7 Greatest Hikes in Sedona For Wonderful Pink Rock Vistas – Bearfoot Concept


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Sedona has change into a sizzling spot for out of doors lovers and journey seekers. The beautiful crimson rock panorama and countless miles of trails make it one of many prime locations within the West for climbing and exploring.

I’ve spent quite a lot of time in Sedona. As a mountain biker, it’s my favourite place to experience however I’ve additionally hiked lots of the trails. I can confidently say that climbing in Sedona won’t disappoint! Nearly each path that you just select will reward you with superb views, distinctive rock formations, and a little bit little bit of Sedona magic.

However in the event you’re on the lookout for the cream of the crop, right here I’ve rounded up the most effective hikes in Sedona that I might be joyful to hike time and again.

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  • EARLIER IS BETTER – Whether or not you need to beat the crowds or the warmth, I extremely advocate beginning your hikes early.
  • SUN PROTECTION – The solar in Sedona may be brutal and there may be little or no shade on the paths. Deliver loads of solar safety and think about carrying a solar hat.
  • WATER – It’s simple to get dehydrated within the desert. Deliver a day pack that may carry at the very least 2-3 L of water.
  • USE THE HIKER SHUTTLE – Sedona gives a free hiker’s shuttle that may transport you to trailheads round city. It helps lower down on site visitors and is best for the setting.

1. Seven Sacred Swimming pools by way of Cibola Cross Path

Path Fundamentals

  • Why hike it?: Go to the enduring 7 Sacred Swimming pools
  • Path Sort: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 2.8 miles
  • Elevation Achieve: 387 ft
  • Time wanted: 1-2 hours
  • Issue: Straightforward
  • Canines Allowed?: On leash
  • Map: AllTrails
  • Parking payment: Pink Rock Cross or America the Lovely Cross

In the event you’re on the lookout for an important “bang on your buck” hike in Sedona, take a look at the Seven Sacred Swimming pools by way of Cibola Cross Path. It’s a comparatively simple hike with lower than 400 toes of elevation achieve over 3 miles (roundtrip), however the views are unimaginable and the path ends on the iconic Seven Sacred Swimming pools.

These small swimming pools had been fashioned over 1000’s – if not tens of millions – of years of abrasion and at present they’re usually full of water that displays the encircling crimson rock formations. It’s an important hike to do after a rain as a result of the swimming pools shall be full of water and also you may even see them remodel into a shocking waterfall!

Most individuals entry Seven Sacred Swimming pools by way of Troopers Cross, however a quieter – and extra scenic – method is by way of Cibola Cross.

Waterfall cascading over red sandstone rocks in Sedona, ArizonaWaterfall cascading over red sandstone rocks in Sedona, Arizona
In the event you go to after a rain, you may see the Seven Sacred Swimming pools remodel in to a waterfall

2. Bear Mountain

Path Fundamentals

  • Why hike it?: Nice views and a great exercise
  • Path Sort: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 4.6 miles
  • Elevation Achieve: 1,988 ft
  • Time wanted: 4-5 hours
  • Issue: Difficult
  • Canines Allowed?: On leash
  • Map: AllTrails
  • Parking payment: Pink Rock Cross or America the Lovely Cross

Bear Mountain is likely one of the most iconic – and difficult – hikes in Sedona. The path is tremendous steep in locations and really rocky with difficult footing and a little bit of scrambling. However in the event you’re up for an journey, Bear Mountain is a must-do.

Except for a great exercise, the views from the highest are the explanation so as to add this hike to your Sedona Itinerary. They’re superb! You’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Verde Valley, the Mogollon Rim, and even the San Francisco Peaks within the distance.

As I discussed above, this hike is hard. Be ready with plenty of water (a day pack with a hydration reservoir is a should), loads of solar safety, and good climbing sneakers.

Beautiful views out over red rock Sedona landscape from Bear Mountain TrailBeautiful views out over red rock Sedona landscape from Bear Mountain Trail
The views from Bear Mountain are a number of the greatest in Sedona
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Gear up for Sedona

3. Satan’s Bridge Through Mescal Trailhead

Path Fundamentals

  • Why hike it?: To see a singular pure bridge rock formation
  • Path Sort: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Elevation Achieve: 531 ft
  • Time wanted: 2-3 hours
  • Issue: Reasonable
  • Canines Allowed?: On leash
  • Map: AllTrails
  • Parking payment: Pink Rock Cross or America the Lovely Cross

Satan’s Bridge is likely one of the hottest (and well-known) hikes in Sedona, however for good cause. The path culminates at a fantastic sandstone arch, which was created over millennia by the forces of abrasion.

Satan’s Bridge overlooks the attractive Verde Valley with tall crimson rock bluffs rising from the valley ground. You possibly can even stroll out onto the arch (at your personal threat) in the event you’re not afraid of heights!

