3 Best Sedona Hikes

Are you looking for the 3 best Sedona hikes? This town is a hub for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure lovers. It’s a must-see city if you plan to visit Red Rock Country. It offers a hundred miles of hiking trails. But what hikes in Sedona choose if you have limited time for your visit? If you plan a day or two in Sedona? We are delighted by Sedona hiking trails. This article will go into detail about the 3 best Sedona hikes with maps. We did them during the last visit: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Cathedral Rock Trail, and Soldier’s Pass Trail. As a dessert, we give you detailed info about off-trail Sedona Hidden Caves. Finally, you will find all the essential tips for preparing a trip to Sedona – directions, recommendations for restaurants, lodging, and attractions of this charming town.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclaimer here.

How To Get To Sedona – Directions

Sedona is a fabulous city in Arizona near Flagstaff. Below, you will find all directions and detailed descriptions of the 3 best Sedona hikes, which will give you the magic of the red rocks of Sedona. These are the most exciting trails around the town: Devil’s Bridge Trail, Cathedral Rock Trail, and Soldier’s Pass Trail with Hidden Caves.

Our Experiences

My partner Chris and I did the three hikes featured in this article in one day. They can be done within 1 or 2 days (depending on your fitness form). Therefore, these are great trail options if you have little time to explore Sedona. They are not long and not difficult, and they provide excellent views.

We have already had the opportunity to visit this town several times, and it is worth adding it to your Arizona road trip because you will not be bored even if you spend a week here. We also took the photos presented in the article, which are our own.

How to Get to Sedona By Car

A car is the best option. You will quickly reach each of the suggested trails. If you plan to rent a car, we recommend Alamo. We have been using this company for many years, and it is our favorite.

From Phoenix to Sedona

119 miles, 2 hours
Sedona is located in northern Arizona. It is about 119 miles north of Phoenix Airport, which takes around 2 hours to drive. From Phoenix, take I-17 north 98.4 miles toward Flagstaff, then take exit 298 and turn left onto Highway 179. Continue 14.2 miles on Highway 179 to Highway 89A, which is the intersection of Highway 179 and Highway 89A.

Below, you can check out our favorite full-of details and tips Sedona hiking guide, which covers the best hiking trails in the area.

From Flagstaff to Sedona

27 miles, 40 minutes
From Flagstaff, take I-17 south. 2 miles south of the junction of I-40 and I-17, exit at Highway 89A (exit 337). It takes you on a breathtaking 25-mile drive through Oak Creek Canyon. The road is winding, but the views are amazing. There is also a large selection of lodging and hiking trails.

But check the weather. If it is snowing, the road might be closed, so then take I-17 south from Flagstaff, about 41 miles to State Highway 179. From there, go about 15 miles north on Highway 179, and you will enter Sedona. This route takes about an hour from Flagstaff to Sedona. It’s 56 miles. Check also our post about Best Route 66 Towns in Arizona.

From Las Vegas to Sedona

274 -300 miles, 4.5 hours
If you are going to Sedona from Las Vegas, take I-515/US-93/US-95 toward Henderson. Take Highway 93 south to I-40, then I-40 east to Flagstaff. Take I-17 south from Flagstaff to either: exit 337 through to Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon or, if the weather is bad, to Highway 179 to Sedona (see directions from Flagstaff). If you plan to visit Las Vegas, please check our ready-to-go Vegas itinerary!

How to Get to Sedona By Air

The most convenient airports are Phoenix and Las Vegas.
Phoenix, AZ (PHX): it is around 119 miles by car to Sedona.
Las Vegas, NV (LAS): it is around 300 miles by car to Sedona.

Directions from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim

Sedona is often combined with a trip to Grand Canyon South Rim. You will find directions on getting from Sedona to Grand Canyon South Rim below. And if you want to know the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon South Rim, check out our separate article.

So, to get to Grand Canyon National Park, take Highway 89A to I-17 N to I-40 W. Take I-40 west toward Williams to Highway 64. Take Highway 64 north directly to the main entrance to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park (West). 114 miles, 2 hours 5 minutes. If the weather and road condition is good, you can take Highway 89A to I-17 N to Flagstaff. Take Highway 180 west to Highway 64. Take Highway 64 north directly to the main entrance to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.
It is around 108 miles and 2 hours of driving.

