13 Epic Easy Hikes in Sedona with the Best Views
Looking for some breezy, easy Sedona hikes which also have amazing views? Keep reading for our ultimate list of beginner-friendly easy hikes in Sedona, Arizona.
For hiking enthusiasts, Sedona, Arizona might be one of the best places in the US for nature, the outdoors and hiking.
While desert areas might not sound like the most riveting when it comes to hiking, the red rock landscapes of Sedona are unique, varied and very picturesque.
Sedona has over 200 trails, adding up to a whopping 400 miles, sprawled across the most stunning red-rock canyon landscapes you’ve ever seen. What more could you possibly ask for?
Sedona’s desert scapes are vast but don’t let that intimidate you – there are many easy Sedona hikes and short hiking trails in Sedona that fit any hiker. From walks just over a mile long to longer, more technical day hikes, Sedona has trails for everyone.
In this post, however, I’m going to focus on the best easy hikes in Sedona, perfect for beginner hikers, those recovering from injury or for people without much time looking for the best short hikes in Sedona to get in before the end of the day.
Keep reading to find our list of 13 easy hiking trails in Sedona.
Read more: 3 Days in Sedona Itinerary for a Wellness-Focused Trip
*This ‘easy hikes in sedona’ guide contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top-quality content for free.
13 Best Easy Hikes in Sedona
Lower Chimney Rock Loop
- Route Length: 1.4 miles (2.3 kilometers) in a loop.
- Completion time: A cool 30 minutes.
- The Climb: Ascend 115 feet (35 meters) in total.
- Wallet-Friendly: No parking fee to worry about.
The first hike on the list of easy Sedona hikes is the Lower Chimney Rock Loop. This 1.4-mile loop is great for those who don’t have a lot of time or energy to invest in exploring Sedona.
The trailhead is located at the Thunder Mountain Trailhead, but be ready to get lucky if you want to snag some parking.
Now, most people believe that as soon as you step into this surreal world of red rocks and sandstone, there’s no turning back. The trail is rocky and it can have muddy sections but the climb is gentle making it suitable for just about anyone.
As you go around the loop, you get to feast your eyes with some breathtaking views of Lower Chimney Rock. It does take a bit of a steep scramble that lets you get up to the rock’s core and witness more beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Interestingly, this hike can also be combined with the Chimney Rock Loop which is 2.3 miles long and takes a bit more effort.
Doe Mountain Trail
- Route Length: Climb 0.7 miles to reach the pinnacle, but round trip, it’s a 1.5-mile journey.
- The climb: Gain a mighty 400 feet on your way up.
- Completion time: Plan for a 1-2 hour escapade.
- Parking: You’ll need either a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park your ride at the trailhead.
One of the most popular hikes in Sedona is Doe Mountain Trail a great one for those wanting a little more of a challenge.
It’s the perfect mix of chill and challenge – enough to give your legs a light workout, but not too hard that it’ll have you wanting to throw in the towel midway. This trail promises a serene view at the top so make sure not to forget your camera on this hike.
This trail is a 0.7-mile hike to the top, with an overall round trip of 1.5 miles and a 400-foot elevation gain (not too bad!). If you plan on taking your time along the way, give yourself 1-2 hours for this trail.
For parking, bring either a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park at the trailhead.
Easy Hikes in Sedona: Tea Cup Trail
- Route length: 2.2 miles.
- Completion time: 1 hour.
- The climb: 272 feet.
- Parking: Not available.
Remember the Lower Chimney Rock we addressed in the first hike? This is a different but related experience, and also a great one for anyone who wants easy Sedona hikes.
Teacup Trail starts at the Sugarloaf Trailhead and follows trails that are rocky and muddy. It’s mostly flat but there are some inclines along the way which can be difficult for those with limited physical abilities.
The total distance of the hike is 2.2 miles (3.6km), and it takes around an hour to complete the trail out and back.
The total elevation gain is 272 feet (83 meters). You don’t have to worry about a parking fee as there isn’t one, and you won’t find any facilities either!
Upon reaching the Tea Cup Trail, you’ll find it much quieter than the Sugarloaf Loop. After about 20 minutes of the hike, you’ll get to enjoy an incredible view of Coffee Pot Rock.
It’s definitely worth turning back here and enjoying the scenery – but if you feel adventurous enough, you can continue on for some scrambling activities at Coffeepot Rock.
Cathedral Rock Trail
- Route length: 1.2 miles.
- Completion time: 1-2 hours.
- The climb: 700 feet.
- Parking: Must have Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass.
Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the best easy hikes in Sedona. The perfect hike to do for sunset, this one promises stunning views of Sedona’s red rock scenery from Cathedral Rock’s amphitheatre summit.
The trail is only 1.2 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 700 feet. While I would consider it easy, be aware that there is a rock scramble in the middle of the trail that’ll have you using your hands too.
Don’t let that put you off as the views from Cathedral Rock and worth that extra technical effort.
Make sure to bring your camera to this one as the views here are second to none, both from the summit and the upper parts of the trail.
Also, it is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes with good grip and bring plenty of water along with you.
The Cathedral Rock hike is also easily extended for those who want to add a bit more length. You can park at the Baldwin Trailhead and take the Baldwin Trail to where it means Cathedral Rock.
The Easy Breezy Trail is another way to extend this hike. Park at the Bell Rock Trail Trailhead and take the Easy Breezy Trail to Cathedral Rock which is mostly flat.
For the full guide to this hike, read: Hiking Cathedral Rock Trail in Sedona: All You Need to Know
Schuerman Mountain Lookout
- Route length: 1.7 miles.
- Completion time: less than an hour.
- The climb: 367 feet.
- Parking fee: None.
Nothing beats the feeling of strolling through the wilderness and making the most of Sedona’s spectacular scenery.
One great way to experience this is on Schuerman Mountain Lookout – a 1.7 mile (2.7km) out-and-back trail that takes around 45 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll be treated to 367 feet (112 meters) of elevation gain as you ascend the open mesa top.
The trailhead is located at the Eastern section of Red Rock Loop Road, just a quarter of a mile south of AZ 89A from Cottonwood. It’s easy to park here – especially when compared to other trails in Sedona – and you can expect only a few people on the hike itself.
Your path begins with a sandy stretch and a fence bordering a solar panel array, with cacti blooming brilliantly pink in the spring.
After this, you’ll be on your way up the hillside and through a patch of pinyon-juniper woodland.
At the top of the mesa is where you’ll find truly breathtaking views to take in – from Bear Mountain to Sedona and beyond. To the south, Table Top Mountain stands in front of you while Oak Creek Valley lies in the background.
The best view can be found at a signed viewpoint that’s just a short distance away from the main trail. Here, you’ll be surrounded by lava blocks and mixed trees as you admire 180 degrees of flamboyant vistas.
West Fork Trail
- Route length: 3.1 miles.
- Completion time: 2-4 hours.
- The climb: 300 feet.
- Parking fee: $11 fee to park. Red Rock pass isn’t accepted but Grand Annual Red Rock pass is.
Who doesn’t want to hike and witness photogenic, breathtaking views? West Fork Trail is a popular and easy hike that delivers both.
Located in the Coconino National Forest, the West Fork Trail covers 3.1 miles one way with an elevation gain of 300 feet. It takes 2-4 hours to complete (depending on your hiking speed) and requires 13 river crossings – it’s time to give your waterproof hiking boots a tap.
The trail passes through Oak Creek Canyon with its towering red rocks flanking the river and is marked by a maintained path that is mostly flat and undulating.
This trail is a great one no matter the season. For instance, you’ll hear the echo of birds in springtime and witness the blaze of red and gold-coloured leaves in autumn.
In winter, you’ll watch icicles hang on red rock formations as patches of snow blanket the ground. It’s like a dreamy place!
At the end of the trail is a Subway Cave. It is not as grand as Zion National Park’s Subway Hike, but it still captivates the imagination and beauty of nature.
The trailhead is located just off Highway 89A, so no need to worry about getting lost – although a map would be useful so make sure to download Google Maps for offline use.
You can also park your car in the vicinity of the trailhead for a $11 parking fee or $2 per person walk-in fee. Red Rock Pass is not accepted here, but the Grand Annual Red Rock Pass is.
Fay Canyon Trail
- Route length: 2.3 miles.
- Completion time: 1 hour.
- The climb: 194 feet.
- Parking fee: None.
Fay Canyon trail is located just 10 minutes from town and offers scenic views of red cliffs, pinnacles and a variety of cacti, flowers and shrubs. Although the trail is mostly level and partly shaded, it can still be quite busy due to its excellent scenery.
The Fay Canyon Trail is 2.3 miles (3.7km) out and back, with an elevation gain of 194 feet (59 meters). It takes around 1 hour to complete the hike, and no parking fee is required – plus there’s a toilet at the car park!
As you follow the path, keep an eye out for Fay Canyon Arch – it has a 130-foot span and makes for a dramatic sight.
