10 Best Hiking And Trekking Spots In Sedona, Arizona

hiking in sedona
Salim
Salim 
Published
| 4 min read

Located in Northern Arizona, Sedona is one of the most scenic places in the state. Popularly known for its stunning sandstone cliffs and rock formations, the picturesque town is a favorite destination for casual hikers and outdoor-loving tourists. It is one of the best places for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, and those who love to take the most beautiful landscape photos. One thing that is prominent in this area is trails. At every corner you turn, there is a wonderful track that offers you incredible views of the majestic mountains and gorgeous cliffs. The trails and hiking spots in this region range from simple and family-friendly to highly challenging ones with steeper elevations. Many of these trails feature interesting highlights, including streams, rivers, exotic wildlife sightings, and more. So if you are hitting this town soon, here are the best hiking and trekking spots in Sedona, Arizona to check out.

1. Airport Mesa

Sedona Arizona-27527-2
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ken Thomas used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Sedona, as an area, is famously associated with energy vortexes. Several people believe that the town is filled with several “vortexes” or energy spots, making it a top destination for metaphysical thrill-seekers. And a trail that takes you right through a vortex spot is the Airport Mesa trail. This trail loop is relatively easy to complete and it offers excellent views of red rock landmarks. Hiking through the trail will take you up to Mini-Mesa – an alleged vortex spot where you can feel the vibrations.

Airport Mesa

Address: 483 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States

Website: Airport Mesa

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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2. Munds Wagon Trail

<div class="fn">
Capitol Butte Aka Thunder Mountain Sedona Az</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Eric Johnson used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Located along Schnebly Hill Road, Munds Wagon Trail is a famous hiking track. This hike is a very casual, easy one that features many remarkable views. Munds Wagon Trail is as tranquil as it is far enough from traffic and offers stunning views of red rock formations and even small pools. There are several spots along the trail that are perfect for photo ops. Its simple, easy-to-navigate nature makes it family-friendly, creating a relaxing hike to go on.

Munds Wagon Trail

Address: 167 Schnebly Hill Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States

Website: Munds Wagon Trail

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3. Sedona Airport Loop Trail

Airport Loop Hike
Source: Photo by user Chris Palmer used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Stretching about 3.2 miles (5.15 kilometers) around Sedona, this loop trail is one of the most popular in the area. The path is straightforward yet it has some challenging spots, making it a hike of moderate difficulty. Tourists and visitors like hiking up this trail as it is challenging and simple at the same time. Sedona Airport Loop Trail offers several picnic spots, areas for relaxing, and other exciting activity options – including chances to see exotic wildlife. It is accessible throughout the year.

Sedona Airport Loop Trail

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

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4. Devil's Bridge Trailhead

Devil's bridge Sedona Arizona
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mfield used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The most visited trail in Sedona, Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, is an out and back trail you should not miss. Aside from the fact that it leads to a stunning natural sandstone arch, this trail offers you some mesmerizing sights along its length. There is no shaded spot along its entire length so be prepared to hike directly under the skies and also be ready to see several other hikers, mountain bikers, and even jeeps and ATVs during your hike. It’s an exciting trail to go on.

Devil's Bridge Trailhead

Website: Devil’s Bridge Trailhead

Price: Free

Tip from Content Creator

Devil's Bridge Trailhead

Photos of Devil's Bridge Trailhead shared by content creator from the United Kingdom, Michelle A.

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5. Mescal Trailhead

Mescal Trail, Sedona, Arizona - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user davidpinter used under CC BY 3.0

Although this trail is more famously used for mountain biking, it is also a great hiking spot. Mescal Trailhead runs around the magnificent Mescal Mountains and offers its visitors outstanding views of the surroundings. It is a 2.4-mile (3.86 kilometers) trail with an elevation of just over 200 feet (60.9 meters). Depending on the season you visit this trail, you will come across beautiful desert wildflowers along your way and see exotic birds too. However, anytime you visit this trail, you are sure of getting treated to amazing views of the landscape. It’s a wonderful trail for even beginner hikers.