Finally, if you want to start your trip in Grand Canyon from Desert View -East Entrance, take Highway 89A to I-17 N to Flagstaff. Take Highway 89 north to Highway 64. Take Highway 64 west to the East Entrance of the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. It takes you about 2 hours and 45 minutes, around 135 miles.

When To Go To Sedona – Weather in Sedona

Sedona is the perfect place to visit year-round. Each season the town looks fabulous, and the weather is good enough for hiking.

In Sedona, the summers are hot and mostly clear, and the winters are cold and partly cloudy. For the year, the temperature typically varies from 35°F to 94°F and is rarely below 27°F or above 101°F. But spring and fall are the most popular times of the year. Spring and fall are great to do the best Sedona hikes. Mainly due to Sedona’s ideal weather conditions – daily high temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit degrees.

So, the best time of the year to visit Sedona for warm-weather activities is from late May to early July and from late August to early October.

However, in low seasons, such as late summer and winter, Sedona is also a great idea. It’s less crowded and still beautiful. Only about once a decade, usually in February, the temperature here stays below 33 °F for the entire day. On average, there are only a couple of days per month in Sedona when the minimum temperature drops to 32, 40, or 50 °F or below, so in our opinion, winter is also suitable for a trip.

Where to Stay in Sedona – Lodging

Sedona offers wide vacation rental options for each budget and travel style. We suggest booking accommodation for several months in advance during the high season.

Hotels in Sedona

Where to stay in Sedona? Well, it depends on your budget and traveling style. Sedona is a stylish town that offers unique lodging with stunning views. On the map below, you will find the best deals.

Budget Hotels in Sedona

Days Inn by Wyndham Sedona offers great quality for a reasonable price.
Sedona Village Lodge offers pet-friendly accommodation in Sedona. Rooms include a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Finally, it’s good quality and reviews.

Mid-Range Hotels in Sedona

Arabella Hotel Sedona offers a seasonal outdoor pool and a year-round hot tub. Rooms feature free WiFi and cable TV.
Sky Ranch Lodge is located 6,2 miles from the Chapel of the Holy Cross; Sky Ranch Lodge has many amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, a garden, and free WiFi. This 2-star hotel offers a concierge service and a free shuttle service.

Luxury Hotels in Sedona

A Sunset Chateau offers personalized service with stunning red rock views. There is a garden, patio, outdoor pool, hot tub, and on-site tennis court. A full breakfast and free Wi-Fi access are available. It has excellent guest reviews.
L’Auberge De Sedona is featuring free WiFi, a spa center, and an outdoor pool. L’Auberge De Sedona offers a sun terrace and views of the mountains, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar.

Booking.com

Campgrounds in Sedona

If you are looking for a campground, we recommend Rancho Sedona RV Park in Sedona, with 84 spaces available, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, and laundry. It is next to Sedona Stream, so fishing is possible, too.
Distant Drums RV Resort is located in Camp Verde, close to Sedona. It offers amazing views of the mountains and excellent reviews.

The 3 Best Sedona Hikes

Below you will find detailed info about our 3 best Sedona hikes. They are incredibly picturesque; the views are spectacular. Easy – Devil’s Bridge Trail, moderate – Soldier’s Pass Trail (with Hidden Caves), and difficult one – Cathedral Rock Trail. These trails are short. In total, two days is enough to do them. Besides descriptions, we also included trail maps for each hike. If you have only one or two days in Sedona, choose one of them. But it’s possible to do at least two in one day.

PRO TIP: If you are planning a more extended stay in the area, we highly recommend this Sedona Hiking Guide, which contains 120 Sedona hiking trails and loop hikes. It’s well-written and accurately describes the terrain/difficulty.

Before you hit the trail, check our complete, ready-to-download & print Day Hiking Packing List. It helps you prepare for your hiking adventure!

3 Best Sedona Hikes – Devil’s Bridge Trail

Basic Devil’s Bridge Trail Info & Map

Level: Easy to Moderate (it is a short and easy trail, but if you decide to hike to the top of the Devil’s Bridge, the last part is moderate)
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Hiking Distance: 4,2 miles round trip from the Devil’s Bridge parking area, 2 miles round trip from the trailhead – possible only if you have only a four-wheel drive.
Trailhead Location: Devil’s Bridge Parking Lot, Dry Creek Road, Sedona, AZ 34.9028° N, 111.8138° W
Parking at Trail: There is ample parking; however, Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, so expect to see many other hikers. The best idea is to park and go for the hike early in the morning.

