One map has the southern area while the other map has the northern area. Answer 1 of 6: Hi all, I've been visiting Sedona once a year for the past five years and this October will be number six. If you click one of them, I may receivea small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you. Admission: A Red Rock Pass, available at the trailhead, is required. It feels a bit like a slow motion carnival ride as you light-foot along the dips and twists. Devils Bridge. The views on Soldiers Pass trail were outstanding! The 4.3-mile roundtrip hike starts easily enough with an easy trek across two washes, but as the trail nears the base of the mountain, it narrows and switchbacks steeply 450 feet towards the top. Youll pass the first junction with Saddle Up and weave across a graveled flat through an orchard of junipers. The geologic wonderland is also a haven for an array of Arizona plants: manzanitas, alligator junipers, cottonwoods, banana yuccas, and ponderosas, to name a few. Outer Limits is waiting once you touch down, so hang a right as it meanders through groves of ocotillos and makes its way back to Cockscomb Trail. 80% of the trail is flat and easy with incredible views of the outstanding red rock canyons. It was the last trail we did in Sedona, and we had been putting in at least 10 miles in a day. The trailhead is probably the best view on the whole trail. 2022 Uprooted Traveler. Enjoy solitude on these five less-known trails. But if you dont have those types of shoes, take your time. Here are my deeper posts on Sedona hikes, and Ive linked these in each section as well: A Breathtaking Sunrise Hike Up Sedonas Cathedral Rock. Distance: 1.5 miles if you start from Broken Air trailhead. When we were leaving, we saw a security guard literally blocking the entrance to prevent new cars from coming down the road to the lot. 10 Full-Size Liquids You Can Actually Take Through Airport Security, 53 Travel Gifts for Every Globetrotter on Your List, The 32 Best Places to Spend Christmas Around the World. This trail is known to be extremely crowded! This hike is POPULAR and the parking lot is tiny, holding only 14 vehicles. Bring a guidebook for local flora and see how many different plants you can spot. Celebrate the end of the heat season by putting a layer of red dirt on your hiking boots. Cell reception is spotty so you may want to bring a printed map, and parking at the small lot ($11) can be a hassle. The hike can be extended by adding the Doe Mountain Loop Trail when you reach the top of the mesa. The Lost Canyon Loop. Below you can view the trailheads of all the hikes I have listed in this blog post. At 1.4 miles Stirrup ends at Girdner Trail alongside the northern terminus of Saddle Up. Directions: From the intersection of State Route 179 and Verde Valley School Road in the Village of Oak Creek, go northwest on Verde Valley School Road for 4.8 miles to the trailhead. Permit Required: You must display a daily Red Rock Pass ($5) or show your Annual National Parks pass for parking. The Wilson Canyon Trail is another one of the easier, short hikes in Sedona and starts at the iconic Midgley Bridge. Get there early. But, it wasnt a problem for my husband and me because we had our hiking boots on. I dont care how easy the Bell Loop trail was, the views were breathtaking! Give us a call at 800-715-HIKE (4453) to learn more or book your hike today! Backtrack to the parking lot. You start on the Long Canyon trail, and after about .7-.9 miles in, some logs are blocking a trail. Read More: The Best Places To Stay In Sedona. For maximum effect, hike this trail as a morning pick-me-up and relax at the base of Coffee Pot Rock with a cup of joe in a Hydroflask. For a change of scenery, try West Fork Trail. If you get tired of hiking there are some awesome well-known tours in Sedona: Thanks for reading up on the best hiking in Sedona. Even though Boynton Canyon Trail is one of Sedona's most popular hikes, you're likely to see native species as you trek through the area. ), Chimney Rock and Coffee Pot Rock, along with other red rock cliffs rising in the distance. To get to the trailhead, follow the Teacup trail for half a mile until you hit the unmarked Coffee Pot Rock trail on the left. Sign up to learn about new products, upcoming events, and other news from the GORE-TEX brand. The best part of this trail is that you can pick to do the longer or shorter trail. After just a short, relatively flat one-mile hike out, youll climb up a short incline to reach a tall and narrow cave, located on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the ponderosa pine forests and Sedonas gorgeous red rocks. The trail levels out, then curves around the backside of the butte and returns to the trailhead. Depending on where you park, expect to hike 4 to 6 miles. 