Best Moderate Hikes in Sedona

1) HiLine Trail: This wonderful 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 the labor needed to get there. Our recommendation is to stop at the elevated platform located 1.5 miles into the Hiline Trail. This will be an obvious ending, as you will realize you're about to lose all of the elevation you've just gained to get to this overlook (-275ft). The trail offers tremendous elevated views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Lee Mountain, Twin Buttes, and 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, Templeton, and Slim Shady -- It will end up being about 8.7 miles (5 hours) of hiking. This is a popular ride for expert mountain bikers, so be cautious around every corner. 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 arch to photography in the entire 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's best to do this hike no more than 2 hours after sunrise, as the trail has significant sun exposure and very high 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 the lives of the ancient cultures who once called Sedona home. The trail is moderate in grade and follows along a path formerly used by the Sinagua, Yavapai, and Apache People -- who thrived in Boynton Canyon as early as 1000AD. Those looking for a shorter hike, can use Boynton Vista Trail (.3 miles into Boynton Canyon Trail) to hike below the Sacred Kachina Woman Spire. From this location, you can capture inspiring elevated photos of Mescal Mountain, Doe Mountain, Cockscomb, and Boynton Canyon near the giant hoodoo formation. Boynton Canyon Trail is unique, as it starts in the Upper Sonoran Desert and eventually ascends to the very edge of the Colorado Plateau. The trails terrain will shift from desert pinon & juniper to deeply forested ponderosa pines and Arizona grapes -- along a mostly shaded trail in the afternoon. This canyon is one of the most sacred areas in Sedona and the end reminds many Utah lovers of Zion National Park. Please stay on the trail in this canyon to reduce erosion and preserve the areas federally protected heritage sites.  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 and located 10.5 miles North of Uptown Sedona. This mesmerizing creekside walk offers  reflective views of the magnificent towering walls, which surround this narrow canyon on all sides.  The hike crosses the creek 13 times each way and exposes countless species 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 incredible solitude for introspective healing time. We suggest arriving at 7am to avoid large crowds and capture the best lighting for photography. The adjoined Call of The Canyon Picnic Site offers tables and bathrooms at the parking lot.  Length: 6.4 miles total/245ft. Time: 4.5 hours. Fees: $12/Vehicle (Bring Cash). Restrooms: Yes. INFO/MAP/Google Maps

5) HOGS Loop: A breath-taking loop along one of Sedona's 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 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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Easy Hikes/Hard Hikes

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Useful Hiking Links

List of Sedona Hiking Trails A - J / List of Sedona Hiking Trails L - Z

Red Rock Ranger District Recreation Guide

Free Sedona Hiking Maps with Trail Distances

Free Sedona Vortex Maps & Information