Sedona trails

Hiking and mountain biking opportunities in Sedona's Red Rock country are virtually unlimited.

There are over 200 miles of trails where you can enjoy short and easy trips or long and challenging adventures through remote backcountry areas. There is no better way to get up close to the beautiful Sedona country. We have hiked many of the trails in Sedona and have printed directions and maps for most of them available to our guests at our Sedona Boutique hotel. For the most up to date information on our trails and trail maps please visit: Sedona Red Rock Trails.

Tips for Hiking in SedonaBack to Top

• Many trails require a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle to access them. You may want to consider this when you are renting your vehicle.
• Hiking in Sedona in the summer? Early morning hikes or late afternoon hikes are highly suggested!
• Make sure to bring plenty of water. Even if you are only hiking a short distance, keeping hydrated is key. Take more water than you think you will need.
• Create a hiking backpack that includes water, first aid kit, snacks, trail map, compass, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and tweezers. Most of our plants have thorns or needles and they sometimes seem to jump out and stick you. Tweezers are sometimes the only way to get them out..ask Ron!
• Hikes in Sedona are rated from easy to strenuous however, if you are a novice hiker, watch your pace and go in knowing there may be some strenuous inclines on some of the easy rated hikes.
• It is always safer to hike with others.  If you choose to hike alone, take a cell phone with you.
• Always let somebody know what trails you plan on hiking. Let us know and we can usually give you a map with directions.
• A Red Rock Pass is needed to park at most trail heads. All types of passes are available, from day use to yearly passes. We have Daily and Weekly passes available at our Sedona Bed and Breakfast Hotel
• Wear suitable clothing and shoes for hiking. Hiking shoes are recommended on most trails.
• Don’t leave the trail. The ecosystem of the desert is fragile and walking off designated trails can damage it.
• The trails in Sedona are very traveled and it is unlikely that you will come across a rattler, however we do have them. We have only seen two on all the hikes we have done. With that said, be aware of your surroundings and respect the wildlife of Sedona!
• Bring a camera to take some amazing shots
• Know your limitations and don’t rush your hiking experience. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.

Some Additional Tips for Mountain Biking in SedonaBack to Top

• Trail etiquette: Mountain bikers yield to both hikers and equestrians.
• Make your presence known when approaching others and going around blind corners.
• Stay on designated roads and trails, – if it’s not signed don’t ride it!
• Avoid trails that are wet and muddy.
• Ride only where permitted. Mountain bikes are prohibited in wilderness areas.
• Prepare for the unexpected by packing a small backpack full of emergency items including (but not limited to): food, water, first aid needs, extra tubes, patches and tool kit.
• Wear a helmet, gloves, eye protection, and other safety gear.
• Know your riding ability and personal limits.
• Make sure you use sealant in your tubes.

Some of Our Favorite HikesBack to Top

Baldwin Trail

This trail starts off near Oak Creek then turns away from it and goes through a pass between Cathedral Rock and un-named butte. This trail also connects with the Templeton trail for a side trip to Cathedral Rock.

Courthouse Butte Loop

This fine trail takes you up close and personal to our Sedona Red Rocks, Courthouse Butte and Bell rock. The trail makes a circle around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. This trail is within walking distance of our Sedona Boutique B&B style hotel. This is a fun hike to do in the morning before breakfast in the summer.

Fay Canyon

Most people go to Fay Canyon to see the natural arch that is located about .5 miles up the trail. Those who don't know about it usually walk past it without even noticing it. There is a short steep trail up to the arch that is worth the climb up. The main trail dead ends at a Supai sandstone cliff where you can see some evidence of some ancient Indian dwellings while enjoying the beautiful red rock formations around you.

West Fork Oak Creek

The trail is marked for the first three miles; however, many hikers continue beyond that. Eventually the pathway ends and you will be forced to hike in the stream bed as you continue into the Secret Mountain/Red Rocks Wilderness. If you choose to travel all 14 miles from one end of the canyon to the other, plan to do a lot of wading and boulder hopping, and even some swimming. This is a great trail to hike in the summer as much of the trail is shaded.

Devils Bridge

This is a short hike into a beautiful canyon. For a cool view, stand directly under the 50 foot high arch and look up. But it's the topside trail that provides the biggest treat. Follow it up a steep, natural rock staircase that leads directly to Devil's Bridge. At the top there are beautiful views of the canyon and Dry Creek Basin. If you have the nerve, you can walk across the top of the arch.

Doe Mountain

This Sedona trail not only provides a big dividend of scenery for a moderate outlay of exertion but it is easily accessible and an easy drive from our Sedona Bed and Breakfast. The Doe Mountain Trail switchbacks directly up the north side of this low, flat-topped Mesa. As you climb, you'll want to take time out to enjoy the excellent views of the surrounding countryside. If you only have a small amount of time to spend in Sedona, or only want to take a short hike, this is the one we would recommend!

Slim Shady / Made in The Shade Loop

Take the Slim Shady Trail to the Made in the Shade. This trail is a great trail for picture taking as it gets you up high on the ridge with fantastic views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. After about 1.5 miles you connect back up with the Slim Shady trail. From here you can either go right which will take you back where you started or go left and continue on with connections to many other trails.

Cathedral Rock Trail

This trail provides an exciting but hard climb to a saddle between two major clusters of spires near the top of Cathedral rock. The views from there are superb. There are some perfectly placed rocks, made to order for sitting, viewing and meditating. This is one of Sedona's Vortex sites and is a short drive from our Sedona Boutique hotel.

Sterling Pass Trail

This trail leads over a high saddle from Oak Creek Canyon into nearby and very scenic Sterling canyon. The climb is steep and a good workout. Dwarf canyon maples are plentiful here and turn scarlet and peach in the fall making this a great place to enjoy the most colorful of seasons. If you hike down the other side into Sterling canyon for about a mile you can pick up the Vultee Arch trail and it is only .1 mile to see the arch.

Secret Canyon/David Miller/Bear Sign Loop

This scenic trail links the Secret Canyon Trail to the Bear Sign Trail for a loop hike in some of Sedona's wildest and most beautiful and varied backcountry. During the spring there are lots of wildflowers. This trail is within easy driving distance of our Sedona Boutique Hotel