You don’t have to go very far from Phoenix to find the breathtaking Sedona, AZ. This small town has weather that will amaze you, and some of the surreal hiking views come right out of a postcard. The City is full of red rock formations, sandstone buttes, and pine forests that make it a hiker’s dreamscape. Check out our list below of five trails in order starting with the easiest one for beginners:
Kisva Trail
The Kisva Trail is a short but sweet 1.8 miles, and it’s one of the only wheelchair accessible trails in all of Sedona. The scenic route is partly paved and takes about 30 minutes to finish. If you start from the visitor center, you’llomb be met with stunning red rock formations as you walk through a meadow listening to the calming sound of a creek nearby. Before beginning your hike, take advantage of the amenities near the visitor center, like picnic tables and accessible restrooms. It’s important to note that there is a fee required to enter Red Rock State Park.
Devil’s Bridge
The Devil’s Bridge trail is one of the most popular beginner hikes in Sedona, and it offers amazing views that you won’t want to miss. The 1.8-mile long trail includes natural sights like red rock formations and yucca plants, as well as a breathtaking view of miles of greenery. Plus, this particular hike is good for families with young children because it easy to follow and supervised from the main parking lot. Just be aware that in order to get to the parking area, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle with 4WD since Dry Creek Road can be difficult to navigate otherwise. Although there are plenty of other parking options in the area, 4WD is required to reach this one. If your car doesn’t have 4WD, you’ll just have to hike a bit farther. Once on the trail, the route gains between 400 and 500 feet of elevation; expect to spend a couple of hours taking in the sights. When you finally reach the top ofthe trail pinnacle, be sure take a picture on Devils Bridge- it’s one of largest sandstone arches in Sedona! You will need Red Rock Pass park in designated lots or can pay $5 day-long parking fee instead.
The Birthing Cave
Although there’s 250 feet of elevation near the cave and no bathroom facilities at the Long Canyon Trailhead parking lot, The two-mile The Birthing Cave trail is still a popular hike among trekkers because of the incredible views from inside the cave. (If you don’t want to pay for parking, another option is drive to the nearby Mescal Trailhead and walk an extra half mile.) To locate the cave, look for a trail veering left as you approach the bluffs; upon closer inspection, you’ll see that it’s in the shape of a heart. Follow that path to find the Birthing Cave entrance, whereUpon emerging from the cave,you’ll be rewarded with picturesque views of red mountains and Sedona greenery high above tree line. You won’t need a parking or hiking pass for this excursion.
Fay Canyon
Fay Canyon is the perfect hike for you if you’re looking for a moderate challenge that offers plenty of cacti, flowers, and breathtaking cliffs and waterfalls. The Fay Canyon Arch, one of the most popular natural rock formations in the area which stretches over 100 feet wide, is located right on this trail. You can best view it by going underneath it. This picturesque hike will take approximately 50 minutes to finish if you keep a steady pace throughout. The best part about the trail is that dogs are allowed as long as they’re on a leash. If you arrive early, you’ll be able to avoid the bigger crowds and find parking more easily too. Just note that you’ll need a Red Rock Pass for the designated lots or else pay the $5 daily fee.
Bear Mountain
The five-mile Bear Mountain hike is a difficult yet gratifying journey for those who would consider themselves experienced hikers. This expedition will lead you to the summit of Bear Mountain through shady, typically sheer trails for more than two miles before arriving at the peak. The walk up is quite strenuous, largely thanks to an uphill rocky terrain with a significant elevation incline—but it’s worth reaching the top. The path provides stunning views the whole way, and you’ll often find hikers taking pictures of the landscape as they go. You need a Red Rock Pass to park in the designated lots, or you can pay the $5 day-long parking fee.