Sedona Hiking Tours: The Best Adventures in Red Rock Country

With over five million annual visitors and an average stay of less than 24 hours, many travelers fail to see the "real Sedona." Red Rock Country offers more than 150 hiking trails and 350 miles of hiking within less than 19 square miles, making it the Day Hiking Capital of the World! Sedona is the perfect place to satisfy your outdoor adventure curiosities. From hiking to swimming, cliff jumping, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, exploring native cliff dwellings, or even skydiving, Sedona adventures await in every corner of the Southwest!

If you plan on exploring independently through Sedona and its surrounding areas, please refer to our list below for guidance:

Our Recommended Self-Guided Hikes: Easy Hikes / Moderate Hikes / Hard Hikes

Our Adventure Cheat Sheet: Sedona's Best Hikes in 5's

Interested in Learning More About Sedona's Native American Cultures: Northern Arizona Archaeology Sites

Classic Sedona Hiking Trails

Crescent Moon Picnic Area: This site offers some of the best and easiest sunset photography in Red Rock Country. With great creekside hiking and picnic tables, this area provides stunning views of Cathedral Rock at sunset. Arrive two hours prior to sunset for the best pictures. Cost: $15/vehicle (bring cash). Difficulty: Easy with intermittent shade. Length: 2.5 miles total. Google Maps

Devils Bridge via Chuckwagon: Easily the best arch to photograph in the entire Southwest! Stand on top of it for an unforgettable view. Follow 89A South to Dry Creek Rd, then take a right on Long Canyon Road and park at Mescal Trailhead Parking Lot. After a short (.2) mile walk via Mescal Trail, follow Chuckwagon Trail left for (1) mile to the Devils Bridge intersection. This in-and-out hike is best done no later than two hours after sunrise due to significant sun exposure and high visitor traffic. Length: 4.2 miles / 500ft elevation. Important Timing Note: +/-3 hours (depending on wait time to stand on top of the arch). Google Maps

Doe Mountain Loop: Ideal for an early morning (7 - 9am) or evening (2.5 hours before sunset), this hike takes you around the mesa's edge for spectacular views of Sedona's rock formations. Requires a Red Rock Pass for parking. Length: 2.4 miles / 620ft elevation. Difficulty: Moderate, with great rewards for your efforts! Google Maps

West Fork Trail: One of the most scenic hiking tours in all of Northern Arizona, located 10.5 miles North of Uptown Sedona. This creekside hike crosses the stream 13 times and features seasonal wildflowers. Arrive by 8am (when the gate opens) to avoid large crowds and capture the perfect lighting for photography. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available at the parking lot. Cost: $15/vehicle (bring cash). Difficulty: Moderate with plenty of shade. Length: 6.4 miles total. Google Maps

Sedona Hike & Swim Picnic

Grasshopper Swimming & Picnic Area: Located just 2.6 miles North of Uptown Sedona, this area offers accessible swimming and cliff jumping spots, making it perfect for a family outing. Arrive before 10AM to avoid the crowds. For more solitude, hike Allens Bend Trail, which offers private picnic spots along the water. The deepest swimming holes are found just (.2 mile) from the entrance. Picnic tables and bathrooms are available. Cost: $15/vehicle (bring cash). Site Information / Google Maps

Adventure Course

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course: For those seeking a thrill, this adrenaline-packed experience near Pulliam Airport in Flagstaff, AZ, will test your limits. The drive from Uptown Sedona takes around 40 minutes, so be sure to book your reservations in advance. The course operates on selected dates and is closed during winter months due to harsh conditions. Google Maps

Sedona Mountain Biking

Thunder Mountain Bikes (West Sedona): Central for mountain biking rentals and cycling needs, their knowledgeable staff will ensure your experience exceeds expectations. If you're staying in the VOC, consider Absolute Bikes or Bike & Bean nearby.

MTB Project: The ultimate online resource for understanding how Sedona has become America's Mountain Biking Mecca. Here, you can find maps, trail photos, suggested rides, and trail ratings to select the best ride for you.

Best Mountain Biking Tours in Sedona

Sedona Mountain Bike Guides: For customized MTB tours, classic MTB tours, family-friendly MTB tours, and more, Sedona Mountain Bike Guides is the top choice. Our expert guides know the best trails and skills parks, making for an unforgettable outing. If you prefer self-guided rides with shuttle support, check out our Sedona Adventure Shuttle services.

