5 Stunning (Must-Do) Sedona Hikes
Oh Sedona—sigh. Where do I even begin!? This city is full of magic… it almost feels like an alien planet. I’ve been four times now, and every single time I go, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace and creativity.
Sedona is known for its striking red sandstone formations, which literally glow during sunrise and sunset. It’s a perfect place for stargazing, with low light pollution and clear night skies that offer spectacular views of the Milky Way. Something that surprised me the first time I visited was that Sedona is actually well-known for its four energy vortexes, believed to be spiritual locations where the earth’s energy is especially strong. Because of this, numerous wellness centers, yoga studios, and spiritual retreats can be found throughout town, attracting people interested in the “woo woo,” healing arts, and new age practices.
Sedona is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 200 hiking and biking trails that provide access to panoramic vistas and breathtaking views. Over my four visits, I’ve been able to explore dozens of trails around the city, which is why I’m excited to share my top five favorite hikes with you. These hikes are all absolute bangers and unique in their own way.
One important thing to note is that Sedona can get extremely hot and very crowded. Planning ahead is essential. Each hike listed below covers important information on how to access the trailhead, the parking situation, and the recommended time of day to go. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than hiking a crowded trail in the blazing sun, so please take my advice seriously if you want to have the best experience possible!
Finally, while Sedona is one of my favorite places to enjoy the outdoors in the US, I should mention that it can be quite expensive, and the food options are somewhat lacking. I’d suggest bringing your own snacks or prepping your own food, looking for a house or hotel room with a kitchen, and/or booking dinner reservations ahead of time since town can get slammed.
In spite of the lackluster food scene, Sedona's unique combination of natural beauty, spiritual energy, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor activities make it a truly special place to visit. Now go plan your trip and get ready to hike your little hearts out!
Stasia xx
The Birthing Cave
AllTrails rates this hike as moderate, but I’d rate it as easy. The trail is around 2 miles total and stays flat until the end, where it gets pretty steep. Although this last part is somewhat challenging, it’s short, so just take your time going up and down. The cave is more like a bowl than a regular cave, and its unique shape makes you feel like you're in a womb, hence the name Birthing Cave. It's such a peaceful and powerful spot that I spent about an hour just sitting and soaking in the beautiful Sedona landscape.
Given the cave's small size, it's best to steer clear of crowds. We got there around 8AM on a Monday and shared the cave with about 5-7 other people. By the time we left around 9AM, there were dozens of people hiking up the path, which honestly would have spoiled the overall experience. I suggest going very, very early in the morning or late in the day, especially on weekends.
Finally, since there is no cell phone service and the trail is not well marked, make sure to download the trail map ahead of time.
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 250 feet
Time: 1-1.5 hours, depending how long you hang in the “cave”
Difficulty: Easy
Cathedral Rock
According to my Strava, this hike is about 2 miles long with a 750-foot elevation gain, so it's pretty much a straight climb to the top. Please wear grippy shoes for this one since you’ll be climbing, scrambling, and bear-crawling all the way up. It's definitely a thigh burner, but totally worth the stunning views once you reach the summit! The best time to visit is at sunset. You'll get a direct view of the sun setting over the rocks, turning them into stunning shades of orange, red, and brown.
Insider's Tip: Once you get to the top, turn left and go around the corner as far as you can. There's another little section you can climb for an even better view.
The parking lot tends to fill up quickly in the evening, so if parking is tight, take the shuttle that runs to and from the trail. Finally, don't forget to bring snacks and your favorite drink to enjoy during the sunset! You can view the AllTrails map here.
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx. 750 feet (depending how high you go)
Time: About 2-3 hours depending on how much time you spend at the top
Difficulty: Moderate
Devils Bridge
Devil's Bridge, like many hikes in Sedona, is quite popular. It's the biggest natural sandstone arch in the area and gives you breathtaking views of Red Rock country. Stretching over a deep ravine, it stands about 50 feet tall and is 45 feet at its widest point, allowing you to easily walk across and capture the iconic Devil's Bridge photo. Like the Birthing Cave, the trail's pretty straightforward until the end, where there's a bit of climbing and scrambling (but nothing too wild).
Parking at Dry Creek Vista and the Mescal trailhead is quite limited and a bit of a shit show, excuse my French. Fortunately, there's a free shuttle service to the trailhead operating Thursday through Sunday—you can find more info at sedonashuttle.com/routes/route-11/. It's crucial to arrive early to secure a parking spot, avoid crowds, and beat the heat, especially if you're aiming to walk across the bridge for the iconic photo. You can find the AllTrails map here.
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: Approx. 529 feet
Time: About 2 hours to complete
Difficulty: Moderate
Seven Sacred Pools via Soldiers Pass to Brins Mesa Loop
Of all the hikes on the list, this one is by far my favorite! AllTrails says this hike is about 5.6 miles, but it was closer to 10 for us because we walked to and from the shuttle parking lot, which was over a mile each way. I recommend going clockwise on the trail—the views coming down Brin Mesa loop are simply incredible.
If I'm being honest, the seven sacred pools weren't very impressive; you could easily miss them if you're not paying attention (we almost did!). However, I highly recommend heading to Soldiers Pass Cave by taking the offshoot to Soldier Pass Cave Trail. It's a steep climb but absolutely worth it. Just be cautious inside the cave as some ledges can be narrow, and expect crowds.
Make sure to bring sunscreen, snacks, plenty of water, and plan to dedicate at least half a day to the hike (we began early in the morning and finished around 12:30 pm, and check shuttle times and parking information in advance. As always, aim for an early start to beat the heat and crowds during peak season. You can find the AllTrails map here.
Distance: Between 6-10 miles, depending on parking / shuttle / waking
Elevation Gain: Approx. 1,000 feet
Time: About 5 hours to complete
Difficulty: Moderate
West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108
This hike is fantastic because it's not too steep, situated in a unique part of Sedona, and provides beautiful, tranquil views. Following the trail along the creek, you'll encounter several water crossings that are easy to navigate without getting wet (unless you want to dip your toes and cool off). The views are stunning and the trail is well-maintained, making it suitable for all ages. It’s also shaded, which makes it a great option for hiking on hot days. Once you reach the end of the trail, you can actually hike in the creek. We spotted several folks with water shoes and poles venturing into the water, which reminded me of the Narrows in Zion. However, I'm not sure about the exact length of the river walk, so it might be worth researching if you're curious.
You'll need to pay for parking, but the lot was full when we arrived, so we drove up the road for about half a mile and found parking on the roadside (there are plenty of spots, you’ll just have to walk a bit further). If you do park up the road and walk down, there's a $3 fee per person, so bring cash or a credit card. Don't forget to pack snacks, breakfast, or lunch to enjoy by the creek! Overall, I found this hike very relaxing. It’s truly great for all fitness levels. You can find the AllTrails map here.
Distance: 6-8 miles, depending on where you park and how far you go
Elevation Gain: Approx. 550 feet
Time: About 4-5 hours to complete
Difficulty: Moderate