Best Hikes In Sedona Arizona
To me, Sedona Arizona is an underrated hiking destination. Most visitors to this area will opt for the ever so popular trails of The Grand Canyon, like the ones I wrote about here, and that is unfortunate. Yes, the Grand Canyon is spectacular, and a must-visit location but Sedona AZ has unique qualities you will not find elsewhere. With its unique red rock backdrop, natural rock bridges steams, and almost year-round perfect hiking weather, this is a fantastic spot for any outdoor lover. If you ever chose to put Sedona on your outdoor adventure map here are a few outdoor hikes sure to please. So now it is time for the best hikes in Sedona Arizona.
Soldiers Pass
Soldiers pass is known mostly for the 7 pools ( which happens to be this blog posts featured image ). The 7 pools are definitely a highlight of this trail, but Soldiers pass has a little secret, and that is a secret cave which lies a short distance off the main path.
The thing that makes this cave a secret is that the trail which leads to it is absent of the obvious sign that says, “Hey the cave you are looking for is this way.” In fact, there is no sign directing you to the cave itself. It’s just an unmarked path that veers off to the right, and it is easy to miss. Fear, not my friends, I will show you exactly where this cave is located and how you get there.
First, let us talk about the trial. This is not a very long hike ( about 4.1 miles round trip) or technical until you get close to the cave. Parking for this trail is terrible as the trailhead is lodged in the middle of a neighboorhood with about 10 parking spots available. If you don’t get there early or get lucky, you will have to park along the street. In most cases, that is not a big deal, but since this trailhead is located in a community, you can not park your vehicle on the curbside. You have to exit the neighborhood and park along the public road which is at least 500 yards away from the trailhead. Not a deal-breaker but something that should be mentioned.
Once you start the hike stop by Devils kitchen, the largest active sinkhole in AZ, then proceed to hike to the 7 pools. This is a well maintained easy to follow trail, and you shouldn’t have any issues getting lost. From the seven sacred pools, continue on the trail for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, you will come to a sign that says Soldier’s Pass Trail. From this sign, you will walk about 5 additional minutes, and you will arrive at a fork in the trail. To the right is an unmarked trail. Looks like this
Follow that for 25 minutes and have fun at the cave.
Cathedral Rock
This is probably the most popular trail in Sedona. Sometimes the most popular trail in a small location can become an overhyped letdown but not this trail. You have some pretty incredible 360 degree views the whole way up. There are parts of the hike where you encounter monstrous sections of rock which give you the option to choose which route to take, and there are some sections you will need to do some mild scrambling ( hands and knees crawling). It isn’t technical or something to be afraid of but you will have to do it to reach the top. If you bring your dog along with you like I did you may have to help your pup in a few spots.
Make sure that once you reach the top you explore some of the cliffside paths and veer off to theft to get an up-close view of the Cathedrals pinnacles.
Devils Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. There are a few ways to get here. If you are pressed for time and or fitness, you can park at the trailhead and take a shortcut up the Forest Route 152. I’m not a fan of hiking truck trails, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. If you trust your driving skills, you can drive up the forest road as well.
I like taking this hike via the Chuck Wagon trail. Its a beautiful walk with great views that leads you right to the Devils Bridge. This will make the hike a total of 6 miles. For the more adventurous you can connect this trail with Brins Mesa that connects to Solider past ( the first trail on this list). That makes for an epic all-day adventure but start early if you plan to do the hike this way.
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Want to know what to pack on your best hikes in Sedona Arizona?
Follow this link to learn about the must-have day hiking essentials.
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Birthing Cave
This trail starts at the Long Canyon trailhead which you can take to Devils Bride as well. This is a relatively easy hike with little elevation change, and will not take you very long to reach the arch. Obviously, the main reason you do this hike is for the photo above, but there are many beautiful scenery shots along the way. This spot is top shelf Instagram worthy, and there are plenty of places to explore in, on, and around this rock formation. Be sure to walk along the side of the structure and spend a little time there.
Vulte Arch
Vultee Arch is a large eroded cavity in sandstone cliffs at the side of a wooded canyon north of Sedona. It is a 3 1/2 mile moderate level hike that starts with a steep trek as soon as you exit your car. You will need a parking pass for this hike, and at the time of writing this, that cost is $5. There is not a defined trail to the summit of this arch. As with many trails in this area, you have choices. Just take a moment and use your best judgment on which path looks the best for you. This is another trail that is best combined with Devils Bridge. Note that much of this trail is shared with OHV vehicles. If you happen to own one of those or have a high clearance vehicle, you can drive a reasonable distance to the arch.
First Bench Of Wilson
This is one of my favorite hikes and definitely one of the best hikes in Sedona Arizona. For those that enjoy solitude and something away from the crowds, this is a fantastic choice. The view you will get from Mt Wilson is outstanding, probably the best in Sedona with views of the many red rock canyons and the Coconino Forest to the east. As I have mentioned before its another hike that can be customized to your fitness or enthusiasm level. The hike will take you out and back 5.5 miles, but you can stretch it to 11 miles round trip by continuing to Wilson mountain. The terrain here has a lot of loose rock so if you have trekking poles bring them. This is a lovely hike giving you a little taste of everything like Forest trees, sandstone structures, red rock canyons, and incredible viewpoints.
Sedona is a pleasantly surprising outdoor lovers paradise. Most of the hikes mentioned here can quickly be done in a single day. Most of the trails in Sedona are well maintained and easy to follow. If you find yourself traveling to Sedona and want to enjoy the outdoors, pick yourself a nice hike, and enjoy Sedona.
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Headed to the Grand Canyon?
Get this detailed hiking map of trails, water refill spots, and secret waterfalls. right here.
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