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Sedona, Arizona is a superb climbing vacation spot. Inside minutes of this desert city, you’ll discover tons of of trails the place you possibly can hike by way of canyons and pine forests and amongst the enduring purple sandstone towers and buttes.
Lots of the hikes will be difficult, although, and contain scrambling up the purple rocks. If like me, you’re not assured with mountaineering, or simply need a brief stroll, there are some wonderful choices.
We got down to discover the perfect simple hikes in Sedona and share our favourites beneath. Most of them take an hour or much less and are appropriate for rookies, however they nonetheless function gorgeous views.
We additionally embody useful suggestions in your climbing journey, the place to remain, and a map with all these simple Sedona hikes.
Contents
Suggestions for Climbing in Sedona
Sedona has turn out to be a well-liked climbing vacation spot in recent times. Trails will be crowded and parking at the preferred ones is restricted. Listed below are our tricks to make climbing in Sedona extra pleasurable.
- Purchase a go – Many Sedona path parking heaps require you to indicate a recreation go in your car. You should buy a Purple Rock Cross at required areas ($5 a day/$15 every week) or when you’ve got an America the Stunning annual nationwide parks go (as we did), you need to use that. Some locations have separate charges and I’ve famous these beneath.
- Go to through the week if attainable – Weekends are busier, so select quieter trails on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Begin early – Arriving at trailheads by 7am is one of the best ways to keep away from the crowds (and warmth within the hotter months). After 5pm also can work except it’s a spot that’s particularly identified for its sundown views.
- Put on climbing sneakers – Sedona climbing trails are rocky and muddy, so climbing sneakers or boots with good traction are important. Be ready to get orange grime in all places (we stored our climbing sneakers in our automobile).
- Use the AllTrails app – Even brief hikes in Sedona aren’t at all times simple to comply with as they’re usually a part of a community of a number of trails. We discovered our AllTrails+ subscription actually helpful so we may obtain path maps on the app for offline use. Learn the path evaluations too for recommendations on present situations.
- Deliver loads of water – That is the desert, in spite of everything, and the solar will be intense.
The place to Keep in Sedona
We discovered West Sedona the best base for a climbing journey because it’s quieter and extra native than Uptown Sedona and is near many trails.
There are nonetheless loads of eating places and shops. Complete Meals is helpful for climbing snacks.
We liked the Wilde Resort and Spa. It’s close to a busy highway, however the grounds are lovely. There’s a heated pool (I swam within the snow!), two scorching tubs (excellent for post-hike), and loads of snug seating round firepits.
Rooms are fashionable, spacious, and comfy—the perfect ones have mountain views.
Test costs for Wilde Resort right here.
The Greatest Straightforward Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
These are our favorite simple Sedona hikes from the shortest and best to extra of a reasonable path that’s price the additional effort.
1) Oak Creek Path at Crescent Moon Ranch
Distance: 1.2 miles (2km) out and again
Time: half-hour
Complete elevation acquire: Flat
Parking payment: $11 (pay money or card at entrance sales space). Purple Rock Grand Annual Passes are accepted however not the weekly Purple Rock Cross or America the Stunning.
Services: Bogs and picnic tables.
AllTrails web page: Oak Creek Path
Be aware: this isn’t the West Fork Oak Creek Path, which is far tougher and half-hour outdoors Sedona.
Oak Creek Path is likely one of the best hikes in Sedona. This brief stroll is appropriate for the aged and younger youngsters, and the paved sections are wheelchair-friendly.
The riverside path begins within the Crescent Moon Ranch picnic space on the Purple Rock Loop Street, which has lovely views on the best way down.
Crescent Moon is widespread for picnics, swimming, sunsets, and views of the Sedona icon, Cathedral Rock, mirrored within the river.
Parking generally is a drawback at busy instances, however at 5pm in winter, we had no points. This stroll can be greatest in fall (for vibrant leaves) or summer time (for swimming), however even with naked timber in winter, it was a reasonably and simple stroll.
There are good views of Cathedral Rock from varied factors on the path and the perfect is on the rocky space on the finish. You possibly can climb on some rocks within the river to see the reflection of the sandstone butte within the water.
This space is named the Purple Rock Crossing Vortex, which is considered a spot of excessive religious power.
When you stroll a bit of past the rocky space, there are even higher, unobstructed views from a meadow.
Cathedral Rock appears greatest within the late afternoon when it’s lit up by the solar. Fairly a number of folks had gathered right here to attend for sundown.