There are a number of methods you may entry the Satan’s Bridge Path. My favourite is by way of Mescal Trailhead, however you can even park at Dry Creek Vista Trailhead.

Two hikers sitting on top of Devil's Bridge in SedonaTwo hikers sitting on top of Devil's Bridge in Sedona
Satan’s Bridge is an iconic sandstone arch that provides sweeping views of Sedona’s verdant valley

4. Cathedral Rock Path

Path Fundamentals

  • Why hike it?: Wonderful views out over the Verde Valley
  • Path Sort: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 1.2 miles
  • Elevation Achieve: 741 ft
  • Time wanted: 2-3 hours
  • Issue: Reasonable
  • Canines Allowed?: On leash
  • Map: AllTrails
  • Parking payment: Pink Rock Cross or America the Lovely Cross

In the event you’re on the lookout for the most effective views out over Sedona, a hike up Cathedral Rock Path will ship.

This brief hike takes you up the crimson slickrock terraces of Cathedral Rock, gaining virtually 800 toes of elevation in lower than a mile. It’s brief and steep, however I promise you, the views are price it!

Since a lot of the path is on rock slab, there’s a little bit of scrambling to get to the highest. It’s an important selection for households with youngsters as a result of they love climbing round on the rocks.

5. West Fork Path

Path Fundamentals

  • Why hike it?: See a special facet of Sedona. This path gives shade and water
  • Path Sort: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 6.5 miles
  • Elevation Achieve: 564 ft
  • Time wanted: 3-4 hours
  • Issue: Reasonable
  • Canines Allowed?: On leash
  • Map: AllTrails
  • Parking payment: $12 day-use payment or Grand Annual Pink Rock Cross

If you wish to see a special facet of Sedona, head up Oak Creek Canyon to the West Fork Path.

This path follows the West Fork of Oak Creek with sheer cliffs on both facet, shallow river crossings, bushes that present shade, and nice views the farther you hike.

It’s a very well-liked hike although, particularly on sizzling days, so attempt to get an early begin. I like to recommend carrying climbing sneakers that you just don’t thoughts getting moist. A BFT Group favourite shoe for river hikes are Astral water sneakers.

Man walking under red rock overhang on the West Fork Trail in SedonaMan walking under red rock overhang on the West Fork Trail in Sedona

6. Wilson Mountain Path

Path Fundamentals

  • Why hike it?: Full-day hike, nice views, beat the crowds
  • Path Sort: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 8.8 miles
  • Elevation Achieve: 2,549 ft
  • Time wanted: 5-7 hours
  • Issue: Difficult
  • Canines Allowed?: On leash
  • Map: AllTrails
  • Parking payment: Pink Rock Cross or America the Lovely Cross

In the event you’re on the lookout for an all-day hike that may take you up above Sedona for superb views and fewer path site visitors, then head out to Wilson Mountain Path.

Ranging from Midgley Bridge, this path steadily climbs up the rocky bluffs above Wilson Creek. It’s a sustained climb for about 4 miles on a slim, rocky path and then you definitely’re rewarded with unimaginable views out over Sedona.

Give your self loads of time to finish this hike and be sure you pack all of your climbing necessities and at the very least 2-3 liters of water.

Views out over Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona from Wilson Mountain Views out over Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona from Wilson Mountain
Views out over Oak Creek Canyon from the highest of Wilson Mountain

7. Boynton Canyon Path & the Subway Cave

Path Fundamentals

  • Why hike it?: See the distinctive Subway Cave
  • Path Sort: Out-and-back
  • Distance: 7.1 miles
  • Elevation Achieve: 1,100 ft
  • Time wanted: 3-4 hours
  • Issue: Reasonable
  • Canines Allowed?: On leash
  • Map: AllTrails
  • Parking payment: Pink Rock Cross or America the Lovely Cross

Boynton Canyon Path is situated in West Sedona and is likely one of the greatest hikes in Sedona for a couple of causes.

Many individuals hike this path to entry the Subway Cave, which is a brilliant distinctive and delightful rock formation that appears like a subway tunnel. There are additionally some Sinagua ruins within the space, make it an important hike for many pursuits.

The Boynton Canyon hike itself isn’t too difficult, however in the event you plan on visiting the Subway Cave, there’s a little bit of scrambling and publicity, so hold that in thoughts. It additionally will get actually busy, for apparent causes.

The path to the cave isn’t marked, however the turnoff is at about mile 2 on the Boynton Canyon Path. You’ll see a spur path on the suitable.

Subway Cave in SedonaSubway Cave in Sedona
Go to the Subway Cave in your Boynton Canyon hike – it’s superb!

Planning a visit to Sedona? Use our Sedona guides to profit from your go to!

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What greatest hikes in Sedona have you ever achieved? Which certainly one of these appears like probably the most enjoyable? Go away a remark beneath!



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