Devil’s Bridge Trail – Our Tips

Devil’s Bridge Trail Features a Natural sandstone bridge; above all, it’s one of the best Sedona spots for both sunrise and sunset
Hiking Tips: drones are prohibited; take hiking boots
Photo Tips: it’s a good spot for sunrise and sunset; it’s a great idea to take a wide-angle lens. We use Nikkor 14-24, and Canon 16-35, and standard zoom lenses 24-70 for Nikon or Canon.

Devil’s Bridge Trail Description

If you are looking for epic views, this hike is for you. It is the most popular trail in Sedona because of its unique rock formation. Devil’s Bridge is the most massive natural sandstone arch in this area. It’s an easy hike and excellent for traveling with kids or dogs.

The trail is 4.2 miles go and back, leading to a beautiful natural sandstone arch, but the views are spectacular all the way.

You can go to the top of the bridge or admire it from the trail’s end. It is a busy trail; you will share 1 mile with jeeps, ATVs, bikers, and hikers. Why? Because some people left their cars in Devil’s Bridge parking area. It is still a 1-mile road open for four-wheel drive. Once you reach the trailhead, you’ll have a steep hike for one more mile to the natural arch.

Devil’s Bridge Hike Difficulty

The trail is relatively easy to follow, and you’ll find the path start rather easy, but eventually, you will start to gain a bit of uphill on your hike towards Devil’s Bridge. Follow the trail markers that point the way from the parking area. The first part of the trail is full and relaxed. The second part of the path is narrower and steeper but still not too difficult.

About 3/4 of the way up, the trail splits. The right trail goes to the top of the arch, and the left trail goes beneath the arch. It might be a little challenging if you decided to climb to the arch, but it’s worth doing. It’s a fairly wide bridge, but make sure to be careful and exercise caution, especially if the bridge is wet or icy.

Devil’s Bridge Trail – Hiking Tips

If you would like to avoid crowds, start your hike early in the morning. The sun for photos is great early in the morning, too. Sunset is also suitable for this hike and pictures of Devil’s Bridge. This trail is on the top of our 3 best Sedona hikes list.

3 Best Sedona Hikes – Soldier’s Pass Trail with Hidden Sedona Caves (Soldier’s Arch)

Basic Soldier’s Pass Trail Info & Map

Level: Moderate (Difficult when climbing up into the hidden cave out of the trail)
Elevation Gain: 650 feet
Hiking Distance: 4,5 miles round trip
Trailhead Location: Soldier’s Pass Trailhead, opens at 8 A.M. Rim Shadows Drive Sedona, AZ 86336 / 34°53’03.4″N 111°47’01.8″W
Parking at Trail: Very limited, so arrive early.

Soldier’s Pass Trail – Our Tips

Soldier’s Pass Trail Features: the best hike in Sedona, with Seven Sacred Pools, Sinkhole, Sedona Hidden Caves, Sedona wilderness trails
Hiking Tips: take hiking boots, water, and snacks. Walk to hidden caves (Soldier’s Arch), off-trail it’s not difficult. Only climbing up to the cave is a bit challenging, but the views are spectacular without climbing, too
Photo Tips: the light is better in the morning, but it is good to be in the hidden cave around noon; it’s also a great idea to take a wide lens and standard zoom lens; we use Nikkor 14-24 and Canon 16-35; and standard zoom lens 24-70 for Nikon or Canon.

Soldier’s Pass Trail Description

Soldiers Pass Trail is a moderate trail offering sweeping views of the Red Rocks, unique geology, caves, arches, and, finally, US Calvary history. It’s a great hike. We love this trail; the red cliffs in the wilderness are breathtaking. The trail is well-marked, so you don’t have to worry. Enjoy the views. It’s for sure one of the best Sedona hikes.

The trail takes you through a spectacular canyon landscape. You hike past the giant sinkhole – Devil’s Kitchen, along with the Seven Sacred Pools, up to Soldier’s Arch, then up 509 feet atop Brins Mesa.

