Best Moderate Hikes in Sedona

Our Recommendations for the Best Moderate Hikes in Red Rock Country

1) HiLine Trail: As a recent addition to the Sedona trail system, this trail receives low traffic and offers elevated perspectives of Sedona's most iconic rock structures. The HiLine Trail is less than 4 feet wide along some areas and makes it seem like you've hiked much higher in elevation than reality. Our recommendation is to stop at the elevated platform located 1.5 miles into the Hiline Trail. The will be an obvious ending, as you will realize you are about to loose all of the elevation you've gained to get to this overlook (-275ft). The trail offers tremendous elevated views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Lee Mountain, Twin Buttes, and the Cathedral Rock. If you do this hike three hours before sunset you will enjoy great lighting for photography and walk in the shade most of the hike. From the parking lot go straight onto Kaibab (.1 miles) and Left on Slim Shady (.2 miles) and Right on HiLine for 1.5 miles. If you choose to turn this into a loop incorporating: Baldwin Trail, Tempelton, and Slim Shady--It will end up being about 8.7 miles (5 hours) of hard hiking. Distance: 3.6 miles total/375ft. Time: 2.5 hours. Fees: Red Rock Pass. Restrooms: Yes. MAP/Google Maps

2) Devils Bridge via Chuckwagon: Easily the best photographed arch in the Southwest!! Especially because you can stand on top of it!! Follow 89A South to Dry Creek Rd. Follow Dry Creek Road to the end (3 miles) and take right onto Long Canyon Road. Park on right side of road in less that (.35 miles) in the dirt parking lot. Trail will go (.2) miles from parking lot via Mescal Trail. After crossing the wash, follow Chuckwagon Trail Left for (1) mile, until you reach the intersection for Devils Bridge. Here you will cross the dirt road FR152 and ascend to the middle of the natural arch. This is an in-and-out hike. It is best to do this hike no more than 3 hours after sunrise, as the trail has significant sun exposure and visitor traffic. Distance: 4.2 miles total/500ft. Time: 3 hours. Fees: Does not require Red Rock Pass. Restrooms: No. INFO/MAP/Google Maps

3) Boynton Canyon Trail: As one of the most picturesque canyons in Arizona, this trail offers a glimpse into past native cultures which once called the red rocks of Sedona home. The trail is moderate in grade and follows along a path formerly used by the Sinagua People and later the Yavapai/Apache tribes, who thrived in Boynton Canyon as early as 1000AD. Along the trail, hikers will notice several cliff dwellings along the right side of the path; just after passing the Enchantment Resort. This hike is unique in that it starts in the Upper Sonoran Desert and eventually ascends to the very edge of what could be considered the Colorado Plateau. The terrain will shift from desert Pinon/Juniper to lushly forested Ponderosa Pines and Arizona Grapes along a mostly shaded trail in the afternoon. There is something special about this canyon and the end reminds many Utah lovers of Zion National Park. Length: 6.5 miles total/650ft elevation. Time: 3.5 hours. Fees: Red Rock Pass. Restrooms: Yes. INFO/MAP/Google Maps

4) West Fork Trail: One of the most scenic hikes in all of Northern Arizona. It is located 10.5 miles North of Uptown Sedona. This creekside walk offers astounding reflective views of the magnificent towering walls that surround this narrow canyon. The hike crosses the creek 13 times each way and exposes countless numbers of seasonal wildflowers along the path. Zane Grey's book "Call of the Canyon," released in 1924, describes a troubled young man from New York who is seemingly suffering from PTSD. In the book, the man uses the area around West Fork to recover his soul and shift himself into a new life of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As a local, this trail is considered a sacred place and the backwaters offer solitude and opportunities to literally reflect upon your future and hear the faint, but ever-clear, Call of the Canyon. We suggest arriving at 8am (when the gate opens) to avoid large crowds and to observe the best lighting for photography. The site has picnic tables and bathrooms provided at the parking lot. Length: 6.4 miles total/245ft. Time: 4.5 hours. Fees: $12 (Bring Cash)/vehicle. Restrooms: Yes. INFO/MAP/Google Maps

5) HOGS Loop: A breath-taking loop along one of Sedona's newest and most under-used trail systems. This loop leads passed the famous Broken Arrow region, where over 60 movies have been filmed in recent years. The area is named after the movie "Broken Arrow" which was released in 1950 and stared Jimmy Stewart. The path provides elevated perspectives of the Munds Mountain Wilderness, in a "Jeep free area," which stays close to town while delivering excellent wilderness views. The trail system consists of taking a clockwise circle (only right turns) along the following trails: Broken Arrow (.2 miles), Twin Buttes (.6 miles), Hog Heaven (.8 miles), Hog Wash (1.3 miles), and Left on Broken Arrow (.2 miles). Length: 3.1 miles/265ft. Time: 2 hours. Fees: Does not require Red Rock Pass. Restrooms: None. MAP/Google Maps

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