Purple Rock Crossing Path is a path on the opposite facet of the river, however there was no means for us to cross it with out getting our ft moist (this is perhaps simpler in summer time).
If you’re on the lookout for a brief, simple path in Sedona, Oak Creek Path could be very accessible and has incredible Cathedral Rock views. The one draw back is the doorway payment with most passes not accepted.
2) Decrease Chimney Rock Loop
Distance: 1.4 mile (2.3km) loop
Time: half-hour
Complete elevation acquire: 115 ft (35 metres)
Parking payment: None
Services: None
AllTrails web page: Decrease Chimney Rock
Decrease Chimney Rock is a brief and candy path that’s simply accessible in West Sedona.
It begins from the Thunder Mountain Trailhead. Parking is restricted (as at all times), however we obtained an area at 5pm and the path wasn’t busy.
It’s not fairly as simple because the paved Oak Creek Path because it’s rocky and will be muddy, however elevation acquire is minimal.
It is a loop hike round Decrease Chimney Rock. We went clockwise and the primary half wasn’t that thrilling, however there are higher views of Chimney Rock on the second half.
There’s additionally an optionally available detour to climb up the summit of the rock within the center for sweeping views. We didn’t do that because it includes some steep scrambling.
There are many alternatives to increase your hike because it hyperlinks to different trails. Specifically, the Chimney Rock Loop (2.3 miles mixed with Decrease Chimney) appears like a superb add-on however requires a bit extra elevation acquire.
Whereas I don’t suppose Decrease Chimney Rock Loop is a Sedona must-do, it’s a pleasing stroll if you end up low on power or time, particularly if you’re staying shut by.
3) Tea Cup Path
Distance: 2.2 miles (3.6km) out and again
Time: 1 hour
Complete elevation acquire: 272 ft (83 metres)
Parking payment: None
Services: None
AllTrails web page: Tea Cup Path to Coffeepot Rock
The Tea Cup Path is in the identical West Sedona climbing space as Decrease Chimney Rock however begins from the Sugarloaf Trailhead.
Maybe as a result of we began at 3pm, we discovered it a lot tougher to get parked on the small car parking zone right here and needed to wait quarter-hour for an additional automobile to go away. It’s in a residential space however avenue parking isn’t allowed.
Warning: I don’t suggest climbing the complete path as listed on AllTrails if you’re on the lookout for a straightforward hike. However the views are so good it’s price contemplating strolling a part of it.
The primary part is straightforward, though the path is rocky and muddy as is typical in Sedona.
You begin on a part of the Sugarloaf Loop, which is pretty flat and busy with different hikers. You possibly can detour as much as the Sugarloaf summit, which we didn’t do, nevertheless it sounds pretty easy (in contrast to many rock summits), so I want we’d executed it.
When you attain the Tea Cup Path, it turns into quieter and after about 20 minutes there’s a spectacular view of Coffeepot Rock.
I like to recommend turning again right here and maybe including on the Sugarloaf summit. We continued the path and it took us scrambling on the sting of Coffeepot Rock, which was means out of our consolation zone, so we turned again.
4) Schuerman Mountain Lookout
Distance: 1.7 miles (2.7km) out and again
Time: 45 minutes
Complete elevation acquire: 367 ft (112 metres)
Parking payment: None
Services: None
AllTrails web page: Schuerman Mountain Lookout
If you’re on the lookout for a brief Sedona hike with out crowds, Schuerman Mountain Lookout is a superb possibility, particularly within the late afternoon or at sundown.
The path begins at Schuerman Mountain Trailhead throughout the highway from a faculty. Unusually for Sedona, it was simple to get parked, and we solely noticed two different {couples} on the path.
You begin on the Schuerman Mountain Path then go left on the signal for the vista.
The out-and-back stroll as much as the point of view has extra elevation acquire than the earlier hikes, so it’ll get your coronary heart going, nevertheless it’s not too tough. As at all times, count on a rocky path.
The panoramic views from the highest are properly definitely worth the climb. You possibly can see a lot of Sedona together with Cathedral Rock.
5) Fay Canyon Path
Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7km) out and again
Time: 1 hour
Complete elevation acquire: 194 ft (59 metres)
Parking payment: None
Services: Bathroom at parking
AllTrails web page: Fay Canyon Path
Fay Canyon is likely one of the best hikes in Sedona because it’s largely flat and sandy moderately than the same old rocky path.
It’s solely a 10-minute drive out of city, nevertheless it feels extra distant than the opposite hikes on this listing with none homes in sight. There’s even a warning about bears!
