15 Easy Hikes in Sedona with Breathtaking Views

In this red rock oasis, these 15 easy hikes in Sedona will provide breathtaking views. Sedona is located in northern Arizona in the Coconino National Forest and it has so much to offer. There are hundreds of hiking trails, mountain biking, spas and so much more in Sedona. It’s great for a quick weekend getaway or a stop on a larger family road trip. These easy Sedona hikes are family-friendly and good for all ages and abilities. Beyond the physical beauty, Sedona has long been known as a spiritual place that is both sacred and powerful. There are many vortex locations within these hikes. You can learn more about Vortexes in this section here.

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Easy Hikes in Sedona with Breathtaking Views

#1 Big Park to Bell Rock

Hike Details: 4.0 mi, Elevation gain 377 ft, loop trail, easy to moderate
Parking/Trailhead: Bell Rock Vista Parking. From Sedona go South on Hwy 179, Trailhead is on the east side of 179 (left if going South), and restrooms are at the trailhead.

This hike allows you to see Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks without hiking up it. This Sedona hiking trail has incredible red rock views the entire way and although rated moderate in AllTrails this can be adapted to an easy hike by turning around part-way. We recommend doing it clockwise and then if you turn back with kids or because it’s too much you can see the most scenic parts first. There is enough elevation on the north side of Courthouse Butte to provide panoramic views of Cathedral Rock and Chapel of the Holy Cross. There is a vortex site here and to reach it takes a little bit of climbing.

#2 Deadman’s Pass in Boynton Canyon

Hike Details: 2.6 mi, Elevation gain 265 ft, Out & back, Easy
Parking/Trailhead: Boynton Canyon Trailhead parking lot with restrooms

This is a family-friendly hike good for all skill levels. The terrain varies from sandy, small rocks, larger ledge rocks, washouts to wood steps. The views are spectacular and the trail connects to Long Canyon, Mescal, and Boynton Canyon Trails. You can combine this with the birthing cave (more info below) from this location.

#3 Fay Canyon Trail

Hike Details: 2.3 mi, Elevation gain 193 ft, Out & back, Easy
Parking/Trailhead: located off of Boynton Pass Road with a restroom at the trailhead

This is a well-marked, fairly level, and shady trail where you can see unique rock formations, red rock, and beautiful box canyons. The highlight of this hike is the Fay Canyon Arch that you can see from the main trail. If you decide you want to take the spur/side trail to the Arch this can be steeper and more difficult, but look for the stacked cairns that show you the way. Once you reach the “trail end” sign recommend continuing for about .1-.2 miles to reach a ledge that provides views both up and down the canyon.

#4 and #5 Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass Trail

Hike Details: 1.8 mi, Elevation gain 108 ft, Out & back, Easy
Continuing to Soldier Pass Cave 4.3mil total, Elevation gain 813, Out & Back, Moderate/hard
Parking/Trailhead: Soldier Pass Trailhead, Forest Service 9904 Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

There are only 14 spots at the trailhead along with a restroom. If you park at Posse Park, Debbie a local shuttle driver will take you to the trailhead for donations. She drives a red van, is very friendly, and can be reached at 928-592-2011. This trailhead is only open 8 AM-6PM and there is no neighborhood parking allowed outside of those times.

It is .9 miles to reach the seven sacred pools and you can see the Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole along the way at the base of the Sphinx Rock Formation. This large active sinkhole collapsed in 1995. The Soldier Pass Trail is partially shaded from the trees and is family-friendly.

How to find the Soldier Pass Cave

If you want to continue to the cave it’s about 0.7 miles further on Soldier Pass Trail from the pools but is rated moderate or hard based on the climbing needed to get into the cave. You’ll reach the turn-off on the right for the cave. It’s a small-use trail and you’ll find yourself on an open mesa. You’ll see a rock wall in the distance, and if you look hard enough you can spot the arch that marks the entrance of the cave. Stay to the left when crossing the flat mesa. The trail after the plateau gets quite steep, heading toward the base of the cliff. Follow any of the trails heading towards the hole in the wall. As you get closer, you should be able to spot two arches in the wall. You can climb up into the back of the cave using some well-placed rocks. Once you’ve climbed up inside, you’ll see the entire cave but it does take some balancing along the ledges and is not good for younger kids.

