Sedona’s 200 hiking trails offer unrivaled access to some of the most stunning geography in the Southwest United States. We’ve selected the seven best hikes in Sedona to whet your appetite for exploring more. Counting down from the easiest to the most challenging, these hikes offer adventurers of all skill levels a path through the high desert or riparian landscapes for which Sedona is known. Whether you trek through the forest, summit giant red rock formations, or criss cross creeks in high-walled canyons, you can count on these trails to deliver awe-inspiring views.

When choosing a hike to match your fitness level, consider the roundtrip distance, elevation gain (200-400 feet per mile is considered easy), and type of terrain. If you’ll be scrambling over rock, for example, be sure to wear a shoe with grippy soles. And remember the basics––hydrate early and often, wear sun protection, stay on the trail, and don’t approach wildlife. To avoid crowds, get out on the trail early. Many trailheads have limited parking and those within the Red Rock Ranger District require a parking pass which can be purchased at self-serve kiosks. Some trails can be accessed by the free Sedona Shuttle which runs Thursdays through Sundays.

Preparation is important, but so is recuperation. Post-hike, prioritize relaxation. You won’t find a more luxurious haven to recover than Ambiente, a landscape hotel that’s located adjacent to the Adobe Jack trailhead. This beautiful trail connects with miles of other trails, including Soldier’s Pass, one of our seven suggested hikes in Sedona AZ.

Located just steps from the trail, Ambiente amplifies Sedona’s natural beauty with individual, glass-walled guest atriums set into the landscape. Amenities are designed to soothe and rejuvenate the senses. Take a refreshing dip in the curvaceous pool and soak in the Jacuzzi. Indulge in Velvet Spa with treatments designed for muscle recovery, like a Relief Massage with arnica and CBD. Or try The Adventurist Ritual, a relaxing foot soak followed by reflexology for the legs and feet, with a hydrating hand treatment.

Top off the evening with a meal of organic, farm-fresh seasonal fare at Forty1 restaurant before stargazing from your private rooftop. Ambiente’s atriums cocoon you in quiet darkness and organic linens for a good night’s sleep. Wake to views of the landscape, feeling revived and ready for another spectacular hike.

Here’s a countdown to some of the best hikes in Sedona AZ, from easy loop trails with views to steeper climbs for an adrenaline rush at the top. (Note: distance and elevations are from AllTrails.com).  Now let’s hit the trails.

#7  Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop Trail

Distance: 3.6 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 341 feet

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Location: Village of Oak Creek

This is the perfect trail for beginners and those looking for a scenic walk in a vast landscape. The trail is wide, easy to navigate, and mostly flat with a few short, steep climbs. The loop trail winds around two of Sedona’s most recognizable red rock formations–Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte–both of which are vortex sites. At the end of the loop, you have the option to climb towards the top of Bell Rock. Should you choose to do this, it does require some rock scrambling over steep slick rock. Either way, you’ll have stupendous red rock views on this hike.

#6  West Fork Trail

Distance: 6.5 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 564 feet

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Location: Oak Creek Canyon

One of the lushest hikes and prettiest canyons in Red Rock Country, this out-and-back trail meanders at the base of a forested, steep-walled canyon with more than a dozen creek crossings. Dappled sunlight seeps in through the canopy of trees, which is especially photogenic during the fall when the maples and oaks turn brilliant shades of crimson and gold. Wear water-proof footwear as your feet will get wet. 

#5  Boynton Canyon Trail

Distance: 6.6 miles roundtrip (+0.4 for Vista spur)

Elevation Gain: 931 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: West Sedona

Another one of Sedona’s famed vortexes lies in Boynton Canyon. This out-and-back trail takes you past massive sandstone cliffs with views of the forested box canyon. The trail ends with a short, steep climb to a lookout point. The rest of the trail is relatively flat and sandy, with lots of shaded areas. The vista spur is worth adding on for additional sweeping views of the canyon. You’re likely to spot wildlife like birds, mule deer, and javelina from this trail.

#4  Soldier Pass Trail

Distance: 4.8 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 823 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: West Sedona

The Soldier Pass Trail offers a variety of natural wonders in one half-day hike. Highlights include Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, sandstone cliffs, a cave, and a vortex. This is a popular out-and-back trail, so if you don’t want to deal with parking at the trailhead, park at Posse Grounds Park and hop on the Sedona Shuttle for a free ride. If you’re staying at Ambiente, grab a map, step out on the Adobe Jack Trail and connect with Soldier Pass via other intersecting trails like Jordan Trail, Cibola Pass, and Brins Mesa Trail.

#3  Devil’s Bridge Trail

Distance: 3.9 miles roundtrip (via Dry Creek Road)

Elevation Gain: 521 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Sedona

Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. Don’t let the name fool you, the views are heavenly and it’s not that hard to access. There are a few challenging sections along this out-and-back trail that require some rock scrambling and steep rocky steps, but it’s worth it for the jaw-dropping view and chance to walk across the massive formation. This is an iconic spot for a portrait, so be prepared to wait your turn for the perfect photo opp atop the red arch.

#2  Cathedral Rock Trail

Distance: 1.1 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 669 feet

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Location: Sedona

Short but steep, this out-and-back trail might just be the most popular hike in Sedona for its dramatic panoramic views of the red rocks and strong vortex vibes. You’ll have to climb and scramble up slick rock to reach the saddle between two towering spires, so wear hiking shoes with serious grip. Golden hour, just before sunset, casts a warm glow over the red rocks. Just be sure to leave enough time to descend before it gets dark, or bring a headlamp. 

#1  Bear Mountain Trail

Distance: 4.6 miles roundtrip

Elevation Gain: 1988 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous

Location: West Sedona

A bear of a climb, this trail is the most challenging on our list. Not only is this a very steep, out-and-back journey, but the route can be hard to follow in places, the terrain is rocky, and there are parts where you’ll need to scramble on hand-and foot. There are multiple “false summits” but once you make it to the top, which is marked, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic vistas of Red Rock Country. On a clear day, expect to see the town of Jerome and the San Francisco Peaks.

Sedona is a hiker’s dream for the incredible natural landscape, the number and variety of trails, and the ambiance of spiritual renewal. Pair these outdoor hiking adventures with relaxing down time at Ambiente, and you’ll feel transformed. Wherever you decide to trek please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace:

Plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.