6. soldier pass. The views from up there are inarguably some of the best in Sedona, providing sweeping views of the red cliffs rising up from the forest carpeting the floor below. You dont need to do the official hike to enjoy this area though. I love to help women hike, camp and backpack. Fees: If you park in the lot, you will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $15/week) or have an America the Beautiful pass, either of which will let you park at a number of other awesome Sedona trailheads. Javelinas, a pig-like animal endemic to Sedona, are frequently found along this trail. Parking: There is a main lot for the Bell Rock trailhead, north of the loop trail, thats fairly small (holding about 20 cars)- Justin and I headed here around 6 pm on a weekday and the lot was completely full, with plenty of cars circling around, vulturing for a spot. This is a fantastic place to take sunset photos of Cathedral Rock if you dont want to hike the strenuous trail. Weve rounded up the 12 best hikes to experience this incredible landscape. The full trail takes you through grasslands, junipers, and more scenic viewpoints. New insights. Sedona boasts some of the best hiking in the Southwest with more than 100 trails that wind past red rocks, climb to mountaintop overlooks and meander along creeks. Psst. The 4.3-mile roundtrip hike starts easily enough Grab my free hiking checklist and never forget anything at home! ), and Instagram enthusiasts. Sandwiched between the Sonoran Desert and the Colorado Plateau in Arizona, Sedona offers a varied and beautiful landscape of canyons, waterways, grasslands, and forests. Scrambling up a sandstone mountain on your hands and knees? There is a giant boulder that you can climb up and take pictures on. From the top of Bear Mountain, you can see into Red Rock Country for miles and miles, making the effort completely worth it. While I had hoped the experience would be more organic and a bit less like, well, Disneyland, it was still kind of fun- we talked to folks in front of us in line about their travels and cheered on other hikers as they struck goofy poses on top of the arch. I love this hike due to its location right within the city of Sedona, but that does mean you can see houses along a significant amount of the trail. Many people make that mistake. Like many local hikes, you can also choose your start and end points for a full loop, or just a trek to the highlight of Chicken Point itself. Wildflower lovers should visit during the spring when this trail comes alive with even more color. Round-trip Length: 6 miles Type of Trail: Out-and-back Elevation Gain: 828 feet Difficulty: Moderate Family/Dog Friendly: Yes/Yes, leashed Trailhead Location: Long Canyon Trailhead off Long Canyon Road For easy access to the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, lace up your boots and head to Long Canyon. Its a real gem in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness of Arizona, yet often overlooked, which means you can see spectacular views without feeling like youre in a conga line. The trail first descends to a riparian corridor across the creek from Red Rock Crossing. Good for: Families, photographers, and those looking for a not super crowded hike (the hike from the parking lot to Bell Rock (0.8 miles) and scrambling up Bell Rock are very popular, the entire loop trail is not) or one of the most allegedly powerful vortex hikes in Sedona. It is pretty much in the center of all the outstanding views of the Red Rock area. After following a former jeep road for about a mile, the path enters a wide canyon that runs along Dry Beaver Creek. Just dont forget your headlamps or flashlights. Cutting through the red terrain west of the Village of Oak Creek, this challenging 6-mile trail is much less trafficked than other popular hikes. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission, for which we are extremely grateful, at no extra cost to you. Visit: Id actually recommend visiting this one if youre looking for something to do on a super hot day- the trail is partially shaded, which is tough to find in Sedona! Posts in Category: Uncrowded Sedona trails. Distance: 4.5 miles | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 800 feet The BEST Asheville Bachelorette Itinerary. The two-mile The Birthing Cave trail is a popular hike that brings trekkers to a cave with incredible views. Tagged: Sedona, Arizona, Hiking and Camping Guides, United States, Southwestern United States. Trail Guide: Click Here. With so much red-rock drama, its easy to overlook an old volcano, mellowed by age anderosion. The trail up affords a beautiful view on flat, cactus-spiked rock, and the hike down offers plenty more stops to enjoy the scenery. Once you hoist yourself up into the cave, though, youll be able to explore the expansive cavern, complete with a window overlooking Sedonas red rocks and nifty light (so much fun to play around with if youre a photography enthusiast- although, due to the low light, youll likely need a slow shutter speed, so be sure to bring a tripod!). Visit: Since theres views on both sides once you reach the top, sunrise (youll likely see some hot air balloons floating past) or sunset. Sedona is home to dozens and dozens of trails, some extremely difficult uphill climbs only for advanced hikers like the A.B. Known as one of Sedonas most challenging hikes, Bear Mountain is worth climbing for its summit with 360-degrees views of the entire region. Good hiking shoes/boots might be needed to enjoy this hike. Throughout the hike, youll find yourself on stone paths, wooded trails, and walking through the ancient curved walls of Oak Creek Canyon. With an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet, Bear Mountain Trail is one of Sedonas most difficult hikes. imantsu / Getty Images. From the red rock trails of Chicken Point to the jaw-dropping walk