General Common Sense Sedona Hiking Tips
Medical evacuations from the trails are a regular occurrence. Don’t be that guy.
Pack more water than you think you will need and drink it. I hike with a 3-liter CamelBak, which is just enough for the longer hikes listed below. Stuffing a couple of large water bottles into a regular light pack would be fine for most of these.
If you are in reasonable shape, plan on a ~2mph pace for most hikes, though expect it to be slower on hikes that have a lot of climbing.
Wear a hat and sunscreen, even in the cooler months.
Wear hiking shoes. Your feet will thank you.
Trekking poles are recommended, but not worth it if you are not accustomed to using them.
Take your phone, and make sure it is charged. If you have a GPS trail or tracking app of some sort, use it. Most trails are well marked and easily followed, but better to be safe than sorry. If you have tracked where you have been, you can follow your path back to the start if necessary…breadcrumbs for the modern age.
The Trails
Some trails require a Red Rock Pass or have their own day use permit requirement. If you plan to do more than a couple of hikes, it may be worthwhile to pick up a week-long Red Rock Pass at the Sedona Visitor Center.
* Denotes personal favorite
Devil’s Bridge 3.9 mi (Moderate)
This is by far the most popular hike in Sedona, which is why I usually advise people to avoid it. If you have to do it, I recommend going on a weekday and starting very early from Mescal Trailhead.
* Airport Loop 3.3 mi (Moderate)
This is a popular loop that circles the airport. It has some nice views of many of the well-known Red Rock formations as a well as a top-down vantage of Sedona proper. The parking lot at Airport Mesa can fill up, so go early. Alternatively, you can park at Sunset Park and take the short Sunset Trail connector.
Cathedral Rock 1.2 mi (Challenging)
This is another popular hike. It’s short but challenging. If you make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with some awesome views. Park at the Cathedral Rock Trailhead.
* Cathedral Rock Big Loop 7.9 mi (Challenging)
This hike is in my regular rotation, offering spectacular Red Rock views, close encounters with Oak Creek, and more than enough challenge to earn whatever dinner you have planned. Park at Yavapai Trailhead and take the following route: Yavapai Trail > L onto Kaibab Trail > R onto Slim Shady Trail > straight onto Ht Trail > L onto Easy Breezy Trail > R onto Templeton Trail > L onto Baldwin Trail > L onto Hiline Trail > L onto Slim Shady Trail > R onto Kaibab Trail back to the parking lot. You can add the climb up to the top of Cathedral Rock if you choose (add ~1 mi), but you may regret it unless you are in great shape and want the extra challenge.
Courthouse Butte Loop 3.5 mi (Easy)
This popular loop takes you around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, two of the more famous Red Rock landmarks. There are several connected trails here, allowing for countless route variations. This is a good area for easing into hiking, with mostly flat well-traveled trails. Park at Bell Rock Trailhead, but have a Plan B, as it fills up early.
Pyramid Loop 2.5 mi (Easy)
This loop circles Pyramid Mountain. It has a couple of technical sections, but overall is an easy shortish hike in West Sedona. The views are better in the evenings, when the sun illuminates Cathedral Rock and others. Park at Pyramid Mountain Trailhead.
Mescal Loop with Birthing Cave 6.1 mi (Moderate)
The Birthing Cave is not particularly spectacular, but people seem to flock there for whatever reason. The loop itself is scenic and enjoyable. Skipping the cave takes off ~1.2 mi. From the Mescal Trailhead, follow this loop: Mescal Trail > Deadman’s Pass Trail > Long Canyon Trail > unmarked trail to Birthing Cave (you’ll likely see other people heading off trail, follow them) > Long Canyon Trail > Mescal Connector > Mescal Trail back to trailhead.
* Boynton Canyon 6.5mi (Moderate)
The first stretch of this out-and-back passes by the Enchantment Resort, but once you get beyond that, you’ll experience some unique scenery. The mileage does not include the optional side trek up to gorgeous Subway Cave, so you may want to consider that if you want a more challenging excursion. Park at Boynton Canyon Trailhead.
* West Fork Oak Creek Canyon 8.8 mi (Moderate for length)
If you only plan to do one or two hikes in the area, then skip this one, as it does not offer any Red Rock views. If you are looking for something that is relatively flat, well-shaded, with a constant presence of water, then this is a very enjoyable experience that offers something different. If the leaves have started to change (mid October – mid November), then this is close to a “must do.” It’s an out-and-back, so you can shorten the distance as desired (you won’t miss anything that you’ll regret). This is a very popular hike, especially when the leaves are changing, so go early on a weekday if possible. A day-use fee is required.
/TLDR: Hiking in Sedona is fun. Don't die.