Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona

Courthouse Butte

Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Easy |Time: 2+ hours

Courthouse Butte Loop Trail is located near to Bell Rock and can be accessed from the Courthouse Vista Parking Area or the Bell Rock Vista Parking Lot. Parking in these lots will require a Sedona Red Rock Pass. This hike is over 4 miles long. Not only will you be able to view Courthouse Butte but you will also have a great view of both Bell Rock and Castle Rock.

Soldier’s Pass Trail

Distance: 4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate |Time: 2-4 hours

The Soldier Pass Trail is a moderate hiking trail that is popular with visitors.  The Soldier Pass Trail leads to the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, 7 sacred pools and the Soldier Pass Cave. The Soldier Pass Trail is located off Soldier Pass Road in West Sedona.  Parking is limited during the week and the lot is closed on weekends and busy times. You can take the Sedona Shuttle to the trailhead from the Posse Grounds. If you don’t mind walking a little further, you can also access the Sunrise Trail located by the Sedona Dog Park.

Cathedral Rock Trail

Distance: 1-1.2 mile | Difficulty: Moderate |Time: 1-2 hours

Cathedral Rock Trail is a heavily used trail that takes you right into the saddle of one of Sedona’s most well-known red rock formation. The Cathedral Rock Trail is strenuous and casual hikers may have a little trouble when the trail narrows and turns into rock climbing.  The efforts pay off to those who make it to the top with stunning and awe-inspiring views.  Cathedral Rock is also a great place to see a Sedona Sunset. Expect large crowds at the trailhead parking lots which fill up fast. Take State Route 179 to Back O’Beyond Road.  As of April 2021, the city of Sedona has restricted access to this trail at State Route 179.  If Back O’Beyond Road is closed, read further for other Cathedral Rock access points.  The Sedona Shuttle now services this busy trailhead on weekends and busy times.

Devil’s Bridge

Distance: 3 miles | Difficulty: Easy-Moderate|Time: 1-3 hours

Devil’s Bridge is a natural bridge that tourists and hikers flock to year-round. The trail is relatively flat and easy, the jeep tour companies use the road for tours. Towards the end of the trail, there is a steep trail heading to the top where you can view the bridge. Once on top, the beauty of the area is unsurpassed. Since Devil’s Bridge is a very popular destination, expect huge crowds and long lines for picture taking. Take Dry Creek Road, to the Dry Creek Trailhead parking area. On weekends, you can take the Sedona Shuttle to the Dry Creek Vista/Mescal area to access the Devil’s Bridge trailhead.

Fay Canyon Trail

Distance: 2 miles | Difficulty: Easy |Time: 1-2 hours

Fay Canyon Trail is an easy hike where you can see some very interesting red rock formations, an arch, canyon walls and plenty of wildlife.  It is a great trail for families with kids and casual hikers.  At the end of the trail, you may choose to climb up the rocks.  At the top you’ll find a tremendous view of the canyon with Bell Rock in the background.  Along the way, you’ll find the Fay Canyon Arch Trailhead marked with rocks.  Take this trail and the arch will become visible.  To get there, from West Sedona, Arizona, take Dry Creek Road to Boynton Canyon Road to the Fay Canyon Parking Area.

Most of these trails require you to purchase a Red Rock Parking Pass.  Need a pass? Here is a list of locations and vending machines to purchase the pass.

If you are visiting some of these trailheads, like Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge between Thursday and Sunday, you will want to take the Sedona Shuttle trail bus. The Sedona Shuttle takes you from park and ride parking lots to Sedona’s most popular trailheads.  The bus is free as well as the parking lots.

Is hiking not your thing?  Maybe you’d like to take a nice drive.  View our Best Scenic Drives for an adventure of its own.