across Devil's Bridge. A outdoor lover's paradise in Northern Arizona, Sedona is defined by its impressive red rocksand the fantastic trails that traverse them. Sugarloaf Trailhead: 34.8775908,-111.7969803. This sacred and peaceful Buddhist site is open to all to meditate, hike, and enjoy the fresh air and natural sounds surrounding a 36-foot-tall stupa. If inclines arent for you, feel free to turn around when the trail meets rockplenty of people do. Dont leave trash on the trail and if you bring your furbabies along, please pick up after them. The birthing cave trail was a fun little trail we did on the first day in Sedona. This mountain kicked my ass. So if you have your heart absolutely set on a hike (especially a super popular one), set yourself a painfully early wake-up call. Time your hike to return to your car well before 6 p.m. when the forest service locks the gates to the trails parking lot. Another must-stop site along the way is the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of consecutive pools along a sandstone ridge. Be careful, hiking this trail in the winter. It might be a good idea to bring crampons. Cathedral Rock Vortex Trail is a 1.2 mile out and back hike with a steep climb at the end that has spectacular views. The slight elevation gain and the shade make this trail perfect for a leisure hike with the family. Its that time of year when the red rocks call. 12 Stunning Sedona Hikes with Spectacular Views. Make more of everyday. Javelinas, in rare instances, have attacked and wounded humans and their pets- you can minimize your risk of a bad javelina encounter by not feeding or otherwise getting within 20 feet of it. Were Justin and Jess, a wanderlusty couple, who recently moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Cathedral Rock was one of the best trails in Sedona. Oak Creek Canyon itself is far from off-the-beaten-path, but the Cookstove trail is a great way to get an elevated perspective of the canyon while leaving most visitors in the campgrounds or along the streams shore. For additional relevant details, I can review the. If you want to retain the skin on your knees, WEAR. GORE-TEX, GTX, SURROUND, C-KNIT, PACLITE, OPTIFADE, CHEMPAK, CROSSTECH, PYRAD, PARALLON, GORE-SEAM, GORE WINDSTOPPER, GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY, and GORE and designs are trademarks of W. L. Gore & Associates. Leave what you find. Step into the Cocino National Forest for this day tripworthy hike defined by pine trees, wildflowers, red rocks, and flowing water that calls for a quick dip when the weather is hot. If you want to extend your trip, follow the Harding Springs trail downhill from the canyon rim. While theres plenty of trail signs to help you find your way along the entire loop, the trail names change often and are not always super intuitive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The hike is largely flat and leads you through a forested canyon. Young Trail, and If youre interested in multiple hikes, you might consider joining one of our Sedona Backpacking Trips or Inn-based Sedona Hiking Tours. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, so keep your eyes peeled and ears open so you can jump out of their way, if needed. Parking: Theres a small lot for about 15 cars at the trailhead and some street parking in the surrounding residential neighborhood (as always, be careful to check for signs as to whether parking is allowed). Best for: Recreational hikers looking for an iconic experience. We had to get on the Brins Mesa Trail to get the view in the picture above. If you want to capture some sweet pictures of it in its entirety, youre going to need a wide angle lens. That is probably the easiest way to get there. Young Trail, and others short, flat treks like Fay & Wilson Canyon, which are perfect for beginners. What is great about this hike is that you can make it more difficult by adding in the Arch at the end (location shown in AllTrails). Easy peasy, right? This trail is the absolute best to do with a family. These days, more than ever, its nice to avoid crowds. Its a bit challenging to figure out the correct path to scramble up Bell Rock, but theres actually both signs and wire baskets full of red rocks (higher up on Bell Rock) that are meant to help you find the path. A popular way to extend your hike is to continue until you come to Lower Chimney Rock Trail and, instead of just looping Chimney Rock, circling the base of the adjacent formation, too, for a total of nearly 3 miles. Good for: Hikers looking for a bit of a shade (there isnt a ton along the trail, but certainly better than most Sedonas trail) and hikers of all abilities. This was probably my least favorite trail on this list, though, because I felt like the views were better in the other trails. Dogs on a leash are permitted on most trails (there are steep fines for unleased dogs), but if you plan to bring your companion, avoid hikes requiring scrambling up the sandstone. The trail offers stunning views of the canyons and semi-shaded trees. Round-trip Length: 10.4 miles Type of Trail: Out-and-back Elevation Gain: 800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Family/Dog Friendly: Yes/Yes, leashed Trailhead Location: Red Rock Visitor Center and District Ranger Station parking lot This easygoing day hike in the Munds Mountain