#6 Baldwin Trail #191

Hike Details: 2.0 miles, Elevation gain 216 ft, Loop, Easy
Parking/Trailhead: Baldwin Trail, Sedona, AZ 86351 park near the end of the Verde Valley School Road or Turkey Creek Trail East Parking. 
This is a fairly easy and flat loop trail that is very family-friendly. It has red rock views as well as amazing views of Cathedral Rock. This is a great way to see Cathedral Rock without the more difficult hike. It leads to many side trails accessing swim spots on Oak Creek and other hikes along Cathedral Rock if you’re looking to add on. There is mountain biking in this area as well.

#7 Airport Viewing Trail

Hike Details: 1.4 miles, Elevation gain 242 ft, Out & back, Easy-Moderate
Parking/Trailhead: 538 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 $3 for parking and can get crowded
A very short hike that leads to 360° views of Sedona. From the summit trail, you can see most of Sedona’s most famous landmarks, including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Munds Mesa, and the town of Sedona. You use the Sedona View Trail to reach the Airport Loop Trail and the Vortex site. This Sedona hike is great at sunset, but just plan enough advance time to get down safely while there’s still light and bring a headlamp just in case as it is rocky.

#8 Birthing Cave 

Hike Details: 2mi, Elevation gain 295 ft, Out & back, Easy-Moderate
Parking/Trailhead: Long Canyon Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336, there are a few parking spots but most park along the road.
This is a beautiful short hike up to a cave with a beautiful view. The trail is not well marked but the map in AllTrails is correct. After 0.6 miles on the trail, go to the left when you see a log on the trail. There were hand-drawn arrows that directed to the correct location as well, but I’m not sure if these are always present. The only part that is moderate is the short climb into the cave that most abilities should be able to do so we’re including it as an easy hike with a stunning view. Our kids could do it just fine and it’s a short distance if the cave is too difficult. When you’re inside the cave looking out over the valley, you can really take in the peacefulness and spiritual energy of the area. If it is crowded please wait for others coming down/out to give space as in the cave there’s limited space.

If you’re looking for other lesser-known trails in Sedona check out the Secret 7.

Looking for other ways to see Sedona? A jeep tour is a great way to see unique areas of Sedona without requiring a hike. These tours are family-friendly and loved by kids and adults of all ages.

Popular Hikes in Sedona that are Rated Moderate or Hard

#9 Cathedral Rock

Hike Details: 1.2 mi, Elevation gain 741, out & back, rated hard
Parking/Trailhead: Cathedral Rock Trailhead, 500 Back O Beyond Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
Due to its incredible scenery and short distance, this is an extremely popular hike so expect crowds. A bit of scrambling and slick rock, and very steep sections, so have your hands free and consider no bag. Be ready to climb and slide a little, but there are big payoffs as the views at the top are amazing. 

#10 Devil’s Bridge

Hike Details: 3.9mi, Elevation gain: 521, moderate
Parking/Trailhead: Getting to this trailhead and finding parking is the tricky part. The Devil’s Bridge Trailhead is only accessible by 4WD high-clearance vehicles. Low-clearance vehicles can park on Dry Creek Road or start from Mescal Trailhead. 
This is a very popular spot so expect crowds year-round. From the trailhead, it’s a 2-mile roundtrip hike to Devil’s Bridge. Just before getting to the bridge, you will hike up a series of steps and inclines.

#11 Boynton Canyon

Hike Details: 7.3 mi, Elevation gain: 1,167 ft, Out & back, Moderate
Parking/Trailhead: Boynton Canyon trailhead starts just off of Boynton Canyon Road with a ~30-car lot with restrooms. Overflow parking is allowed on the side of Boynton Canyon Road

Boynton Canyon is one of the best hikes in Sedona. It’s a relatively easy, flat hike that provides some coverage from the sun. The trail ends at the back of the canyon with a seasonal waterfall and stunning views of Boynton Canyon. On this trail, there is also a detour to reach the hidden subway cave and the Sinagua ruins. This can be grouped with the Subway Cave in #12.