Soldier’s Pass Trail – Highlights

One of the highlights of the trail is the impressive sinkhole, which was reported as a major collapse event in the 1880s (retold by Albert E. Thompson in 1968), and then, a subsequent event in 1989, increased the size of the sinkhole by 1/3.

But for us, the most scenic and photographic spot for us is Seven Sacred Pools, an important religious site for the local Indigenous population. During the wet season, the pools look like waterfalls.

A bit of History

Finally, on this trail, you walk in the footsteps of both the US Calvary and the Sinagua Indians native to the Sedona area. The US cavalry came through this area in the 19th century. General George Crook and his soldiers blazed a trail along an old Indian footpath that connected a perennial water source, the Seven Sacred Pools, to the lush valley of the Dry Creek Basin. The Soldier Pass Trail provides through the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness area.

After Seven Sacred Pools, you will continue on the Soldier Pass Trail, which intersects an off-road trail, and continue until you reach a distinct fork in the path marked by a wilderness area boundary sign. The main trail, Soldier Pass, takes the left fork, and the right fork leads to a hidden arch and hidden caves (aka Soldier’s Arch).

Assuming you continue on the Soldier Pass Trail, the trail will become steeper and rockier until you get on the Brins Mesa. It’s a great idea to take the Brins Mesa trail too. Return to the trailhead the same way you came up!
If you are interested in hidden caves, read the chapter below.

3 Best Sedona Hikes – Hidden Sedona Caves (Soldier’s Arch)

If you’re looking for an adventure, check out Soldier’s Arch with Hidden Caves, a natural arch, and caves within the canyon wall. To get there, you will take a side trail (on the right side) about 1.2 miles from the parking lot.

It is off the trail path. After Seven Sacred Pools, look for the “wilderness area” sign. Since the path is not well marked, keep an eye out for a small sign nailed to a tree that says, “National Forest Wilderness: Closed to motor vehicles, motorized equipment, hang gliders and bicycles.”

Take this path for about 0.5 miles toward the canyon walls. Be sure to hike with caution. It’s moderate off-trail. The most challenging part is when you decide to climb inside the hidden caves. However, it’s possible. So take hiking boots, and you will get inside the mysterious caves through the rock. It’s a gorgeous, mystic place!

3 Best Sedona Hikes – Cathedral Rock Trail

Basic Cathedral Rock Trail Info & Map

Level: Difficult (most of the trail is moderate, last part – about 10 minutes climbing is steep)
Elevation Gain: 645 feet
Hiking Distance: 1.4 miles round trip
Trailhead Location: Begins on Back ‘O Beyond Road, 500 Back O Beyond Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336.
34°49’30.7″N 111°47’18.3″ W
Parking at Trail: There is large parking, but it might be challenging, so it’s good to be earlier.

Cathedral Rock Trail – Our Tips

Cathedral Rock Trail Features: Beautiful Sedona views, red rock pillars, one of the best Sedona trails for sunset
Hiking Tips: First of all, take boots with excellent traction because this is more of a climb than an average hike. Take gloves (useful for the last part of the trail). There is not too much shade on this trail, so pack plenty of water, and take head protection and sunscreen. But take a jacket too, because it might be chilling in the last part of the hike in the low season.
Photo Tips: the view from the top is spectacular. It’s the best point for sunset. Take a wide lens, but the zoom will be useful, too. Take a tripod if you are going for the sunset. For us, it’s one of the best Sedona hikes.

Cathedral Rock Trail Description

Cathedral Rock is stunning and challenging because it is a steeper trail. When you look at the rock from the bottom, you are wondering if you can hike it up. The top of the mountain offers spectacular views of the red rocks and the town. It’s a short but demanding hike.

You will need to focus and take caution. Bring excellent hiking boots too. The climb is short and steep into Cathedral Rock’s saddle points or gaps. This is the most challenging trail from our top 3 best Sedona hikes.

The Hike Difficulty

The trail runs up the east side of Cathedral Rock, across a relatively flat area for the first 300 feet. After that, it is steep and ascends the rocks, crossing the Templeton Trail. Some sections are quite steep and can be a bit tricky because stones might be slippery.