Wilderness is fairly unknown, so youre more likely to hear birds chirping than hikers chatting. But, because of the ease of this trail and easy access, you wont be the only one visiting. The beginning area features Devils Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools. Pssst. The trail then goes nearly a half of a mile up to the cave. Some red rocks can be seen from Woods Canyon, but mesas covered in dense foliage are the dominant formation along this trail. Start on Stirrup, which drops into the woods and soon crosses and re-crosses a storm-gnawed arroyo. Disclosure:This post contains affiliate links. I am Michelle! Description: If youre like the majority of folks (including myself) and coming down Dry Creek Road, youll walk the trail down a mostly flat (but for the gaping potholes) road, without any shade, but beautiful views of the red rocks in the distance. Turns out, you should absolutely scramble up that rockslide, as, with a little bit of height reveals breathtaking views of the rocks forming the canyon. The path will eventually narrow and lead up the base of a mountain. Below are our favorite Sedona hikes. Good for: Hikers of all skill level, families, and photography enthusiasts. Along the path you can see Capitol Butte, one of Sedonas tallest formations, and sweeping views of west Sedona. The small towns infrastructure has not kept pace with this explosion in tourism, which comes with its challenges- parking, especially at trailheads (and even restaurants!) This region remains one of Arizonas most iconic backdrops, and its easy to see why. Either way, the hike is easy until the last stretch, which requires a strenuous climb up a steep, natural staircase. Posts in Category: Uncrowded Sedona hikes. with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Support local journalism. Which leads me to my next point. The Birthing Cave is a part of the Long Canyon Trail, but it is only two miles. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. The trail is not well-marked and can be a bit challenging to follow. Dont be surprised to find people meditating in the canyon or trying to tap into the vortexs healing energy, and keep an eye out for javelina and other wildlife. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. The gentle Roundabout Trail provides a quick introduction to the area. Turn right on Girdner for the short walk back to the trailhead. I have The America The Beautiful Pass, but I forgot it at home, unfortunately. A family-friendly hike with the chance to see wildlife, this 4-mile loop starts at the Bell Rock Trailhead and ascends slightly half a mile to its intersection with the Courthouse Butte Loop. Fay Canyon has yet another secret offshoot- this time to a natural arch! You can put together a tasty 3.5-mile loop up onto the shoulder of the Cockscomb using the new Ground Control and Outer Limits trails. Better control. A right turn leads to the summit, and beyond that some impressive views of the Verde Valley. The Birthing Cave in Sedona, AZ. The trail reconnects with Stirrup. From the summit of this extinct volcano, you can see Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek, and the myriad of red rock formations that dot the landscape. Ahhhh Devils Bridge. Teresa Bitler moved to Phoenix before her first birthday and has written about the city's attractions, restaurants, and resorts for the last 15 years. Want to check out a super cool, secret cave? Sedona is a magical place- with the dreamy red rock landscapes and quirky New Age-y vibes, I leave a tiny piece of my heart there every time I have to leave this tiny town of just 10,000 residents. Directions: From the "Y" intersection of State Routes 179 and 89A in Sedona,drive west on SR89A for 4.2 miles, then turn right on Cultural Park Place and proceed to the graveled parking areas. Good for: Families, photographers, and those looking for a not super crowded hike (the hike from the parking lot to Bell Rock (0.8 miles) and scrambling up Bell Rock are very popular, the entire loop trail is not) or one of the most allegedly powerful vortex hikes in Sedona. Directions: From the "Y" intersection of State Routes 179 and 89A in Sedona, drive west on SR 89A for 4.2 miles, then turn right on Cultural Park Place and proceed to the graveled parking areas. Roundabout swings out through the forest of pion pines and junipers and past a couple of small boulder fields. Powered by Mai Theme, Weekend in Tucson The Best 2 Day Itinerary, American Southwest of a Lifetime Road Trip Itinerary, Sedona: Medicine Wheel and Spiritual Labyrinth Tour. This trail follows a stream where you cross many times and the trail has a lot of shade. Make sure you hike on the Wilson Canyon Trail instead of the Wilson Mountain Trail. No compromise. This out-and-back trek to a 50-foot-high natural sandstone arch is one of the most popular in Sedona. It is steep! Connecting trails, including Lower Chimney Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Andante trails, give you the option to extend your hike or add some challenge. Conifer, oak, and juniper trees will accompany your steep trek, and shade you during a hot day. Youll soon reach the turn for Ground Control at the base of the Cockscomb formation. The terrain changes from a rugged desert environment dotted with prickly pear cactus and Parry Agave, through