The free parking is throughout the highway from the trailhead and is sort of spacious. As this can be a widespread path, it may refill, although—it was a lot busier after we left at 9.30am than after we arrived at 8.30am.
The path takes you thru a inexperienced canyon with steep purple cliffs on either side. While you attain the tip of the path signal, you possibly can select to scramble up the big rocks past.
This part is tougher however not too dangerous—it was extra like huge rocky steps. Even going up a couple of minutes provides you a surprising view again down into the canyon and past to Sedona’s purple rocks. It was the perfect a part of the hike for us.
On the best way again by way of the canyon we took the Fay Canyon Arch facet path. This isn’t marked and is straightforward to overlook, so be certain that to obtain the AllTrails map to seek out it.
This takes you to a rock arch, nevertheless it’s not a straightforward path. It’s fairly a steep climb, and it obtained more and more scrambly, so we turned again. There’s a good view of the canyon up right here, however skip this facet path if you would like a straightforward stroll.
6) Margs Draw Path
Distance: 3.1 miles (5km) out and again
Time: 1 hour
Complete elevation acquire: 276 ft (84 metres)
Parking payment: None
Services: None
AllTrails web page: Margs Draw Path
Margs Draw is likely one of the greatest simple hikes in Sedona to keep away from crowds. Even on a Saturday morning, we solely noticed a number of others.
The whole Margs Draw Path is 4 miles out and again. You possibly can park at both finish—Huckaby Trailhead is on the north finish (Purple Rock Cross required) and Damaged Head Trailhead (free) is on the south finish—however parking can refill.
As a substitute, we began in the course of the path on the Margs Draw Trailhead on the finish of Sombart Lane, the place parking was simple and free.
From right here the stroll begins uphill, however the ascent doesn’t final lengthy. It solely takes 10 minutes on the spur path (Margs Draw Spur A) to achieve the primary path. From right here you possibly can stroll in both route.
We went left and walked for an additional 20 minutes till we reached the highway and turned again the best way we got here. You possibly can additionally add within the south part of the path.
Margs Draw is straightforward with solely light inclines. It’s greener than many Sedona trails with numerous juniper, cypress, and pinyon pine timber.
A spotlight is Snoopy Rock, which does look spectacular, though we struggled to see the Snoopiness of it.
Margs Draw isn’t probably the most scenic path in Sedona, nevertheless it was easy, nice, and quiet with some fairly views.
It might be good for a run because it’s much less rocky than most of the trails and is near city.
7) Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop
Distance: 3.7 mile (6km) loop
Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Complete elevation acquire: 430 ft (131 metres)
Parking payment: Purple Rock or America the Stunning Cross Required
Services: Bathroom at parking
AllTrails web page: Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop
This loop across the two massive rock formations, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, is my prime choose if you’re on the lookout for a straightforward Sedona path with beautiful views.
It’s a bit of longer than the hikes above, nevertheless it’s largely stage with just some light uphills.
The path is 20 minutes from Sedona on the best way to Oak Creek Village, nevertheless it’s a reasonably drive out right here.
We parked at Courthouse Vista, which is the start line for a number of trails. Parking does refill, so it’s price going early—we began at 7.10am and there have been just a few areas left at 8.30am even on a freezing winter morning.
Yavapai Vista Level Parking is an alternate possibility, a 10-minute stroll from the trailhead.
We began on the Bell Rock Pathway, related to the Courthouse Butte Loop, after which ended again on Bell Rock Pathway. Though it’s pretty simple to comply with, there are various completely different trails, so the AllTrails map is useful to maintain you on observe.
By climbing in a clockwise route, you save the perfect views for the second half. We liked getting up near the purple rocks and seeing Courthouse Butte sprinkled with snow within the morning mild.
By beginning early, it was very peaceable, and we didn’t see anybody else till the tip.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you would climb Bell Rock, however it’s a scramble up (we skipped it).
With lovely views all through, I extremely suggest this simple path.
8) Soldier Cross and Brins Mesa Loop
Distance: 5 mile (8km) loop
Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (plus break)
Complete elevation acquire: 890 ft (271 metres)
Parking payment: Purple Rock or America the Stunning Cross Required
Services: Bathroom at parking
AllTrails web page: Seven Sacred Swimming pools by way of Soldier Cross to Brins Mesa Loop
The Soldier Cross and Brins Mesa Loop is by far the longest, steepest hike on this listing, nevertheless it was additionally our favorite Sedona path.