It’s a good idea to take gloves because you will have to use your hands on the rocks too. There is a marked trail, but you are not always following a trail. It requires your caution to choose the best part of the path. However, there are enough places to climb. If you have doubts, there are a lot of hikers, so observe which part of the trail they take and which part is the easiest.

The hardest part begins when you finally reach the ledge below the top. You’ll see a gap between the two scales. Use your hands and footholds to climb off a chasm. The highest point on the trail is the saddle between two massive towers, and this is the turnaround point. It’s the most challenging part but the shortest one. It takes about 10-15 minutes to climb to the top. But if the weather is bad (rain or snow), it might be too slippery to climb to the top.

On the whole trail, you will be rewarded with excellent and spectacular Sedona views. Finally, return to the same route you hiked to the top, but most of all, be careful of all the paths going down. It’s one of the most spectacular and one of the best Sedona hikes.

How to Prepare for the 3 best Sedona hikes?

First of all, take boots with excellent traction. No matter if it’s summer or winter, take plenty of water and healthy snacks. Wear a warm jacket and trekking pants. Remember to protect your head. So take a summer hat or a warm hat. And don’t forget your gloves. Read our article with the full Day Hiking Packing List, which helps you prepare for your hiking adventure!

What To Do In Sedona After 3 Best Sedona Hikes?

Take a Day Trip From Sedona

Sedona is an excellent place for a one-day trip around Sedona. Jeep trips around the picturesque Sedona are a great idea. A great choice is a trip to Grand Canyon. You have many options, like a classic tour.

Another suggestion is red rock balloon adventures.

Go For A Walk in Sedona

Sedona is an incredibly picturesque town with impressive architecture that perfectly blends with the surrounding red rocks. Everything looks like a postcard or a picture. Probably that’s why it’s a favorite place for many artists. Just walking the streets of Sedona will give you great joy. So, discover this fairytale architecture full of interesting sculptures. Enter souvenir shops and art galleries. Sedona offers impressive art.

Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

It’s a must-see place in Sedona. For us, the best one is if you like art. So, your unforgettable Sedona experience must include spending time at the famous Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh). Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village offers an exceptional collection of Sedona art galleries and shops surrounded by four outstanding restaurants, including a microbrewery.

Authentically fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, Tlaquepaque, meaning the “best of everything,” is a Sedona landmark since the 1970s. It has vine-covered walls and magnificent arched entryways. As a result, Tlaquepaque offers spectacular art expressions in every medium from Western and bronze sculptures, traditional ceramics, glass creations, contemporary paintings, and photography.

Finally, breathtaking jewelry. The place is so beautiful that you will probably go back there several times.

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona

You can visit this beautiful Chapel with a spectacular view by yourself, or you can take a tour combined with other attractions of Sedona, or only a Chapel tour with the guide. The Chapel of the Holy Cross, sitting high atop the red rocks in Sedona, was inspired and commissioned by local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. The chapel was completed in 1956.

Furthermore, the main feature of the chapel is a 90 ft (27.4 m) tall iron cross on the southwestern wall, which serves both aesthetic and structural purposes. The powerful image of the steel framework in the Empire State Building and other skyscrapers inspired a sculptor by the name of Marguerite Staude.

Have a Good Dinner in Sedona

First of all, Sedona has many excellent restaurants. One of our favorite places is the Cowboy Club Grille & Spirits, where we recently had dinner on Thanksgiving Day. Excellent menu, delicious meat, salads, and a wide selection of wines and desserts. Finally, service at a high level, too. It was a perfect evening.

But if you are looking for something exclusive for dinner, choosing one of Tlaquepaque’s five exceptional restaurants is a great idea. For example, enjoy excellent Mexican cuisine at El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano. Try their signature Arizona-style chimichangas or their famous margarita.

Taste Arizona Wine

We love wine, and we always take the opportunity to try local wines. We did not expect Arizona to have such excellent wines. It’s worth trying Arizona wines. In most stores in Sedona, you can taste the wines of Arizona. So, we highly recommended it.

Book this fabulous Wine Tour from Sedona to four Verde Valley Vineyards and taste exquisite wines at one of Arizona’s top wineries. In addition, Verde Valley might be one of Arizona’s best-kept secrets. Just 10 miles from Sedona starts the heart of northern Arizona’s Wine Country, due to it’s a great idea to take this tour.