#12 Subway Cave in Sedona

Everyone wants to know how to find the Subway Cave in Sedona. We will let you in on the secret. You can take a detour from the Boyton Canyon trail to see the Instagram-made popular Subway Cave. If you have cell service on the trail the coordinates are 34.93253072861719, -111.86303507681723. The spur for the trail to the subway cave is about two miles from the trailhead. If you want detailed instructions on how to find the Subway Cave in Sedona check here.

#13 Huckaby Trail 

Hiking Details: 5.7mi, 902 elevation gain, out & back, Moderate
Parking/Trailhead: This trail can be hiked from the Schnebly Hill trailhead or from Midgley Bridge.
This is a great hike that provides views of Sedona as well as the Midgley Bridge. Hiking to the creek is fun but the crossing may not be possible in the winter/spring or when the water is high.

#14 West Fork of Oak Creek Trail 

Hiking Details: 6.5 mi, Elevation gain 564 ft, Out & back, Moderate
Parking/Trailhead: West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead

This trail runs in between the mountains and along the creek the entire way and is a fantastic hike to experience varied scenery. There is quite a bit of shade on this trail and throughout the path, you cross the creek 13 times (one way). So this is a great easy-moderate hike in Sedona with water. Hiking sandals are best in warmer months or waterproof boots in the winter. In the winter it can be icy and slippery and may not be family-friendly if you plan to go to the end.

#15 Chimney Rock Pass

Hiking Details: 1.7 mi, Elevation gain 374 ft, Loop, Moderate
Parking/Trailhead: Access through either the Andante trailhead or the Thunder Mountain trailhead.

A great hike with great red rock formations in the valley. It is beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Has some good elevation that can get steep in certain sections.

Things to Know When Visiting Sedona

Closest airports to Sedona, AZ

Flagstaff Pulliam (FLG) (19.22 mi) – limited airlines
Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) (99.95 mi)
Check out our tips for using Turo as an alternative to a traditional car rental.

Where to Stay in Sedona

We love staying in VRBO’s as a family of five who likes their space. Sedona provides amazing views, relaxation, and proximity to the outdoors.

Sedona hotel and resorts provide opportunities to arrange day activities, spa visits, and amazing on-site restaurants. Check out great Sedona hotel and resort stays here.

Luxury Stays

If you’re visiting Sedona for a luxury experience (yes even with kids!) then check out any of these incredible stays.
L’Auberge De Sedona is a great smaller upscale hotel with great views and a spa.
The Enchantment Resort is in a beautiful secluded location, with excellent service and spa
The Wilde Resort and Spa has great outdoor spaces, a spa, and yoga.
Amara Resort and Spa with stunning outdoor and indoor spaces, bicycle rentals, a spa, and yoga.

Red Rock Parking Pass

You will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to park at trailheads and hike in Sedona and you can purchase it at the locations listed here. The Red Rock Pass is required while recreating on National Forest land around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. The Red Rock Pass fees are per vehicle per day, or per week or you can also purchase an annual pass. If you have an America the Beautiful annual National Park pass this will work in place of the Red Rock pass for most areas in Sedona.

Arrive early or plan to wait

Sedona has become very popular and most trailhead parking lots fill up by 7 am. Know that you may need to wait or be willing to walk from further locations. If trailhead parking is packed it’s a good idea to check out some of the less popular hikes as trails can get crowded.

Crescent Moon Picnic Site

This perfect picnic spot has Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing. There is fishing, swimming, and wading in the creek, as well as a great picnic spot with a beautiful view. At times it can become crowded. If you want the beauty of Red Rock Crossing with fewer people visit early in the morning or on a weekday.

Vortexes in Sedona

People travel from all over the world to experience the Vortexes in Sedona. Vortexes are thought to be centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex. You can learn more about the Vortexes in Sedona here and if you’d like to know more about where they’re located check here.

The five best-known and documented vortex sites in Sedona

• Airport Mesa
• Chapel of Holy Cross
• Bell Rock
• Cathedral Rock
• Boynton Canyon

Sedona has so much to offer and has developed a reputation as a place of enlightenment. We hope these 15 easy hiking trails in Sedona with big views help you plan a great trip. There is so much to experience in Sedona and the surrounding area. Check out our other Arizona trip guides to incorporate Sedona into a larger trip.