Best Hikes in Sedona — Trail-by-Trail Guide from Locals

Getting Around

Sedona Shuttle

Parking at Sedona's most popular trailheads fills up fast — especially on weekends. The Sedona Shuttle is the smart way around it. Cheap, easy, and it runs directly to the trailheads everyone wants to reach.

Sedona Shuttle Connect · Official Route Map Full Schedule →

Three Trailhead Routes

Routes & How To Ride

11

Dry Creek Vista / Mescal Trailhead

Access to Devil's Bridge and surrounding West Sedona trails. Take this one for Devil's Bridge — parking there is nearly impossible on weekends.

14

Soldier Pass Trailhead

Serves Soldier Pass Trail and the Seven Sacred Pools area in North Sedona.

15

Cathedral Rock / Little Horse

Direct service to Cathedral Rock trailhead — eliminates the parking scramble on busy mornings.

Flat Fare Per Ride

Regular fare$2.00

Discounted (seniors 60+, veterans, disability)$1.00

Children 5 & under with adultFree

Two Ways to Request a Ride

📱 Download the TransLoc app — request rides & track in real time
📞 Call 928-203-5152

Three Park & Ride lots: Posse Grounds (20 Carruth Dr), North SR-179 (1294 SR 179), and West SR-89A (905 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd). Trailhead shuttles run Thu–Sun and daily during Spring Break (Feb 26–Apr 26) and select holidays.

Full Schedule & Real-Time Info at SedonaShuttle.com →

Trail-by-Trail

Best Hikes in Sedona Locals Recommend

Sedona has 200+ miles of trails. These six are the ones our team recommends to every guest — from quick walks to half-day adventures. Trailhead parking fills by 8am on weekends, so plan to arrive early or take the free Sedona Shuttle (details below).

01

3.9 mi · Moderate

Devil's Bridge Trail📍

Sedona's most iconic natural sandstone arch and the most photographed spot in the city. The final approach up a small staircase to walk across the arch is genuinely jaw-dropping.

→Take the free shuttle from downtown — parking is nearly impossible on weekends.

→Arrive before 7am if driving. Plan for 30–60 min wait at the arch on peak days.

249 locals recommend · Our #1

02

1.4 mi RT · Strenuous

Cathedral Rock Trailhead📍

Short but steep — the saddle rewards with breathtaking panoramic views. One of Sedona's most powerful vortex sites and the most photographed formation in the area.

→Sunrise is best — beat the crowds and get the best light. Parking fills fast after 7am.

→Crescent Moon Ranch ($10) gives ground-level views without the climb — great for non-hikers.

263 locals recommend · Vortex Site

03

0.8 mi · Easy

Bell Rock Trailhead📍

The most accessible vortex site — flat approach with a dramatic bell-shaped butte rising from the desert floor. Great for all ages. Combine with Courthouse Butte Loop (4 mi total) for more.

→Village of Oak Creek, south on Hwy 179 · free with Red Rock Pass

197 locals recommend

04

3.2 mi · Easy–Moderate

Airport Mesa Loop📍

The best sunset hike in Sedona — 360° views of Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Thunder Mountain all at once. Also a vortex site. The upper parking lot gives great views without the hike.

→Arrive 45–60 min before sunset. The Airport Overlook just up the road is also spectacular.

Best Sunset Spot

05

6 mi RT · Easy

West Fork Trail📍

Completely different from the red rock experience — a lush canyon trail through towering cliffs and forest, with creek wading. Spectacular fall foliage in October.

→$12 parking fee per vehicle · wear shoes you don't mind getting wet · lot fills early on summer weekends

06

Short · Easy · Hidden

Birthing Cave📍

A lesser-known gem — a natural cave formation with a narrow entrance that opens to a remarkable sheltered alcove with sweeping views of the Verde Valley. Far less crowded than the main trails.

→Off Soldier Pass Rd, West Sedona · 29 locals recommend · some light scrambling on the approach

Hidden Gem

Where To Stay

Stay Near the Trails

Three of our properties are steps from West Sedona's best trail systems — Mystic Trail, Boynton Canyon, and Soldier Pass are all walking distance or a 5-minute drive. Hike, return, recover in the sauna or hot tub.

West Sedona · 5BR · IR Sauna + Cold Plunge

Sedona Shangri-La

Steps from Mystic Trail · 180° views · Sleeps 11

View Property →

West Sedona · 5BR · Rooftop Pool

Sedona Epic Dream

Rooftop pool · Panoramic views · Sleeps 13

View Property →

West Sedona · 4BR · Pool + Hot Tub

Starview Sedona

Stargazing patio · Sleeps 10

View Property →

Trail Questions

Sedona Hiking FAQs

What's the easiest hike in Sedona?

Bell Rock Trailhead in the Village of Oak Creek is the easiest — about 0.8 miles round trip on flat terrain with a dramatic bell-shaped butte rising from the desert floor. It's also a vortex site, so you get the energy experience without the climb. Great for families and all fitness levels.

Do I need a Red Rock Pass to hike in Sedona?

Yes — most trailheads in Sedona require a Red Rock Pass, available as a daily ($5), weekly ($15), or annual ($20) pass at any visitor center, ranger station, or self-pay station at the trailhead. America the Beautiful National Parks passes are also accepted. State parks like Slide Rock and Red Rock State Park have separate entry fees.

How do I get to Devil's Bridge without parking issues?

Take the free Sedona Shuttle — Route 11 (Dry Creek Vista / Mescal Trailhead) runs Thursday through Sunday during peak season and drops you near the Mescal trail start. The fare is $2 per ride. Driving to the closer Dry Creek trailhead is nearly impossible on weekends because parking fills before 7am. The shuttle is the easiest, lowest-stress option for most visitors.

What's the best hike for sunset in Sedona?

Airport Mesa Loop is the best sunset hike in Sedona — a 3.2 mile easy-to-moderate loop with 360° views of Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Thunder Mountain. Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset because the small vortex parking lot fills fast. The Airport Overlook just up the road is also spectacular if you don't want to hike.

Is West Fork Trail worth the drive?

Yes — West Fork is completely different from Sedona's red rock hiking. It's a 6 mile round trip through a lush canyon with creek wading, towering cliffs, and dense forest. Stunning fall foliage in October. There's a $12 parking fee and the lot fills early on summer weekends, so go on a weekday or early morning. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet.

Are Sedona hiking trails dog-friendly?

Most Sedona trails on Coconino National Forest land allow leashed dogs, including Devil's Bridge, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa. State parks like Slide Rock and Red Rock State Park have stricter rules — check before you go. Bring water for your dog: red rock surfaces get extremely hot in summer.

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