Sedona, Arizona is hands down one of my favorite places to go hiking. It is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. It is also an ideal place to visit when you’re short on time. Most of the hiking trailheads are located right by the town so they are just a quick drive or bus hop away.
One of my favorite things about Sedona is that many of the hikes are perfect for beginners. If you’re new to hiking this will be a great place to test out the waters!
Best time of Year for hiking in Sedona
The best time of year for hiking in Sedona is either in the spring or fall months. In the summer the temperatures can be above 90 degrees Fahrenheit which is a little too warm for my taste. In the winter temperatures can drop to around freezing. If you don’t mind the extremes of temperature the summer and winter months tend to be low season which means you will find fewer crowds and better prices.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedona has a variety of hotels and Airbnb options. You will find anything from luxury spa resorts to more budget-friendly options. We stayed at the Hilton Vacation Club Ridge in Sedona. We really enjoyed our stay there. Our studio room was equipped with a kitchen area which was perfect for preparing breakfast before an early morning hike and dinner for when we were too exhausted from adventuring to head into town. The room was very clean and spacious. If you’re looking for a mid-range price option look into Hilton Vacation Club Ridge in Sedona.
How to get to Sedona
Most people visiting Sedona will fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX). It is the closest major international airport. This is about a 2-hour drive from Sedona. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) is another option, although it is about a 5-hour drive. The closest small commercial airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) which is located about 40 minutes away. Sedona does have an airport but it is only for private or charter aircraft.
Who is this itinerary for?
This itinerary is perfect for beginner hikers and for those looking for a weekend getaway. Most of the hikes here are easy-to-moderate beginner hikes. Always remember that these categories are subjective and that you should always consult your doctor before any strenuous physical activity.
Hiking in Sedona: 3 Day Weekend Itinerary
There are countless ways you can plan a weekend hiking in Sedona. You could spend an entire week exploring this hiking town but I’m going to give you my ideal sample itinerary for the perfect 3 days of hiking in Sedona Arizona.
Day 1
Subway Cave (Moderate)
I strongly recommend making Subway Cave an early morning adventure. This formerly lesser-known area has become much more popular now that travel bloggers have revealed its location (I mean how else do you think I found it?). While this is not a particularly difficult hike, it can be a bit tricky to find.
Subway Cave is about a 7.1-mile roundtrip hike if you start from Boynton Canyon Trail. We headed to the trail around 6 am and we were back to our car by noon, trust me even in the fall it’s well worth outrunning the sun.
Once you reach the end of the trail, be prepared for a steep climb up to the Subway Cave. It’s a short climb up but the incline is much more challenging than it looks. While hiking boots are not necessary, make sure your shoes have a good grip. You will need it, as there is not much to grab onto on the way up. But as you can see, the view is well worth the climb.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Spend the afternoon/evening exploring Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. This charming area in the heart of Sedona is full of shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine after a long day of hiking. If you’re in the mood for a little Mexican I recommend you check out El Rincon Restaurant.
Day 2
Sunrise at Devils Bridge (Easy)
Rise and shine! You’re going to want to get your hiking boots on early for this one. Devils Bridge is one of the most well-known locations in Sedona and for good reason. It’s a spectacular bridge just over the tree line. The bridge is wide enough for you to stand on and walk across.
This hike is about 4.2 miles round trip strictly on foot and about 2 miles if you have a 4×4 vehicle. Okay, so we had all intentions of putting our Jeep Wrangler to good use on this trip but as soon as we saw the trail we chickened out. Needless to say, we did not trust our “all-terrain” driving skills on this one. So we put our Wrangler in reverse, parked at the trail parking lot, and headed out on foot. It is doable to drive this part of the trail but we were not going to risk our rental on this one.
If you opt for walking you will share the first half of the trek with vehicles and some very large boulders. Don’t worry, it is a very wide trail. Eventually, you’ll reach the end of the road and start your ascent to Devil’s Bridge. We arrived just after 7 am and a line of hikers was already forming.
After you head back from the trail, grab some lunch, maybe relax by the pool for a bit, and recharge before tonight’s hike.
Sunset at Cathedral Rock (Moderate)
I recommend hiking Cathedral Rock at sunrise or sunset. It is a 1.2-mile roundtrip hike. Parking is very limited at the trailhead and you may even have to wait around for a spot but since it is a short trail you’re more likely to find someone leaving at various times of the day.
I would consider this trail more of a climb than a hike. You do have to be in relatively good shape and you have to be comfortable with heights. Remember that if you’re staying to watch the sunset you will be climbing down in the dark so don’t forget to bring a headlight or a flashlight for your way down.
We did a sunset hike to the top of Cathedral Rock and did not disappoint.
Day 3
Okay so I know in my description I said Sedona was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. So I’ll let you sleep in today. Spend an easy morning at brunch or maybe get a massage at one of the many spa resorts. You can also visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross which is a beautiful church perched on the red rocks. If you’re not one for relaxing this may be a great time to fit in one of the popular Pink Jeep Tours. While I did not have the chance to check them out I hear it’s an incredible experience.
Bell Rock (Moderate)
In the afternoon I would recommend a less strenuous hike like Bell Rock. It is a one-mile round trip to the top of Bell Rock and back to Bell Rock trailhead north. This hike can be done in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. This hike offers incredible views of the landscape. One of the fun parts of this hike is that you get to make your path to the top. You can climb up as high as you feel comfortable with. There is no shade on this hike which means you will have the sun beating straight down on you. I recommend hiking Bell Rock in the early morning or late afternoon and bringing lots of sunscreen.
Airport Mesa (Easy)
After you finish your hike to Bell Rock you can take a drive over to Airport Mesa. Here you can watch the sunset over the red rocks on one side as the moon rises over the other. You can also hike the Airport Loop trail which is 3 miles roundtrip. If you wish to eat dinner while enjoying the view, the Mesa Grill is a great option although a little pricey.
There are a million different ways to explore Sedona and many more hiking trails than the ones named in this article. This was a sample itinerary based on our trip that will hopefully help you plan out your own. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking to escape the city and lose yourself in the red rock landscape, Sedona offers something extraordinary for everyone!