How to Hike in Sedona, Arizona

More than 400,000 people visit the Sedona, Arizona vicinity annually. While people are drawn to Sedona for various reasons, many visitors are in seeking the ultimate hike through Sedona's famous iron-oxide-stained, red landscape. With more than 100 trails waiting to be explored, Sedona has a respectable reputation as one of the America's hottest hiking destinations. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Venture down the popular and busy West Fork Trail, which runs along the West Fork of Oak Creek. The trail head is near the "Call O' the Canyon" carport, which is located between mile markers 385 and 384 on Highway 85. The shady trail is 6 miles round trip and can be hiked in approximately 2 to 3 hours.
2. Hike the Vultee Arch Trail, located at the bottom of Sterling Canyon. Drive to the trail head located off Forest Road 152. Plan for a 2 hour round trip hike. Enjoy views of Vultee Arch.
3. Ascend the 400-foot-high, flat-topped mesa, known as Doe Mountain. The trail head is located on Forest Road 152C. Climb just under 1 mile to the top and then walk just over 1 mile around the perimeter. Plan for a 2 hour round trip hike.
4. Experience one of Sedona's spiritual vortex centers located on Bell Rock. Drive 5 miles south of downtown Sedona on Highway 179. Park in the parking areas along the roadside. Take one of the many trails that wind up and around Bell Rock.
5. Climb Cathedral Rock located .6 miles down Back O' Beyond Road. This short trail is very steep, but provides amazing views. There is little shade on any trail up Cathedral Rock. Bring lots of water and hike early in the morning.
6. Enjoy the natural arch and prehistoric ruins along the Fay Canyon Trail. Locate the trail head about 1/2 mile down Boynton Pass Road. Plan for a 1 hour round trip hike.
7. Travel the Boynton Canyon Trail. The trail head is located near the Enchantment Resort along Dry Creek Road. The trail boasts unique vegetation and a wide variety of wildlife. This is also a well known location for one of Sedona's famous vortices, making it a busy trail.