Top 11 Hiking Trails in Sedona, Arizona

This region's hiking trails comprise a mixture of simple, family-friendly paths to challenging ones. Another incredible thing about hiking in Sedona, Arizona, is that you can hike any time of the year. Here is a list of the top hiking trails you can consider while in Sedona.

1. Doe Mountain Trail

Doe Mountain Trail is a top contender of the best hiking trails in Sedona. This trail allows you to wander to the top of a mesa while enjoying scenic views. The Doe Mountain Trail stretches for about 1.3 miles and has a total elevation gain of about 400 feet.

It is a popular hike for people seeking solitude while gazing over stunning landscapes. Some of the most incredible views that you will see include the following: The Cockscomb, Chimney Rock, Secret Canyons, Boynton, Loy, Bear Mountain, Fay Canyon, and Mescal Mountain.

2. Bell Rock Loop Trail

This trail is easy and pet friendly. The Bell Rock Loop Trail is a 1.8 miles roundtrip hike with an elevation gain of about 200 feet. Note that this trail does not have much shade, so carry your sunglasses, hat, and extra water.

Furthermore, do not hike when the sun is at its highest; try the early morning or evening hours. One of the best things about hiking the Bell Rock Loop Trail is that you have an opportunity to see stunning views. You can also use this trail to link up with other larger loops around the Courthouse Butte Loop.

3. Cathedral Rock Trail

The Cathedral Rock Trail has a 550 feet elevation gain and is a one-mile round trip. This trail provides incredible views of the Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and the Mogollon Rim. Furthermore, when you get to the saddle, you will see a vista of rolling landscape in the west direction.

This trail has some difficult hiking places. It is also steep and unshaded; thus, avoid hiking when the sun is hot. The Cathedral Rock Trail is very famous, so expect big crowds.

4. Bear Mountain Trail

The Bear Mountain Trail is best if you are in the mood for a sweat-inducing and thigh-burning climb. It has an elevation gain of 1975 feet and stretches about 5 miles. This trail provides one of the most strenuous hikes in Sedona, Arizona.

It is perfect for experienced hikers who want to challenge themselves. While hiking, you must give yourself ample resting time plus plenty of water. One of the best things about hiking to the top of the Bear Mountain Trail is the beautiful red rock scenery. You will be able to see San Francisco Peaks and the majestic Mogollon Rim.

5. Fay Canyon

Located in one of the most scenic sites of Sedona, Fay Canyon promises one of the easiest hikes. The Fay Canyon trail stretches for 2.4 miles with an elevation gain of 190 feet. It is one of the best trails for hikers of all levels and abilities.

This hike will lead you through the famous Fay Canyon. If you are looking for a shaded hike, the Fay Canyon trail is best for you. Note that you will find a sign marked "End of the Trail" at the trail's end. You can end your hike there or wander further to have better views, then return to the Canyon.

6. Munds Wagon Trail

This historic trail follows the path used to transport cattle herds and goods on wagons in the 1930s. The Munds Wagon Trail is a 6.4-mile roundtrip hike with a 1300 feet elevation gain. Note that the trail allows 4*4 vehicles to pass through; thus, you may encounter noisy jeeps on the road.

When hiking, make sure to go to the Merry Go Round Rock. You can have panoramic views of rock formations and the incredible buttes on this rock.

7. Boynton Canyon Trail

The Boynton Canyon Trail comprises a 7.5-mile adventure trail with a 1300 feet elevation gain. This trail is mostly flat and will lead you through a valley of pinyon pikes. The towering canyon walls and the pinyon pines will offer you a pleasant respite from the harsh sun rays.

While taking the Boynton Canyon, you can enjoy the incredible sights of the Boynton Canyon. You can also detour to the Boynton Vista trail, where you can have stunning views of the Courthouse Butte, Deadman's Pass, and Mescal Mountain.

8. The Birthing Cave

A hike to the birthing cave is fast, short, and flat. This trail stretches for 2 miles and has an elevation gain of 250 feet. It is one of the best photography spots in Sedona. Getting to the magnificent birthing cave will require you to hike up a steep trail.

You can scramble up the cave's walls to get incredible views. For the best photography shots, use the panoramic feature of your phone.

9. Devils Bridge

The Devil's Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, so expect to encounter crowds. Its popularity is because it has some of the best scenes. You will see its incredible views of the natural sandstone arch, Red Rock County, and the Arches National Park. The Devil's Bridge trail runs for 4.2 miles and has a 400 feet elevation gain.

This trail is relatively short but has a steep climb near the end. The most challenging part of hiking the Devil's Bridge is navigating the crowds you will encounter. Therefore, make sure to hike early to avoid the crowds.

10. Courthouse Butte Loop

The Courthouse Butte Loop has many stunning views you can relish as you hike. You will get a chance to view the Bell Rock, Mogollon Rim, Courthouse Butte, and a spectacular space-ship-shaped rock at the end of the trail.

This trail has a moderate 350 feet elevation gain and runs for 3.9 miles. To fully maximize your hike, consider hiking in a clockwise direction. One of the best things about the Courthouse Butte hike is the solitude you will experience as you leave the crowds behind at the Bell Rock site.

11. West Fork Trail

The West Fork Trail promises an easy hike at 535 feet elevation gain. This trail runs along the Oak Creek edge, which will provide you with a significant amount of shade. On several occasions, you will need to cross Oak Creek. In addition, the West Fork Trail has a mostly flat-maintained path that will let you pass through the majestic landscape of the Coconino National Forest.

In Conclusion

There are plenty of hiking trails in Sedona, best for experienced and beginner hikers. Most of these hiking trails will take you through stunning landscapes and allow you to have scenic views of the famous Red Rock County and other magnificent sites.

Road-riding trips are relatively easy to maneuver. You typically know the terrains you are likely to encounter and the conditions your motorcycle is going to endure. On the other hand, hiking involves many variables and can be much more demanding on you and your two-wheeler. If you don’t yet have a motorcycle for hiking trails in Sedona, compare motorcycle loan rates from different lenders to get money to buy one.