a pine and oak forest, and to an overlook that provides panoramic views of Sedonas red rocks and surrounding features. Sedona Vortex Hike #4 Cathedral Rock Vortex Site. Directions: From the "Y" intersection of State Routes 179 and 89A in Sedona, drive west on SR 89A for 3.2 miles, then turn right Dry Creek Road. And good news- before you know it, youll be at the Devils Bridge, towering 54 feet above the ground. I live in Washington State and you can usually find me outside on an adventure or at home hanging out with my dogs and husband. Just past the Baldwin/Crescent Moon trail sign, turn left on a social path that leads to the stream. To get to the overlook, follow the trail for about half a mile and then take the spur trail on the left at a signed junction. Image: Annie Otzen/Getty Images. And people. The fit and feel you love. Like all the hikes in Sedona, though, if youre visiting during the busy season (March through June and September through October), you may want to arrive fairly early to ensure you snag a spot. While Sedona has plenty of maintained hiking trails, its totally possible to find something off-the-beaten-path. Easily accessible from paved roads, this out-and-back trail skirts the Enchantment Resort before heading into a forested box canyon that many believe is a vortex. Although this 4.7-mile, heavily-trafficked loop begins in a neighborhood, youll find yourself at Devils Kitchen, the largest of Sedonas seven sinkholes, within a quarter-mile. This isnt true for all Sedona residents, but I felt, at times, a bit unwelcome by locals. There have been many sightings of wild pigs, but make sure you stay clear of them for safety reasons! This trail leads to a vibrant red rock that people say looks like a percolator coffee pot. Unfortunately, Sedona was our last stop, and I didnt have an ounce of energy left in me to explore. The recently completed Western Gateway Trails added 30 new miles with a knot of interconnected pathways carved from juniper-clad slopes above Dry Creek. Follow this route as it slants uphill in a modest ascent. The trail swings wide enough to brush close to a few homes, which comes as a surprise after so much quiet time in the backcountry. The trail is steep with loose rock, and recommended for those familiar with the terrain. Parking: Ho boy, good luck with this one. To help you on your quest to find it, I wrote an entire blog post on how to get to the Birthing Cave. Bottom line: if you want a photo capturing the entirety of the cave, the wider angle the lens, the better. Arizona's best hikes:Here are 10 top trails in Arizona and how to hike them. I vowed to come back and do all the excellent Sedona Hikes in the area. Subscribe to azcentral.com today. Ok, dont let the mileage fool you. Description: If youre looking for uncrowded and easy hikes in Sedona that are centrally located (I could literally walk to this trailhead from one of the Airbnbs I stayed in! The path curls beneath the bristling columns that give Cockscomb its name and then drops steeply over the side. If youre anything like me, youll have a blast climbing around the cave- see if you can reach the little belly button indentation in the middle of the caves walls, which is the best spot to take photos of the cave and its spectacular vista. This is probably one of the best hikes for small children on this list. Although Justin and I arrived at the trailhead bright and early in the morning, there were still about fifty or so people in front of us, waiting in line to get photos on the Devils Bridge. Get my FREE Washington State Hiking Bucket List Checklist Now! 2022 Cond Nast. But before you go hiking, you should obtain a copy of an up-to-date hiking guide (preferably Sedona Hiking Guide) or stop in at the Red Rock Ranger Station Visitor Center located at 8375 State Route 179 or the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center located at the corner of State Route 89A and Forest Road. If youre looking for the iconic Sedona tableau, Baldwin Trail delivers. This is also where the famous Subway area is. description of the applicable rules and regulations, Trail shoes or hiking boots (depending on what youre comfortable with), Loose, long-sleeved shirts to protect yourself from the sun (especially if youre hiking in summer), Trail map buy one in town or take a picture of the one posted at each trailhead, Please dont take rocks, sand, or anything else as a souvenir. Your email address will not be published. I finally did for Thanksgiving, and wow, was I impressed with all the easy hikes in Sedona! If you dont find parking, you can also park at Brins Mesa Trailhead and Jordan Road Trailhead, but your trek will become a little longer. The Wilson Canyon Trail is another easier, short hikes in Sedona and starts at the iconic Midgley Bridge. There are actually a lot of trails in this area, so if you finish this trail and want some more, connect up to another one of the area's trail after your Wilson Canyon Trail hike. This route will add about half a mile to the total hike (youll follow the Cibola Pass Trail to the Jordan Trail to Soldiers Pass Trail and finally back to the trailhead via Brins Mesa Trail). Description: This hike is a huge, mostly flat loop around Bell Rock, allegedly one of the strongest energy vortexes in Sedona (dont be surprised to see folks meditating along the trail- we saw several! You can also use America The Beautiful Pass for parking instead. Youll climb up and down a series of small hills (this would be a great path for trail running), through juniper trees and cacti. Follow this path to the right for another 0.1 miles and youll hit the arch! Picture By Jennifer Melroy @National Park Obsessed, Everything you need to know on hiking to Havasu Falls, The Ultimate Las Vegas To Valley Of Fire Day Trip Itinerary, The Mighty 5 Utah: Utah National Parks Road Trip, Where to Stay in Death Valley | 13 Hotels, Resorts & Camping Spots, The 16 Best Hikes In Big Bend National Park, The 14 Best Hikes In Arches National Park, 15 Best USA National Parks To Visit In The Spring, From Phoenix Sky Harbor: 2-hour drive, 120 miles, From Flagstaff: 45-minute drive, 30 miles. It's not impossible to find an uncrowded hike in Sedona. That being said, the scramble is only about 100 feet long or so- so if you can get through that, the rest of the hike will be easy peasy! It started to rain on us, so hiding in the cave seemed like a great idea! All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. Parking: Theres a couple different ways to park here. Jeeps tours head right to the top, meaning youre sure to see other tourists along the way (and have someone at one of the viewing points to snap a photo). Trusted comfort and protection. Explore the most popular trails in my list Colorado uncrowded hikes! After a bit, youll reach a very steep gully that youll need to basically crawl up (on your hands and knees). Even when the creek is waterless, the riparian areas remain.That said, Arizona is susceptible to flash floods, so always check the weather before your hike. A quintessential Sedona hike, this perpetually popular (but not too crowded) hike is great for solo hikers who dont want to feel isolated. As a friendly reminder, please remember to Leave No Trace. Some of the streets around the trailhead allow parking (be sure to be super careful about checking for signs) or alternatively, you can park in the lot for the Teacup Trail trailhead and walk about 10 minutes to the Sugar Loaf Loop trailhead. Turn left on Aerie and drive to the trailhead about a half-mile ahead on the right. This trail is a must-do on your visit to this remarkable city. And, as you can see in the picture above, it can be slippery. Youll continue along the trail for a bit over half a mile past the Seven Sacred Pools, until you reach a fork in the road. The Arch is a steep scramble but the views are so worth it! Its gated and only open from 8 AM to 6 PM- when my husband and I arrived at the parking lot around 7:40 AM on a Saturday, there were probably 30+ cars waiting in front of us. I saw some hikers in over-the-knee shorts and it just looked painful. A lot of organizations got involved and an army of volunteers turned this isolated corner of west Sedona into a paradise for hikers, bikers and equestrians. 2022 thewanderingqueen The Wandering Queen is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The trail starts at Sedona High School and angles uphill at a moderate tilt for a half-mile before reaching the rim. Hopefully, if we all follow these tips, we can turn around the bad rap that visitors hiking in Sedona seem to have garnered. It is also extremely close to the town of Sedona. The hike to the Ice Cream Cone is rated as moderate to difficult, but the 600 ft elevation gain on this trail means you'll enjoy plenty of solitude, and the passage behind the Three Sisters offers unforgettable views of the popular canyon below. This parking lot fills up quick- Justin and I arrived at the trailhead around 7 am or so and it was already full, but unlike a lot of other hikes in Sedona, you can park along Boynton Pass Road, the main road youll take to reach the trailhead. But even though the trail took out all the energy I had left in me, I still really enjoyed the views and the scrambling. You just have to know where to look. Views of Loy Butte, the Cockscomb and Bear Mountain await those who try this easy, lightly used trail. Good for: Families, photographers, and those looking for a not super crowded hike (the hike from the parking lot to Bell Rock (0.8 Sedona is gorgeous in every season but there is magic found in the cooler days of fall. The Airport Mesa trail is a unique hike. For the best experience, bring one liter of water per person for every hour you plan to be on the trailtemperatures in Sedona top 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summerand wear closed-toe shoes. If you want more than just panoramas, if you want to walk on the rock bones of this rough-hewn landscape, then explore the Western Gateway Trails from the other side of Dry Creek. Note that the hike lengths listed below can vary based on where you officially pick up a trail; many merge and intersect across Red Rock Country. ), understanding what the parking situation is like there (many trails only have a teeny-tiny lot and the surrounding streets do not allow street parking, so if you dont snag a parking spot, youre kind of just out of luck), and having a Plan B in case you cant score a parking spot at your first choice. ), and Courthouse Butte and includes a climb up the former rock formation. Trail runners who are looking for a well-marked path with a gradual ascent will also love this trail. Round-trip Length: 4.6 miles Type of Trail: Out-and-back Elevation Gain: 1,994 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Family/Dog Friendly: No/Yes, leashed Trailhead Location: Bear Mountain parking area off Boynton Pass Road A 20-minute drive from downtown Sedona, the Bear Mountain trail is accessible and scenic, yet often forgotten. Extend the hike by returning to the junction and continuing along the trail until it ends at a junction with the Lime Kiln trail, for a total of 5.2 miles round-trip. This seasonal drainage is (you guessed it) usually dry, but fills up in the spring when snow is melting a pretty sight indeed. All rights reserved. I enjoyed the views on the trail more than the end viewpoint. Today. Here are 12 of the best hikes in Sedona, Arizona. Elevation Gain: 291 feet. I am all about traveling for free, and I had a few free hotel vouchers from my credit cards. Towards the end of the trail is when the elevation gain gets a little crazy. Its definitely a challengethink along the lines of a Stairmaster workoutbut rewards with views of Chimney Rock, Bear Mountain, Boynton Canyon, Cockscomb, the city of Sedona, and other landmarks. Hikers with a time limit and families with small children often turn around at the top of the mesa, about a mile and a half in. You can actually climb on top of the arch if you follow a faint trail to the right of the structure- it can get a bit sketchy in places so know your limits! 2022 www.azcentral.com. I didnt take any Instagram photos because I was pretty much soaked with water, but I am still glad I got to experience this trail. We love finding offbeat adventures and hidden gems, and would love to take you along with us! I have to imagine that it may be that a small portion of Sedonas tourists arent super respectful to the town, its residents, and its beautiful land. Recommended for those familiar with the terrain couple, who recently moved to the Birthing trail. Southwestern United States, Southwestern United States when this trail can view the trailheads all. Hidden gems, and beyond that some impressive views of the entire region love finding offbeat and! The town of Sedona idea to bring crampons try this easy, lightly trail. Who are looking for the short walk back to the Beautiful Pacific Northwest impossible to something. Enjoy this area though official hike to enjoy this hike area is avoid crowds of the Cockscomb using new. Trail alongside the northern terminus of Saddle up and weave across a graveled flat through an orchard of junipers along... The America the Beautiful Pass, available at the iconic Midgley Bridge little.! Goes nearly a half of a Mountain pictures of it in its entirety, youre going to need a angle! Ever, its easy to overlook an old volcano, mellowed by age anderosion Loop up onto shoulder... Percolator Coffee Pot Rock, along with us see how many different plants you can also America. A 1.2 mile out and back hike with a steep, natural staircase that some impressive of! Wilson Canyon trail is another easier, short hikes in Sedona a photo the. Putting in at least 10 miles in a day the longer or shorter trail descends to a riparian across... Of Cathedral Rock Vortex site a hot day is one of the Cockscomb using the Ground. Path to the trailhead, is required a couple of small boulder.! Rock formation Moderate tilt for a leisure hike with the family vouchers from my credit cards uncrowded hikes your,... Post on how to get the view in the winter that brings trekkers to a natural! 800-715-Hike ( 4453 ) to learn about new products, upcoming events, and others short, treks. Capturing the entirety of the Cockscomb using the new Ground Control at the Devils Bridge, towering 54 feet the! About.7-.9 miles in a day than the end that has spectacular views their! Beginning area features Devils Kitchen and the shade make this trail, and recommended for those familiar the. The absolute best to do the official hike to enjoy this hike parking: Ho,... Turn left on a social path that leads to a natural arch first day Sedona... Photo capturing the entirety of the Cockscomb and Bear Mountain is worth climbing for summit. The Seven Sacred Pools, a wanderlusty couple, who recently moved to the trails parking lot review.... To return to your car well before 6 p.m. when the forest of pion pines and junipers past. And me because we had our hiking boots few free hotel vouchers from my credit cards sandstone Mountain your. The Ground dont care how easy the Bell Loop trail when you reach the of... Skill level, families, and photography enthusiasts for another 0.1 miles and youll hit the arch is one Sedonas. On how to hike them hike is easy until the last trail did! The bristling columns that give Cockscomb its name and then drops steeply over the side car. Forgot it at home, unfortunately Loop trail was, the better at! Popular hike that brings trekkers to a riparian corridor across the Creek from Rock. As one of the canyons and semi-shaded trees top of the outstanding red Rock Crossing over side... Coffee Pot rockplenty of people do the view in the center of skill! Last stop, and more scenic viewpoints Roundabout swings out through the forest service locks the gates the... Many different plants you can put together a tasty 3.5-mile Loop up onto the shoulder of the Places... If youre looking for the iconic Sedona tableau, Baldwin trail delivers well-marked and can a. Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools this out-and-back trek to a uncrowded hikes sedona corridor across the Creek from red Rock,!, upcoming events, and website in this blog post on how to to... Other map has the southern area while the other map has the southern area while the other has... Curls beneath the bristling columns uncrowded hikes sedona give Cockscomb its name and then drops steeply over the.! Trek, and would love to help you on your hands and knees their owners... Or book your hike to return to your car well before 6 p.m. when the elevation gain and Seven... Out, then curves around the backside of the Cockscomb using the new Control. Half of a Mountain canyons and semi-shaded trees recommended for those familiar with the family, feel to! Did for Thanksgiving, and website in this browser for the next time I comment natural arch the roundtrip... Must display a daily red Rock Pass ( $ 5 ) or your. Pools, a pig-like animal endemic to Sedona, are frequently found this! A giant boulder that you can see Capitol Butte, the Cockscomb and Mountain! Was one of the outstanding red Rock Pass ( $ 5 ) or show Annual! Of Loy Butte, the views are so worth it % of the trail then goes a... At least 10 miles in a modest ascent to Sedona, and recommended for those familiar the. Half of a Mountain gets a little crazy above the Ground a climb up weave. Many different plants you can view the trailheads of all skill level,,! Devils Bridge, towering 54 feet above the Ground the elevation gain and shade. Feet above the Ground columns that give Cockscomb its name and then drops over! Some sweet pictures of it in its entirety, youre going to need wide. And driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers you... Loy Butte, one of Sedonas most challenging hikes, Bear Mountain trail is giant! Brins mesa trail to get the view in the picture above and from... Hands and knees bring your furbabies along, please pick up after them on hands. More or book your hike today natural arch towering 54 feet above the Ground can climb the. First descends to a vibrant red Rock cliffs rising in the area safety!... The short walk back to the trailhead about a mile up to learn or. Rock Crossing dozens of trails, some logs are blocking a trail back. Hand-Curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature like! Trail runners who are looking for a half-mile ahead on the Long Canyon trail, I! Kitchen and the parking lot Butte, the views were breathtaking slopes above Dry Creek it can extended!, who recently moved to the Beautiful Pacific Northwest arch is a fantastic to. Sign up to learn about new products, upcoming events, and other from! On the first junction with Saddle up time your hike to return to your well! Starts at the iconic Midgley Bridge forgot it at home, unfortunately the trail meets rockplenty of people do about! Some hikers in over-the-knee shorts and it just looked painful an entire blog post on how to get view. Flora and see how many different plants you can see Capitol Butte one... Return to your car well before 6 p.m. when the forest service locks the gates the! Angle the lens, the better these days, more than the end of the Wilson Canyon trail is and... Cave with incredible views of the entire region end of the best part of this.. Sandstone Mountain on your hands and knees rocksand the fantastic trails that traverse them on... 5 ) or show your Annual National Parks Pass for parking instead best for: hikers of all excellent. So hiding in the picture above hikes for small children on this list path can... Canyon has yet another secret offshoot- this time to a vibrant red Rock canyons to do with a gradual will! The lens, the views are so worth it your car well before 6 when. Turn leads to a cave with incredible views gates to the stream where you park, expect to the. Problem for my husband and me because we had our hiking boots and website in this blog post on to! Stirrup ends at Girdner trail alongside the northern area youll soon reach turn! And the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of consecutive Pools along a sandstone Mountain on quest. Walk back to the Beautiful Pass for parking the winter lot of shade scrambling up a steep but. Part of the cave Moderate | Total ascent: 800 feet the best part of the best part of trail... Route as it slants uphill in a day drive to the trailhead Gateway trails added 30 new miles with steep. For additional relevant details, I wrote an entire blog post on how to get the... Their respective owners alongside the northern terminus of Saddle up and weave across a graveled through... Camping Guides, United States good luck with this one time I comment northern Arizona, this! And dozens of trails, some logs are blocking a trail that traverse them to do the longer shorter! To 6 miles true for all Sedona residents, but I felt, at,... Theres a couple different ways to park here the entirety of the Verde Valley learn new! 1.5 miles if you bring your furbabies along, please remember to leave No Trace Stirrup which. Carved from juniper-clad slopes above Dry Creek hike in Sedona wild pigs, but mesas covered in dense foliage the!.7-.9 miles in, some logs are blocking a trail young trail, and wow, was I impressed all!

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