Sedona radiates a natural beauty and a bold spirit. Amongst those gorgeous red rocks lie an extensive network of trails that lead the adventurous to new heights. The most scenic Sedona hikes provide visually stunning panoramas that take your breath away. 

The five hikes below deliver the goods: a great hike and a great view. For something easy, take a walk through a forested canyon. Slightly more difficult choices bring you to a dramatic natural arch or sacred pools and a sinkhole. If you’re ready for a challenge, climb up a red rock icon, or summit a mountain.

Hiking is one of the best and easiest ways to connect with nature. Hiking in Sedona with awe-inspiring views and energy vortexes only magnifies that sense of renewal. These five most scenic hikes in Sedona are just the beginning; there are more than 200 hiking trails here for all skill levels. Plan a getaway to Ambiente, a landscape hotel, and feel how Sedona’s environment can inspire you to climb to new heights. 

Here are five of the most beautiful hikes in Sedona:

West Fork Trail

West Fork Trail is a pleasant hike through a gorge that follows a calm stream at the bottom of Oak Creek Canyon. Sheer red rock walls soar 1,000 feet upwards on either side of a sandy trail. This is a great hike in warm weather as it’s partially shaded and cooler, thanks to a forest of mature Douglas fir, maple, elder, cottonwood, willow, and oak trees. There are 13 creek crossings where you can hop across rocks or wade through the water, which is refreshing if you’re wearing waterproof hiking sandals. The unusual ecosystem comprises riparian habitat, desert red rocks, and the Coconino National Forest, yielding spectacular fall color and spring wildflowers. The out-and-back trail is 6.5 miles long roundtrip and mostly flat, but you can make it as short as you wish. The best time to hike this trail is mid-morning or early afternoon when sunlight is filtering into the canyon. 

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.

Devil’s Bridge Trail

Walk across a massive natural sandstone arch, the largest in the Sedona area, on Devil’s Bridge Trail. The length of the hike depends on your starting point; from the trailhead it’s about two miles roundtrip. The trail is wide and well-graded up until the final section where you’ll do a bit of rock scrambling and finally climb up some steep rocky steps to access the arch and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding high desert skyline.  Hike this trail early to beat the crowds and capture photos before the harsh noontime light. 

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Soldier Pass Trail

This moderately-challenging hike offers beautiful views of red rock cliffs, lush canyons, and unique geological features like the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, and Soldier Pass Cave. These are sensitive archaeological sites, so be sure to stay on the trail. The Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, about 40 feet deep, has had two major collapses, one in the 1880s and another in 1989. The Seven Sacred Pools are a series of small natural pools, fed by a seasonal stream, that flow into one another over the red sandstone rock. Soldier Pass Cave requires hiking up a small hill with some rock scrambling to access an arched opening in the red rock cliff which leads into the shallow cave. The 4.5 mile loop from the Soldier Pass Trailhead is an out-and-back trail that is well-maintained with some steep and rocky areas. Hike mid-morning when the early sun illuminates the red cliffs and pools.  

Difficulty level: Moderate.

Cathedral Rock Trail

A short but steep climb with some rock scrambling puts you in the spires of Cathedral Rock, a vortex site and one of Sedona’s landmarks. The trail ends at a wide saddle between two giant, red rock spires. Spend a moment gazing at the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Verde Valley. They’re the reason this is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. The out-and-back trail is just over one mile, round trip, with a 700-foot elevation gain. The views are especially stunning at sunset when the surrounding red rocks glow in the golden light. 

Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult.

Bear Mountain Trail

One of Sedona’s most challenging hikes, Bear Mountain is the best summit-style trail for serious hikers. The rugged, 4.6-mile out-and-back route is steep and difficult in places, ascending 1,800 feet in elevation. Once at the top, the 360-degree views are epic, including Sedona’s red rock landmarks and San Francisco Mountain, an extinct stratovolcano that is the highest point in Arizona at 12,690 feet above sea level.  It’s best to begin this exposed hike in the early morning. 

Difficulty level: Difficult.

No matter which hikes you choose, and maybe you’ll set a goal to conquer them all, plan to reward yourself afterwards with a relaxing stay at Ambiente. There’s a number of ways to unwind after exploring Sedona’s stunning trails. Lounge poolside with an alfresco lunch, or take a long therapeutic soak in your private atrium’s deep tub.

For more hands-on rejuvenation, Ambiente’s Velvet Spa offers healing treatments like the Adventurist Ritual, a warm-water foot soak to soothe tired feet, followed by reflexology. This type of massage uses pressure applied to specific points, stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities. Treatments can be customized, so consider adding on a hydrating hand treatment. Another excellent option is the Performance Refresh, a sports-focused, full-body treatment that uses Arnica and warmed stones placed on the body’s pressure points to relieve muscle tension. These treatments will set you up for a good night’s sleep.

Wine lovers should consider Ambiente’s exclusive rooftop wine tasting experience, Vino & Vistas. Lounge on your private rooftop atrium, surrounded by an elevated view of the red rocks you just climbed, while a sommelier conducts a guided tasting of five wines, each paired with items from a charcuterie board. Sip while savoring the scenery.

Commemorate the day’s adventure by dining at Forty1, Ambiente’s casually elegant restaurant highlighting natural and organic ingredients sourced from the surrounding Verde Valley. Begin with a cocktail or mocktail at the bar, or enjoy a local wine with dinner, toasting to a day well spent.