Easy Sedona hikes offer breathtaking scenery
These Sedona hikes offer scenery that will take your breath away
With more than 300 miles of trails spread across red rock country, the Sedona area has plenty of options for hikers, including many gentle strolls that deliver breathtaking scenery. Check out some favorites that have round trips of less than 5 miles and are rated easy to lightly moderate.
Hiking may be my passion but laziness is my hobby. So I cherish Sedona. • With over 300 miles of trails spread across red rock country, I can find something for every outing. Some days I like a challenge and other times — and those times come along more often as I get older — I want to take it easier. Sedona has plenty of options for gentle strolls that deliver breathtaking scenery. • Here are some favorite easy Sedona trails. Each is less than 5 miles round trip and rated easy to lightly moderate. Still, it’s important to be prepared. Wear proper footwear, carry water, snacks, a map and other necessary items.
For more information about any Sedona trail, stop at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center, 8375 State Route 179. Or call 928-203-2900 or go online: www.fs.usda.gov/coconino.
Fay Canyon Trail
A sandy path pulls you into bewitching woodlands framed by rising cliff walls. The shady trail lasts just over a mile before it ends at a boulder-choked arroyo near the back of the box canyon.
Along the way, watch for an elegant natural arch. The shy beauty hugs the cliff face resembling a large overhang to the right of the trail, a half-mile in. If you’d like a closer look, an unmarked path crosses a wash, climbs from the canyon floor and deposits you beneath the span.
But be warned: While the main trail is a breeze, reaching the arch involves a short but steep scramble up the rocky slope.
Where: The parking area is on Boynton Pass Road in west Sedona.
Cost: Free.
Length: 2.2 miles round trip.
Baldwin Trail
If you’re looking for
Baldwin Trail delivers.
The trail first descends to a riparian corridor across the creek from Red Rock Crossing. Just past the Baldwin/Crescent Moon trail sign, turn left on a social path that leads to the stream. Here you’ll have the perfect vantage point of majestic Cathedral Rock rising above the crystal waters of Oak Creek.
Return to the main trail and follow the sandy path through lush woodlands toward Cathedral Rock. Time it right and you’ll catch good fall color.
At 0.5 mile, the Baldwin Trail bears right through a gate and climbs a draw between Cathedral and a red rock butte. Views improve as you get higher. The trail levels out, then curves around the back side of the butte and returns to the trailhead.
Where: Parking is at the end of Verde Valley School Road, 4.8 miles from State Route 179 in the Village of Oak Creek. The last mile is unpaved but suitable for sedans.
Cost: A Red Rock Pass is required, $5 per day, available at the trailhead.
Length: 2.3-mile loop.
Sedona View Trail
the iconic Sedona tableau,
Don’t let traffic noise dissuade you from taking this short hike laced with stunning panoramas.
Starting at the top of Airport Mesa, where crowds gather to watch the sunset, the path snakes its way down the hill through a thin screen of junipers. You’ll parallel the road but be so wrapped up in the vistas of Capitol Butte, Coffee Pot Rock, Chimney Rock and more that you won’t notice a few cars.
The trail ends at a saddle where you can access Sedona Airport Loop in case you want to hike farther. The bald knob in front of you is a popular vortex site. Enjoy a few meditative moments before making the halfmile climb back to your vehicle.
Where: Trail begins from the parking area atop Airport Mesa in west Sedona.
Cost: $3 to park at Airport Vista.
Length: 1.2 miles round trip.
Sugarloaf Loop
The red mound of Sugarloaf nestles at the base of Capitol Butte, aka Thunder Mountain.
Start on Teacup Trail as it skirts the flank of Sugarloaf heading for the wall of cliffs. Pass Thunder Mountain Trail at 0.3 mile, then quickly reach the junction with Sugarloaf Loop. Bear right on the loop.
If you yearn to climb mountains here’s your chance. While the loop provides grand vistas, there are even more up top. The Summit Trail traverses the ramp-like back side of Sugarloaf, a moderate climb less than a quarter-mile, so it is one of the easier summits around. From the bald crest you’ll enjoy an immense Sedona panorama.
After your climb, continue to the right on Sugarloaf Loop, weaving through junipers and pines until reconnecting with Teacup Trail. Turn left on Teacup back to your vehicle.
Where: In west Sedona, travel 0.5 mile north on Coffee Pot Drive, left on Sanborn Drive for 0.2 mile, right on Little Elf Drive, then right on Buena Vista to parking area.
Cost: Free.
Length: 1.6-mile loop with summit.
Little Horse Trail
If you like your hikes to end with a big visual bonanza, take a stroll on Little Horse Trail.
Start out on wide Bell Rock Pathway before turning left at the signed fork and following an old jeep road across a dry stream bed. You’ll climb through a stand of Arizona cypress guarding the flanks of a stony plateau marked by the Madonna and the Nuns rock formation.
After passing through a gate, the trail scrambles up the back side of Chicken Point. This is a Sedona spot where I take all my visitors just to watch their jaws drop. Chicken Point is a broad open expanse of slickrock surrounded by abrupt colorful cliffs with views spilling across the valley.
Where: Parking is near mile marker 310 on State
Marg was a mule that avoided work by hiding out in this scenic area. Any trail named after a hooky-playing mule is worth hiking, in my opinion.
After crossing Schnebly Hill Road the trail dips into the woods and enters Munds Mountain Wilderness. Panoramas of distant formations poke through the trees even as you walk beneath Camel Head and Snoopy Rock.
You traverse a few small ravines along the way and at the midway point reach a signed path to Sombart Lane. After 2 miles the trail ends at Broken Arrow Trailhead, allowing for additional hiking options.
Where: Parking area is 1 mile up Schnebly Hill Road, just before the pavement ends.
Cost: A Red Rock Pass is required, $5 per day, available at the trailhead.
Length: 4 miles round trip.
Mescal Trail
After meandering through scrubby forest, this slender path climbs the flank of flat-topped Mescal Mountain bristling with ocotillo. You’ll trace the edge of a stunning red rock amphitheater along a stone shelf.
Don’t panic where the trail splits with a sign indicating “difficult” and “extreme” options. That’s directed at mountain bikers who like the technical challenges of the terraced ledges. It’s fairly easy walking.
The trail drops off the toe of the mountain in a soft ascent where it intersects with Deadman’s Pass Trail at 2.2 miles. Return the way you came or create a loop by turning right on the Deadman for 0.9 miles, a gentle ramble through manzanita to Long Canyon Trail. Another right on this smooth path returns you to the trailhead.
Where: Parking is on Long Canyon Road 0.3 mile north of Dry Creek Road.
Cost: Free.
Length: 4.8-mile loop.