Adventure Guide
Sedona, Arizona
Red rock trails, desert sunsets, jeep tracks and swimming holes. Here's how to make the most of one of the Southwest's most stunning places.
Start exploring~2 hrs
drive from Phoenix
~45 min
from Flagstaff via Oak Creek Canyon
4,350 ft
elevation
Spring & Fall
best seasons to visit
Top hikes
Sedona has hundreds of miles of trails. These are the ones first-timers shouldn't miss.
Hike · Moderate–hard
Cathedral Rock
Short and steep, with some hand-over-hand scrambling up slickrock. Big views of red rock spires for very little distance. Go early, as parking fills fast.
+ Add to my tripHike · Moderate
Devil's Bridge
The largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. A mostly easy walk on an old jeep road, then a short climb to the arch. Expect a line for photos on top.
+ Add to my tripHike · Easy
Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte
A loop around two of Sedona's most famous formations. Mostly flat and family-friendly, and you can climb partway up Bell Rock if you want more.
+ Add to my tripHike · Moderate
Soldier Pass
Sinkholes, the Seven Sacred Pools, and an optional side trip to a cave. A great mix of sights on one trail.
+ Add to my tripHike · Easy–moderate
West Fork of Oak Creek
A shady canyon walk with many creek crossings, right off scenic Highway 89A. Beautiful in fall color season.
+ Add to my tripHike · Moderate
Boynton Canyon
A long canyon hike through red rock walls and forest, with a famous vortex spot along the way.
+ Add to my tripMore ways to adventure
Not just hiking. Here's what else to fill your days (and nights) with.
Adventure
Jeep & off-road tours
Ride the rough 4x4 trails like Broken Arrow with a guide, or rent your own off-road vehicle.
+ Add to my tripSwim
Slide Rock State Park
Natural water slides in Oak Creek. A summer favorite, and it gets busy, so arrive early.
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Hot air balloon rides
Sunrise flights over the red rocks. