Looking for an easy hike in Sedona? I’ve been there—literally, multiple times! The first time I visited, I was with friends, and we were game for anything. We took on whatever trails looked exciting, no matter how steep, rocky, or long.
But my latest trip? A whole different ballgame. This time, I was with my parents. My dad isn’t exactly what you’d call a hiking enthusiast, and my mom has knee problems that make steep downhills a struggle.
That meant my usual “just go for it” approach wasn’t going to cut it—I needed to find hikes that were beginner-friendly, scenic, and actually enjoyable for them (because let’s be real, if the trail wasn’t worth it, I’d never hear the end of it).
Luckily, Sedona is one of those places where you don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of pretty trails that don’t require scrambling up rocks or committing to a five-hour trek.
In fact, my parents even made it to Devil’s Bridge, one of Sedona’s most famous hikes. And while they weren’t exactly thrilled about the heat, they tackled it like champs.
Whether you’re traveling with family, recovering from an injury, or just not into hikes that feel like a survival test, I’ve got you covered. This guide rounds up the best easy hikes in Sedona—trails that deliver amazing views without making you question your life choices halfway through.
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10 Short And Easy Hikes In Sedona, Arizona
1. Fay Canyon Trail
2.2-mile out-and-back trail
Fay Canyon Trail is a great one to start off with. This easy 2 mile out and back hike offers a gentle walk through a picturesque canyon, surrounded by towering red rock walls. The main trail is well-marked and mostly flat, making it accessible for all fitness levels.
Approximately 0.6 miles in, there’s an unmarked side trail leading to a natural stone arch. This spur involves a steep, unmaintained climb but rewards hikers with a unique arch formation nestled against the cliff face.
The main trail concludes at a rockslide; adventurous hikers can navigate around it to extend their exploration.
- Distance: 1.1 mile one-way, 2.2 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 150 feet
- Hike Time: 1-1.5 hours
- Parking: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
2. Doe Mountain Trail
1.5-mile out-and-back trail
Doe Mountain Trail ascends ever-so-slightly to a flat mesa (400 ft of elevation gain), offering panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock formations, including Bear Mountain, Chimney Rock, Maroon Mountain, Loy Canyon, and Boynton Canyon.
The ascent is steady but manageable, with well-defined switchbacks leading to the summit. At the top, hikers can explore the expansive mesa, taking in 360-degree vistas and enjoying a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape.
Because of how doable and short this one is, Doe Mountain Trail is typically rated as easy to moderate, making it perfect for beginners who want a small uphill challenge.
- Distance: 0.7 miles to the top, 1.5-mile total
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Hike Time: 1-2 hours
- Parking: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
3. Cathedral Rock Trail
1.2-mile out-and-back trail
The Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the most popular trails in Sedona. All in all, it’s a 1.2-mile out-and-back adventure with an elevation gain of 744 feet. More of a rock scramble than a hike, this trail up the plateau is unshaded and can be steep in places.
You’ll have to get a little dirty going up this trail, using your hands to maneuver past the tricky cliff sides of Cathedral Rock. But don’t let that scare you! The Cathedral Rock trail is easy to navigate. There are basket cairns filled with large rocks to guide you along the trail.
Once you get to the top, you are going to be WOWED. Especially once you see the sun setting over the mountain range!
My favorite viewpoint and photo spot on this hike is hands-down the Edge of the World. This is a super photogenic ledge that makes for a great spot to take pictures and enjoy the views in peace. This viewpoint is located at the far right of the summit viewing area. There is a steep drop-off here so please be careful.
The trailhead is located just off of Highway 179, and there’s plenty of parking available (though the parking lot does fill up quite fast). The trail itself is well-marked and easy to follow. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Without a doubt, the best time to hike Cathedral Rock Trail is during the hours leading up to sunset. The top of Cathedral Rock features beautiful views of Sedona and at sunset, it’s even more magical!
- Distance: 0.6 miles to the top, 1.2-miles total
- Elevation Gain: 700 feet
- Hike Time: 1-2 hours
- Parking: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
4. Templeton Trail at Cathedral Rock
2.2 mile out-and-back trail
For those seeking a less strenuous alternative near Cathedral Rock, the Templeton Trail offers a serene hike along the base of the formation.
This is one of the newer trails in town, perfect for those who are not interested in climbing Cathedral Rock. Instead, this trail takes you along the base of the Cathedral Rock formation.
Starting at the Cathedral Rock trailhead, this path diverges from the main ascent, providing hikers with solitude and tranquility amidst some of the best scenery Sedona has to offer.
While most hikers in the area will be scrambling up the Cathedral Rock formation, you will be able to enjoy this hidden gem that sees very little foot traffic!
You’ll be walking on a slightly uphill path for about 0.4 miles, where you’ll reach Cathedral Rock. From here, most hikers will attempt to climb up the rock. Instead of climbing up the rock, follow the signs for the Templeton Trail.
The trail ends at the intersection of the Baldwin Trail for an easy and relaxing 1.1-mile out-and-back trek.
- Distance: 1.1 miles one way, 2.2-miles total
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Hike Time: 1-2 hours
- Parking: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
5. West Fork Trail
6.2-mile out-and-back trail
The West Fork Trail is one of the most picturesque trails in all of Sedona. That’s because the area of Oak Creek, where this hike is located, is known to be a hiker’s paradise!
While it’s wonderful during all seasons, this trail is renowned for its beauty during fall when the foliage turns shades of red and gold. The path crosses the creek multiple times—expect 11 to 13 shallow stream crossings—so you’ll want a pair of waterproof boots for this one.
Eventually, the pathway will end (where the canyon walls close in on you and there’s nowhere else to go without getting your feet wet). If you choose to continue into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, things will get more strenuous from there.
If not, this would be a good time to turn around and hike back from where you came.
- Distance: 3.1 miles one way, 6.2-miles total
- Elevation Gain: 300 feet
- Hike Time: 2-4 hours
- Parking: $11 parking fee or $2 per person walk-in fee. Red Rock Pass is not accepted. The Grand Annual Red Rock Pass is accepted here for entry to the site.
6. Bell Rock Loop Trail
1.8 miles roundtrip
The Bell Rock Loop Trail is one of my personal favorites because of its quick payoff and how straightforward it is. You’re already getting pretty great views of Bell Rock (one of the most easily recognizable formations in Sedona) from the parking lot!
This one’s a super popular sunset hike–when the setting sun lights this area up, you’ll wanna have your camera ready.
To do this loop trail, you’re going to be taking a series of trails: Bell Rock Trail, the Rector Connector, and the Courthouse Butte Trail. The loop is approximately 1.8 miles.
To get there, head to the parking lot for Courthouse Vista, located just after the Bell Rock formation. Park here to start your hike. If the parking lot is full, you have another option: the overflow parking area at the Yavapai Point Parking Lot, 0.5-mile north on your left-hand side. (Just pop ‘Yavapai Vista Point’ into Google Maps to get there.)
- Distance: 1.8-mile loop trail
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Hike Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Parking: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
Alternative hike #1: If you’d like to keep things simple, just walk along Bell Rock Trail (Bell Rock Pathway) and go back the way you came once you’ve gotten your fill of walking. Along this pathway, you’ll enjoy fantastic views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and other landmarks. Most of the pathway has a wide, hard surface so it’s great for the whole family.
Alternative hike #2: If you want a longer hike, do the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop. This loop trail is an easy/moderate 3.9-mile roundtrip hike and has an elevation gain of about 350 feet.
7. Red Rock Crossing
1.4 miles roundtrip
Red Rock Crossing is one of the most photographed hikes of Sedona: this is where photographers flock to get iconic photos of Cathedral Rock with a stream in front of it! It’s especially photogenic at sunset when the rock formations glow deep red and orange.
The trail itself winds through shaded forest areas, passes by small swimming holes, and eventually leads you to a secluded beach at Oak Creek. If you’re visiting in warm weather, bring a swimsuit for a dip in the creek.
There are two access points:
- Baldwin Trailhead: Park here, take a left, and follow Verde Valley Road to Oak Creek.
- Crescent Moon Day Use Site: More direct access, but requires an $11 fee. Your America the Beautiful Pass / Red Rock passes will not get you in. This is an entirely separate entrance fee.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming for photography, aim for late afternoon or sunset for the best lighting conditions.
- Distance: 1.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 60 feet
- Hike Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Parking: $11 parking fee at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site. Red Rock Pass and America The Beautiful Pass are NOT accepted.
8. Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail
1.1-mile out-and-back trail
Seven Sacred Pools is a short hike that packs in a lot of interesting stops, making it one of the most rewarding easy hikes in Sedona.
Along the way, you’ll pass Devil’s Kitchen, a massive open sinkhole, before reaching the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of small, naturally formed rock pools that can hold water after rain.
The pools are especially scenic after recent rainfall, reflecting the surrounding red rock formations. If you’re hiking during drier months, they may be mostly empty.
Pro Tip: The best time to visit is between April and October when there’s a higher chance of water in the pools.
- Distance: 1.1-mile out-and-back trail
- Elevation Gain: 100 feet
- Hike Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Parking: Free if you park at Soldier Pass Trailhead parking.
9. Boynton Vista Trail
1.1-mile out-and-back trail
Next on our list of easy hikes in Sedona is the Boynton Vista Trail. This quick hike leads to one of Sedona’s well-known vortex sites, making it popular among those seeking energy hotspots as well as those chasing a great sunset view.
The trail starts out easy, winding through shaded areas before a moderate climb up to the Boynton Canyon Vista.
At the top, you’ll find panoramic views of the red rock formations, especially breathtaking at sunset. Many hikers also leave small offerings at the vortex site, believing in its spiritual significance.
Pro Tip: If you’re up for a longer and slightly harder hike, continue on the full Boynton Canyon Trail. This trail brings you 3 miles into the canyon and up 500 feet, totaling 6 miles roundtrip.
- Distance: 1.1-mile loop trail
- Elevation Gain: 134 feet
- Hike Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Parking: Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required to park at the trailhead.
10. Airport Mesa Trail
3.2 miles roundtrip
Looking for a bit more of a challenge? Consider the Sedona Airport Loop (Airport Mesa Trail), boasting some of the best views in all of Sedona–truly!
It’s one of my favorite hikes in Sedona. It’s not too difficult, and the payoff is huge with epic views of the red-rock-speckled skyline at sunset.
You’re going to see so much from here, including great vistas of Oak Creek (Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte) as well as West Sedona and Sedona (Cathedral Rock). I mean, look at those views! They almost remind me of a prehistoric time.
The Airport Mesa trail circles around Tabletop Mountain to form a loop trail. This 3.2-mile loop trail is generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The trail is a mostly level trail for the first mile and then it begins a gradual and then moderate ascent over time.
Do note that on certain parts of this trail, you’ll be brought close to the edge and/or walking among lots of loose gravel and slippery rock in some locations. If you have vertigo or are afraid of hikes, you might want to skip this one or bring along a pair of sturdy trekking poles.
To get there, you can either park at the trailhead parking lot or at the top of the scenic overlook lot for a small fee. The trailhead parking lot is teensy tiny, so many visitors will opt to park at the top for a small fee and hike the spur trail down to start the loop.
- Distance: 3.2-mile loop roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 314 ft.
- Hike Time: 2 hours
- Parking: $3-5 fee to park at the scenic overlook lot.
What to Know Before Hiking in Sedona
1. Plan your hiking times accordingly, and depending on what time of the year you visit. If opting for a sunset hike, get to your destination with more than enough time to hike to your viewpoint.
- In the summer, the sun sets around 7:30 pm.
- During the winter months, the sun goes down around 5:30 pm.
2. Once the sun goes down in Sedona, it gets dark quickly. If you plan to hike to your sunset destination, keep in mind that you may have to hike back in the dark to get back to your car. Bringing a headlamp with you is a good idea. It can also get chilly during certain times of the year after sunset, so dress appropriately.
3. Most of Sedona’s viewpoint/hiking parking lots require a Red Rock Pass, which you can purchase for $5 online or in-person at trailhead parking lots.
Alternatively, you can use your America The Beautiful Interagency Pass. Simply display your pass on your car dash and you’ll be good to go!
- This annual pass will get you entry into all national parks for one whole year from the month of purchase. It can also serve to replace the Red Rock Pass in this instance.
- I buy this pass every year; it’s the best bang for your buck if you plan on visiting at least 3 national parks within a 12-month timespan! Since national park entrance fees are $30 on average, every national park visit after your 3rd visit is essentially free!
4. To help with parking and provide more trail access to visitors, Sedona recently created a free shuttle system–Sedona Shuttle. This may be a good option if you plan on visiting the popular viewpoints/hikes during prime time and don’t want to deal with the headache of trying to find parking!
Top Guided Tours In Sedona, Arizona
Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure – Go off-roading through Sedona’s red rock landscape on a Jeep tour! This one is not too bumpy so it’s good even for the kids and the older parents. We did this tour during our last trip and our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and entertaining! Highly recommend this one!
Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep – This highly-rated vortex tour gives you the best of both worlds–a chance to ride in a Jeep and learn all about the magical vortexes! Traveling the region by Jeep, you’ll visit several vortex sites around town and learn about their history.
Sedona Helicopter Tour: Desert Thunder Tour – Swoop over the canyons and fly past the vast pine forests on this epic 30-minute helicopter flight over the Sedona desert. Try going first thing in the morning to catch the gorgeous sunrise from the sky!
Verde Canyon Railway Adventure – Looking for a nostalgic way to see Sedona? Go back in time on the heritage Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale to Perkinsville. The 4-hour round-trip train ride is fun, and a great way to get a perspective on the region’s natural and cultural treasures.
Where To Stay In Sedona, Arizona
Looking for hotels in Sedona is a ton of fun because of how many options there are to choose from. Here are a few of my top recommendations for you:
- L’Auberge de Sedona – this is an absolute must for couples if ‘budget’ is not in your vocabulary for this trip. This timeless hotel is loved by many, many travelers.
- A Sunset Chateau – a great and spacious bed and breakfast that screams cozy rustic vibes.
- Wilde Resort and Spa – another great boutique hotel option featuring a modern atmosphere with a Southwestern twist!
Looking to ball out on your Sedona trip? If you’re looking for an unparalleled experience set within the spectacular vistas of Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort is THE ONE. With its see-it-to-believe-it guestrooms, suites, and villas, your weekend will be filled with unforgettable views and service beyond compare.
Looking for more things to do in Sedona? Check out these posts next:
- 25 Romantic Things To Do In Sedona For Couples
- 13 Best Places To See The Sunset In Sedona, Arizona
- 7 Best Sunset Hikes In Sedona, Arizona
- 6 Best Breweries In Sedona, Arizona To Try This Year
- 4-Day Arizona Road Trip: Vegas, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Phoenix
- The Perfect 5-Day Arizona Road Trip: Phoenix, Sedona, and Antelope Canyon