Mescal Trailhead

Website: Mescal Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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6. Soldier Pass Trail No. 66 Trailhead

Soldier Pass Trail No. 66
Source: Photo by user Coconino National... used under CC0

Have you ever wondered what a sinkhole looks like? Soldier Pass trail is a fascinating hike that takes you through several amazing highlights, including a sinkhole! This 4.1-mile (6.59 kilometers) loop trail is a bit elevated and features an important religious site, many peaceful, relaxing spots, and it is not usually crowded. A track of moderate difficulty, it is a great trail to go on with friends or family. Soldier Pass can also lead you to another exciting path, and it is located in West Sedona, off Soldiers Pass Road on Shadow Rock Drive.

Soldier Pass Trail No. 66 Trailhead

Address: Forest Service 9904 Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States

Website: Soldier Pass Trail No. 66 Trailhead

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

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7. Thunder Mountain Trailhead

Thunder Mountain Trail, Sedona, AZ 7-30-13j (9554669853)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user inkknife_2000 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

An unassuming trail near Sedona, Thunder Mountain Trailhead is a lovely hiking track. At about 3 miles (4.82 kilometers) long, this trail takes you through an exciting path at the foot of the massive Thunder Mountain and it is quite easy to trek. Hikers along the trails will see the beautiful natural landscape, attractive blooming wildflowers, and a host of beautiful spots that are great for other recreational activities. The path is open throughout the year and dogs are allowed on it too.

Thunder Mountain Trailhead

Address: Thunder Mountain Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States

Website: Thunder Mountain Trailhead

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8. Adobe Jack Trailhead

Sedona, Arizona, Overlook point at Adobe Jack Trailhead

Posted by Mary Beth JayBartholomew on Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Featuring incredible red rock views, Adobe Jack is a private trail that is great for family hikes. Short and not very challenging, the path is just about 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) long and has a sign that details its history at its entrance. Adobe Jack sees several visitors and outdoor lovers each year and it also offers several activity options. Hike through lush terrain to creek beds, manzanita bushes, and so much more. This trail is open all year round. Dogs are allowed on it but they must always be kept on leash.

Adobe Jack Trailhead

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 5 USD

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9. Cow Pies Trailhead

Cow Pies Trailhead.

Posted by Leland Gebhardt on Saturday, 2 November 2013

Arguably the most leisurely hike in Sedona, Cow Pies Trailhead is another trail said to be a vortex energy hotspot. This hiking path is quite flat and takes you through many exciting places. See small black rocks which are pieces of lava, with some of them having intricate shapes. Another exciting thing about this trail is that it is located in an area of red rock that was regularly featured in movies. There are no restrictions on this trail and it can be trekked with ease.

Cow Pies Trailhead

Price: 5 USD

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10. Twin Buttes Trail

From an afternoon hike on the Twin Buttes Trail in Sedona. Look closely and you can see the famed Snoopy Rock! http://mountaintripper.com/

Posted by Mountain Tripper - Jake Case Photography on Wednesday, 4 May 2016

One of Sedona’s most picturesque hiking tracks, Twins Buttes Trail is a quiet outdoor fun spot. The trail gives you everything you may want to experience on a countryside hiking trip. From smooth straight roads to moderately challenging climbs or descents. It is excellent for walking, trail running, bike riding, nature trips, hiking, and mountain biking. The trail is about 2.2 miles (3.54 kilometers) long and leads to the Broken Arrow loop trail. It also features a river. Twin Buttes trail also allows leashed dogs.

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Enjoy the outdoor beauty of Sedona

Sedona is a beautiful outdoor area in the Northern part of Arizona. This fantastic place is blessed with so many scenic sites, captivating landscapes, majestic mountains, and red rock formations – that it is one of the significant hiking spots in the area. There are many exciting and exciting hiking and trekking spots in Sedona, Arizona, to keep you well-entertained during your visit.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Salim is a lover of adventure and creativity. He is fascinated with the beauty of nature and the great African arts and history. He has visited many of the waterfalls and museums in Nigeria and...Read more

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