The official trail ends here, but if you’re feeling adventurous you can take an unmarked path along the canyon’s upper end and up to the top of a small knoll that overlooks the cliffs – this part is not easy but absolutely worth it for the stunning view!
As with any hike, make sure to bring enough water, sunscreen and snacks.
Bell Rock Loop Trail
- Route length: 1.8 miles.
- Completion time: less than an hour.
- The climb: 200 feet.
- Parking: Red Rock or America the Beautiful Pass accepted.
Bell Rock Loop Trail is one of the most popular easy hiking trails in Sedona. The loop trail is about 1.8 miles and it takes around 45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace.
You can either take the Bell Rock Pathway for a more straightforward route or make it into a 3.9-mile roundtrip hike with elevation gain by including Courthouse Butte Trail.
The trailhead for Bell Rock Loop Trail is located at the Courthouse Vista parking lot, just after the Bell Rock formation. You can also opt to park your car at the Yavapai Point Parking Lot if Courthouse Vista is full.
To start, head straight on a wide path marked by fencing and huge agave plants and cacti. The lower levels of the rock are easily accessible, making it beginner and kid-friendly. You can also choose to climb up Bell Rock if you’re more experienced.
Once you’ve made your way up the rock, look out for a wide open plateau with stunning views of Gibraltar Mountain, Baby Bell, Courthouse Butte, and Cathedral Rock.
As you come down, hike between Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte until you reach the junction with Phone Trail. From here, it’s a straight path back to the trailhead.
Easy Hikes in Sedona: Margs Draw Trail
- Route length: 3.1 miles.
- Completion time: An hour.
- The climb: 276 feet.
- Parking: Free to park.
Margs Draw Trail is an easy 3.1-mile out and back hike in Sedona that takes only about 1 hour to complete, making it perfect for a quick afternoon adventure.
With an elevation gain of 276 feet (84 meters), this trail isn’t too strenuous and the views you get are worth the effort!
The beauty of Margs Draw is that it’s right in the middle of town, and is barely used despite its easy accessibility.
Much of the trail goes through wilderness so mountain bikes are not allowed, meaning you won’t have to share your adventure with too many people.
If you’re staying at a hotel downtown or in Uptown Sedona, then you can walk to Margs Draw without having to get in your car.
The trail itself is mostly flat, with nice red rock views as you walk north across the desert landscape of juniper, pinyon pine and Arizona cypress trees.
Along the way, you’ll have amazing views of Uptown Sedona, Thunder Mountain, Wilson Mountain, Steamboat Rock, Mitten Ridge and Battlement Mesa.
Shade is a bit scarce, but the views more than make up for it. You can extend your hike by taking the Huckaby Trail to the north and Broken Arrow to the south.
Margs Draw is one of the best easy hikes in Sedona if you’re looking for a quiet adventure – even on busy weekends we saw only a few other people.
Parking at either end of the trail (free at Broken Head Trailhead to the south, and Red Rock Pass required at Huckaby Trailhead to the north) can be tricky, so instead we recommend starting in the middle of the trail off Sombart Lane.
Boynton Canyon Trail
- Route length: 1.1 miles.
- Completion time: 30 minutes to an hour.
- The climb: 500 feet.
- Parking: Red Rock or America the Beautiful pass accepted.
When you are looking for the best short hikes in Sedona, the Boynton Canyon Trail is sure to fit the bill. This magical trail takes hikers on a loop of 1.1 miles and offers stunning views.
The trail starts with plenty of shade and trees before beginning a gradual climb up towards the top of the canyon where you can experience incomparable panoramas over the red rocks.
The hike can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on your pace, and is suitable for hikers of all levels.
If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge then consider taking the trail into the canyon itself, which adds an additional 3 miles to the hike. This will take you up to 500 feet in elevation and takes around 6 miles round trip to complete.
Make sure to take your camera with you as the views from the vista point are truly spectacular, especially when lit up by an orange and red glowing sunset.
A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead.
Seven Sacred Pools Via Soldier Pass
- Route length: 1.1 miles.
- Completion time: 45 minutes to an hour.
- The climb: 100 feet.
- Parking: Free to park.
Take a hike through Sedona’s wild side and witness the majestic Seven Sacred Pools. The Soldier Pass Trail is an easy journey of 1.1 miles that winds its way from the Soldier Pass Parking lot to the stunning Seven Sacred Pools.
Come prepared for your adventure; there is no fee to park in the lot but you should bring food, water and suitable clothing. Before starting your hike, check out the red van shuttle service for a quick ride up to the trailhead.
