Best Hikes In Sedona

Hiking is a fantastic way to keep fit and stay healthy whilst exploring the wonders of the great outdoors. The US has numerous iconic landscapes that bring up romanticized feelings of the great West and the intrepid spirit of the days’ explorers.

Sedona in Arizona is one of those places, with its iconic red sandstone formations, deep canyons, and dense pine forests. Sedona is a place that many who are spiritually inclined are drawn to, whilst even those without that inclination will be in awe of the area’s beauty.

Those who live in or nearby Sedona will know that there are tonnes of incredible spots to visit, with numerous trails working their way through this scenic landscape.

With so many trails to choose from, deciding where to go can be a challenge in itself! So read on to find out about some of the best hikes in Sedona you can do in 2022.

Cathedral Rock Trail

Cathedral Rock offers hikers unrivaled views of epic sunsets, making this one of the most popular trails in the area. The trail is 1.93 km (1.1 miles) in length, and it covers some varied and challenging terrain over an elevation of 741 feet.

Most complete this walk in around an hour, though it depends on the mobility of the trekker. This trek turns into a scramble at points, and some of the walking surfaces can be quite slippery and awkward.

This makes wearing appropriate hiking shoes essential for a comfortable experience.

There are some planned works happening during the early part of 2022 so be sure to get the latest updates from the provided link.

Devil’s Bridge Trail

Devil’s Bridge is a spectacular landmark that is the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. This makes it a popular spot for hikers and wanna-be influencers alike, with the arch being a particular favorite spot for capturing photos.

This makes it advisable to trek a little earlier or later on to avoid the crowd that may gather.

The trail is 6.28 KM (3.9 miles) in length with an elevation of 521 feet, taking most just under two hours to complete. Although the walk is of moderate difficulty, the steep climb at the end is something to be aware of.

Visitors to the area can enjoy hiking as well as off-road driving for the speed demons.

Soldiers Pass Trail

This trail is one of the most popular in the area due to it covering a number of stunning geological features along its route. At 7.24 KM (4.4 miles) long, and with an elevation of almost 840 feet, this challenging hike takes around two and a half hours to complete.

In March 2022, free shuttle buses started running to take visitors to the trailhead. They introduced this to meet the demand which couldn’t be met with the previous car parks. Along this route, hikers can see Devil’s Kitchen, the Seven Sacred Pools, Soldier Pass Cave and Soldier Arch.

Fay Canyon Trail

Explore this trail to discover the Fay Canyon Arch, a stunning sandstone formation more than 200 feet up the side of the canyon. The area is full of diverse cacti, shrubs, and flowers, making for a picturesque and scenic view.

Some of the terrains can be rocky and loose, so be sure to wear shoes with sufficient grip, as this 3.7 KM (2.2 miles) trail also has an elevation of 193 feet.

Hikers typically complete this hike in just over an hour, though the spectacular views there mean many will want to stay for longer.

Look underneath Fay Canyon Arch for a spectacular framed view across Dry Creek Valley and appreciate the seasonal waterfalls that work their way down the canyon.

Bear Mountain Trail

For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Bear Mountain Trail is a perfect choice. With almost 2000 feet of elevation, this will push your limits over the 7.89 KM (4.9 miles) trail.

A challenging route indeed, it can often take almost three and a half hours to complete this trail, so be sure to bring enough water and snacks.

At the top of Bear Mountain, there are uninterrupted 360° views of the surrounding area. It can be a little breezy up there, so ensure you have additional layers to keep warm, especially if you’re hiking at sunset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Need To Take With Me On A Hike?

Always ensure you have a good supply of water alongside any other refreshing drink you may enjoy. As a general rule of thumb, bring half a liter of water for each hour of hiking, though hotter conditions will greatly increase the amount needed.

Take healthy energy-boosting snacks such as fruit, nuts, seeds, or combine them all into a powerful and delicious trail mix. If you are out for a day-long hike, consider taking a picnic and enjoying a scenic view with your lunch.

Be wary of the sun, even on cloudy days. Cover yourself with suitable sunscreen to prevent the discomfort of sunburn or heatstroke. Consider wearing a hat and sunglasses for extra protection against the sun’s sizzling rays.

As well as a hat and sunglasses, wear suitable clothing that will be comfortable and offer protection from the elements.

Of course, the conditions will dictate if you need long sleeves, a jacket, or even waterproofs, so be sure to check the weather forecast and not be caught out.

If you are planning on camping out during your stay in the region, having a hand crank emergency radio is a sensible choice. These not only connect to emergency radio frequencies, but they also often act as a torch and charger for electronic devices.

What’s The Best Time Of Day To Hike?

To enjoy a more comfortable experience, avoid hiking during the peak hours of the midday sun. The weather can reach the most uncomfortable temperatures in Sedona, so we advise hiking during sunrise or sunset.

Wake up early and catch the sunrise, see the parks come to life, and work up an appetite for a post-walk brunch.

Alternatively, trekking across the beautiful landscapes and watching the sunset can be a memory that will stick with you for life. Both these walks offer spectacular views in a safer and more comfortable climate.

Is There Dangerous Wildlife In Sedona?

Sedona is home to some fascinating wildlife, some of which might frighten you if you were to meet them on your walk. Snakes and scorpions can be seen across the area, though as with most small creatures they are unlikely to instigate an attack against hikers.

Visit the Red Rock Visitor Center as it’s a great place to educate yourself about the environment and wildlife of the region. Here you can learn what to do in the unlikely case of an incident such as a snake bite.

Final Thoughts

Just writing about these awesome hikes has given us a wicked case of wanderlust. We’d recommend trying them all at some point in your life, so what are you waiting for? You’ve got some serious ground to cover out there!