hours and is described as their most extreme off-road adventure.
We rode in the jeep on the Broken Arrow Trail to Submarine Rock, where we got out and enjoyed 360 degree views of Sedona.
We continued on to Chicken Point and and went up and down some of the rocks as part of our adventure. It was a lot of fun and not scary!
A must-see in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Completed in 1956, the chapel has been named one of the 10 most beautiful churches around the world.
The chapel is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week and welcomes several million people every year.
Visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for galleries and unique shops.
Tlaquepaque is modeled after a traditional Mexican village and has been a landmark in Sedona since the 1970s.
After you’ve worked up an appetite hiking and shopping, check out some of the places we enjoyed eating: Hideaway House, Wildflower, Rascal Modern Diner and Bella Vita.
Finally, to watch the sunset, head to the Airport Scenic Lookout.
Check out more to do in the southwest: Grand Canyon, Phoenix, Horseshoe Bend, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Monument Valley, Peekaboo Slot Canyon and Lake Powell.