Once on the Soldier Pass Trail, you’ll quickly start gaining elevation as it winds through red sandstone cliffs and rocky terrain.
Keep an eye out for wildlife such as coyotes and deer along the way. The elevation gain is about 100 ft, manageable for even novice hikers.
If you’re lucky enough, you might spot some of the more elusive wildlife such as foxes, bobcats or javelinas. As you continue to ascend, take in the stunning panoramic views of Sedona’s buttes and mountains.
The trail ends at the Seven Sacred Pools, a very special part of Sedona that is known for its beauty and spiritual energy.
Here you can sit and take it all in; soak up the tranquility of this sacred spot and marvel at how nature created such a magnificent place.
Devil’s Bridge Trail
- Route length: 1.7 miles.
- Completion time: 1-2 hours.
- The climb: 400 feet.
- Parking: $3 – $5 fee.
The Devil’s Bridge Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Sedona. At a short 1.7-mile out and back, it’s the perfect length for families and novice hikers alike.
You’ll have great views of the surrounding area right from the word go. Once you get to the top, you’ll be able to get an amazing view of the red rocks from a natural sandstone bridge. It’s truly incredible, especially for sunrise.
The elevation gain is only moderate, at around 400 feet over the course of the hike. The trail itself is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty and takes about 1-2 hours to complete. There is some parking available at the trailhead, either for a small fee or free.
Airport Mesa Trail
- Route length: 3.3 miles roundtrip
- Completion time: 2 hours+
- Elevation climb: 314 ft
- Parking: Free at Airport Saddle, $3 at Airport Vista parking lot
The Airport Mesa Trail is one of the best easy trails in Sedona in the immediate Sedona area. The hiking loop takes you around Table Top Mountain through basalt boulders & red rocks to incredible panoramic views of the Sedona area.
While it is a mostly flat, easy trail it is slightly longer, so make sure to give it a little more time. It’s also rocky in some parts and there is a narrow section. The views are well worth the effort, however.
The airport Mesa Trail is unshaded and can get very hot in the summer, when visiting in the warmer months make sure to do this trail in the early morning. Parking is also limited so the earlier you start out the better.
Top Tips for Hiking in Sedona
Parking
When visiting popular hiking spots in Sedona, it is important to keep parking regulations and fees in mind.
A Red Rock Pass costs $5 per day/$10 per week and can be purchased either online or at the trailhead parking lots.
Alternately, an America The Beautiful Interagency Pass can also serve as a valid replacement for the Red Rock Pass. This annual pass will grant entry to all national parks and is cost-effective if visiting a few parks within 12 months of purchase.
Shuttle System
Sedona recently created a free shuttle system–known as Sedona Shuttle–which assists visitors with parking and provides more access to trails.
If you’re planning to visit popular hiking spots during peak times, taking the shuttle can help you avoid the hassle of finding parking. The shuttle runs from Thursday through Sunday.
Weekends and Holidays:
If possible, try avoiding visiting Sedona on the weekends or holidays as it can be extremely crowded and congested.
It is best to plan your hikes on weekdays whenever possible if you want more space to enjoy your hike without having to worry about large crowds.
Footwear
Make sure you are wearing the right kind of shoes when going for a hike in Sedona. Invest in good quality hiking boots like these or even like these, that provide support and comfort as well as proper traction for slippery surfaces.
Wearing regular sneakers can be dangerous as they may slip on wet rocks or uneven terrain.
Important Pointers to Remember When Hiking in Sedona
- Go through different trails in Sedona and plan your route according to the terrain, difficulty level, and length before you set out.
- Start your hike early in the morning or late afternoon/evening to avoid super hot temperatures during the summer months.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking shoes with good traction; you never know when you might come across rocky or slippery patches!
- Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy level up.
- Pack a first aid kit in case you get injured while hiking.
- Use an app, such as AllTrails, to track your route and find points of interest along the way.
- Make sure to bring sunscreen with you; Sedona’s warm temperatures can be deceiving.
- Bring a headlamp if you plan on hiking at sunrise or at sunset.
- Dress appropriately; temperatures can drop quickly, so layering is key.
- Respect nature and leave no trace behind – take your trash with you or recycle it when possible!
- Use noise etiquette and be aware of other hikers – most trails are multi-use trails and can be busy.
- Phone signal on trails is pretty spotty, make sure to download a Maps onto your phone for offline use.
Check out these other amazing things to do in Sedona:
Ready to choose your trail from these easy Sedona hikes? Have any questions or comments about your trip? Let me know in the box below.
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