Whereas it’s extra of a reasonable than a straightforward path, it doesn’t require rock scrambling (simply good sneakers for the same old rocks/mud). We discovered it excellent—a little bit of a problem however not an excessive amount of, and the gorgeous surroundings was price it.
When you don’t wish to do the entire thing, flip it into a straightforward hike by simply strolling to Seven Sacred Swimming pools and again (40 minutes every means from Jordan Rd).
It is a widespread climbing space with many trails and parking choices. The AllTrails map (which could be very helpful right here) begins at Soldier Cross Trailhead, however though the parking is free, it’s very restricted and doesn’t open till 8am. Vehicles queue earlier than then to get a spot.
It’s higher to do what we did and park on the Jordan Street Trailhead (additionally known as Jim Thompson Trailhead and Brins Mesa Trailhead). This requires a go and the highway there’s tough (doable in a sedan), however there are extra areas, and most significantly, it’s open 24/7 so you may get an early begin.
I extremely suggest beginning earlier than 7.30am and climbing in a clockwise route. This fashion you attain Soldier Cross Path earlier than 8am (when automobiles are allowed in) and can probably have the Seven Sacred Swimming pools to your self.
We discovered the primary half of the path very quiet (even on a Saturday morning) and solely noticed others when coming down Brins Mesa later within the morning.
From Jordan Street Trailhead, begin by following indicators for Brins Mesa then quickly after connect with the Cibola Cross Path, which turns into the Jordan Path. The purple rocks like The Sphinx regarded lovely within the morning mild.
Then you definately flip proper onto the Soldier Cross Path and go Satan’s Kitchen, an enormous sinkhole. It took us about half-hour to get right here.
10 minutes additional alongside the straightforward path are the Seven Sacred Swimming pools, a sequence of small swimming pools of water within the sandstone.
The backdrop of Coffeepot Rock makes it particularly scenic and early within the morning it was a tranquil spot to pause and take heed to the birds.
For a shorter hike, you would flip again right here. In any other case, proceed on the path marked Soldier Cross/ Brins Mesa for extra lovely views.
There’s an optionally available 1-mile return unmarked facet path to a cave (use AllTrails to seek out it), however we skipped it because it includes scrambling.
About midway into the hike (2.5 miles) we started the uphill climb that’s the toughest half. It did get our hearts going however didn’t really feel too lengthy.
We took a snack break on some sunny rocks close to the highest then continued on the path that crosses over to Brins Mesa.
It’s vast open up right here with expansive views which can be particularly gorgeous as we descended the path right into a sea of inexperienced and purple rocks. We had been grateful to be strolling down and never up this hill!
In case you have the time and power, I extremely suggest Soldier Cross and Brins Mesa. Begin early to benefit from the epic views in peace.
Common Sedona Hikes We Skipped
These are thought-about a few of the greatest hikes in Sedona, however we selected to not do them. Partly due to crowds and partly as a result of they contain rock scrambling that we weren’t assured with.
Folks love these hikes for a purpose, so I’m not saying you shouldn’t do them. However there are such a lot of trails in Sedona that there’s no have to really feel the stress to hike these, particularly if you’re afraid of heights.
- Cathedral Rock Path – This hike is brief however steep and includes scrambling up close to vertical rocks with sheer drop-offs. The views on the prime look lovely, nevertheless it’s not for these with a worry of heights.
- Satan’s Bridge Path – This 4-mile hike is known for its sandstone arch and folks queue to take a photograph on the slender rock bridge. The final part is steep and slippy and will be icy in winter.
- Airport Mesa Path – This widespread sundown hike doesn’t look too tough (though it’s rocky), nevertheless it’s busy and parking is a serious problem.
Sedona Climbing Map
Which is the Greatest Straightforward Hike in Sedona?
My prime two picks for brief Sedona hikes with the greatest views are the Courthouse Butte/Bell Rock Loop and Fay Canyon. They’re pretty flat and will be accomplished in beneath 90 minutes.
If you need the best hike in Sedona with no rocky, muddy path to take care of, Oak Creek Path is a straightforward paved stroll with a beautiful view.
To keep away from the crowds in Sedona, Schuerman Mountain and Margs Draw are wonderful choices.
My private favorite hike in Sedona is the Soldier Cross and Brins Mesa Loop. It’s longer and steeper however doesn’t require mountaineering and the pay-off is price it.
What are your favorite simple climbing trails in Sedona? Depart a remark beneath.
Extra USA Posts
Discover extra lovely US climbing locations in our different guides:
Utah & Arizona
California
