The Best Hikes in Sedona (Travel Guide)

Our Top Sedona Hikes

Sedona, Arizona is a hiker’s paradise filled with towering red rock formations, scenic canyons, and trails that come alive with color at sunrise and sunset. Whether you’re looking for a short scenic walk, a challenging climb, or the perfect photo spot, Sedona offers something for everyone. This guide highlights the best hikes in Sedona, including reader favorites like Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock, along with insider tips on parking, shuttle options, and Red Rock Pass requirements to help you plan your perfect hiking day.

We’ve spent a week exploring Sedona in our Sprinter van, and these hikes became our favorites. This guide pulls them all together with trail details, travel tips, a custom map, and answers to common questions to help you plan your own Sedona adventure.

Mornings in Sedona can be surprisingly cool, especially at higher elevations, so lightweight layers are helpful. Cotopaxi’s bestselling hiking layers are a popular option for balancing warmth and packability

Our top hikes in Sedona, each with tips for parking and shuttle access.

Devil’s Bridge Sedona

Stats: 4 miles RT · 400 ft gain · Moderate

Trail Highlight: The payoff at the top is one of the most photographed views in Arizona, where you can walk out across the sandstone arch and look over a sea of red rock formations stretching toward the horizon.

Parking Tip: The main lot at Dry Creek Vista fills quickly. Use the free Sedona Shuttle from the West SR-89A Park & Ride if you’re visiting Thursday through Sunday or arrive early and display a Red Rock Pass if you plan to park at the trailhead.

→ [READ FULL STORY HERE]

Cathedral Rock Sedona

Stats: 1.4 miles RT · 750 ft gain · Strenuous

Trail Highlight: This short but steep climb rewards you with breathtaking views over Oak Creek and the surrounding buttes, especially during sunrise and sunset when the red rock glows.

Parking Tip: Trailhead parking is extremely limited. The easiest option is to park at the North SR-179 Park & Ride and take the Sedona Shuttle to the Cathedral Rock stop. A Red Rock Pass is required if you park on-site outside shuttle hours.

→ [READ FULL STORY HERE]

Boynton Canyon Subway

Stats: 4.6 miles RT to cave · 700 ft gain · Moderate

Trail Highlight: This scenic canyon hike mixes desert vistas with shaded stretches through red cliffs and pinyon pine forests, ending at a stunning viewpoint near the Enchantment Resort area.

Parking Tip: The Boynton Canyon Trailhead requires a Red Rock Pass, and spaces fill up quickly. Arrive early or plan for a weekday visit to avoid congestion

→ [READ THE FULL STORY HERE]

Fay Canyon Trail

Stats: 2.6 miles RT · 190 ft gain · Easy

Trail Highlight: Fay Canyon is a peaceful, mostly level hike that winds between red sandstone cliffs and desert vegetation. It’s perfect for a quiet morning walk with beautiful light filtering through the canyon walls and an optional short scramble to a natural arch for added adventure.

Parking Tip: The Fay Canyon Trailhead is just off Boynton Pass Road and has a small parking lot that fills quickly on weekends. A Red Rock Pass is required to park here. Arrive early or visit later in the afternoon for easier access.

→ [READ THE FULL STORY HERE]

Bear Mountain Trail

Stats: 5 miles RT · 1,900 ft gain · Hard

Trail Highlight: Bear Mountain is one of Sedona’s most challenging hikes, climbing steeply over slickrock and sandstone terraces to breathtaking panoramic views of the entire red rock region. It’s a rewarding trek for experienced hikers seeking a workout with unforgettable scenery.

Parking Tip: The trailhead shares a parking lot with Doe Mountain on Boynton Pass Road. A Red Rock Pass is required, and spaces are limited. Start early, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for exposure to sun and wind along the way.

→ [READ THE FULL STORY HERE]

Jordan → Soldier Pass Loop

Stats: 6 miles loop · 800 ft gain · Moderate

Trail Highlight: This loop connects the peaceful Jordan Trail with the dramatic landscapes of Soldier Pass, giving hikers a mix of solitude and scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the red-rock cliffs that make this one of Sedona’s most rewarding half-day hikes.

Parking Tip: Parking at the Soldier Pass Trailhead is limited and accessible only by shuttle. Use the free Route 14 shuttle from the Posse Grounds Park & Ride, which drops you at the Soldier Pass access point. No Red Rock Pass is needed when riding the shuttle.

→ [READ THE FULL STORY HERE]

Our Sedona Hiking Map

🚐 Travel Tips for Visiting Sedona

  • Getting there: Most visitors arrive via Phoenix (about 2 hours north). The drive up Oak Creek Canyon is especially scenic.
  • When to go: Spring brings wildflowers, fall brings golden aspen, and winter means fewer crowds. Summer can be very hot.
  • Parking & shuttles: Sedona’s trailheads fill up fast — the city offers free shuttles to popular trails.
  • Red Rock Pass: Needed for most trailhead parking; available at kiosks and stores.

🚐 Parking, Shuttles & the Red Rock Pass

Planning a hike in Sedona? Before you hit the trails, it’s worth knowing how parking and access work around town. Many of Sedona’s most popular hikes—like Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Soldier Pass—have limited parking, especially on weekends.

To make exploring easier, the Sedona Shuttle System offers free rides to trailheads including Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, and Dry Creek Vista (for Devil’s Bridge). You can park at one of the shuttle lots and skip the stress of finding a space.

For most trailhead lots outside of the shuttle system, you’ll need a Red Rock Pass. It’s required for parking at trailheads within the Coconino National Forest, and you can buy one:

  • At trailhead kiosks (card only)
  • Online via recreation.gov
  • Or at many gas stations and visitor centers around Sedona

For full details, including shuttle routes, hours, and Red Rock Pass pricing, check out our complete guide below 👇

Sedona Parking, Shuttles & the Red Rock Pass Explained

🛏️ Where to Stay in Sedona

  • Hotels & resorts: Sedona has options from luxury resorts at Bell Rock to boutique inns.
  • Camping & RV: There are Forest Service campgrounds, dispersed camping (with rules), and RV parks.
  • Vanlife tip: We found Harvest Hosts stays nearby, which make a great base if you’re traveling like us.

❓ Sedona FAQ (Quick Answers)

  • How long is the hike to Devil’s Bridge?
    About 4 miles roundtrip from the main lot, shorter if you park closer with high clearance.
  • What is the easiest Sedona hike?
    Fay Canyon and Bell Rock are both short and scenic.
  • Is Sedona worth visiting for one day?
    Yes, but two or three days let you see more hikes and sunsets.
  • What is a Sedona vortex?
    Local belief says these are energy centers — you’ll find them at Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon.

✨ Plan Your Sedona Adventure

Sedona is more than a stop — it’s a destination. Whether you’re hiking at sunrise, scrambling up rocks, or just watching the red cliffs glow in the evening light, this is a place that stays with you.

📍 Ready to plan your trip? Explore our detailed hike stories here:

Exploring Sedona is all about balance — a mix of adventure, stunning views, and moments that make you stop and just take it in. Once you’ve picked your favorite trail, head over to our Sedona Parking & Shuttle Guide.

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