Sedona Monuments

Chapel of The Holy Cross: A must-see architectural marvel, visit this chapel before 10am to avoid large crowds, as admission is free. Google Maps

Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park: Open daily from dawn to dusk, this peaceful site is perfect for prayer, meditation, and healing. The views at sunrise and sunset here are truly breathtaking. Google Maps

Native American Cultural Sites

Montezuma Castle National Monument: Recognized as an architectural achievement of the Sinagua People, this cliff dwelling was once a flourishing trade center. Open daily from 8am to 5pm. Ideal photo opportunities occur around 11am and 4:15pm, making it a great stop on your way home from Sedona. While in the area, be sure to visit Montezuma Well for additional ruins and a fascinating sinkhole that releases over one million gallons of water daily.

Honanki Heritage Site: Featuring remarkable architecture from the Sinagua People and pictographs, this site is near Loy Canyon Trail. A Red Rock Pass and prior reservations are necessary (928)282-4119. High-clearance vehicles are recommended, and the site is open daily from 9:30am to 3pm.

Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site: Showcasing stunning petroglyphs from the "Beaver Creek Rock Art Style," this easily accessible site features a visitor center and gift shop. Open Friday through Monday from 9:30am to 3pm (October - May) and 8am to 12pm (June - September).

Horseback Riding

Horsin Around Adventures: The top choice for horseback riding in the region.

Wildlife Park

Out of Africa Park: A fantastic destination for kids and families where you can connect with wildlife and watch daily shows featuring tigers, predators, and more. Don't miss the new Predator Zip-Line Tour for an exhilarating experience! The park is about 35 minutes from Sedona and opens daily from 9:30am to 5pm.

Sedona Jeep Tours

Pink Jeep Tours: Offering affordable and expertly led Jeep Tours, group hiking tours, horseback riding/Jeep combo tours, and Grand Canyon tours, Pink Jeep is Arizona's largest tour company. Their professional guides are highly respected in Red Rock Country.

Sedona Balloon Tours

Northern Light Balloon Expeditions: As one of only two companies authorized to fly within Sedona, they provide breathtaking sunrise views of the Red Rocks. Tours depart early morning daily, with resort pick-up. The experience lasts 3-4 hours, including 1.5 hours of flight. The smaller balloon size ensures a more intimate experience. Book early due to their strict 48-hour cancellation policy. If unavailable, consider Red Rock Balloons as an alternative.

Best Beer & Wine in Sedona

Page Springs Cellars: A must-visit for wine lovers! Located just 25 minutes west on 89A, it features handcrafted wines and a beautiful tasting room with vineyard views.

Oak Creek Brewery & Grill: Renowned for its local handcrafted beers and delicious wood-fired pizzas. Be sure to try their Forty-Niner Golden Lager, Nut Brown, and Hefeweizen.

Sedona Beer Co: Offers the finest handcrafted beer in Northern Arizona. If you prefer dining with your brews, the Uptown location is recommended. For more laid-back vibes, visit their west side location, known as "Basecamp."

Mogollon Rim Adventure Detour into Phoenix

Tonto Natural Bridge: A breathtaking detour on your way to Phoenix, taking you along the Mogollon Rim to view the world's largest natural travertine bridge. The 183ft tall and 400ft long bridge features a waterfall cascading through the top. Less than a 3.5-mile hike allows you to explore the arch, though there's a steep 200ft elevation gain if mobility is a concern. This is an excellent stop as you leave Sedona, especially for those headed to Sky Harbor International Airport or staying overnight in Scottsdale.

Exploring Arizona Quicklinks

Exploring Scottsdale / Exploring Prescott / Exploring Grand Canyon / Exploring Flagstaff / Exploring Page / Best Hikes in Sedona / Easy Sedona Hikes / Moderate Sedona Hikes / Hard Sedona Hikes / N. AZ Archaeology Sites

Best Food in Sedona / Sedona Nightlife / Sedona Weather / Frequently Asked Questions

Useful Hiking Links

Red Rock Ranger District Recreation Guide / Free Sedona Vortex Maps & Information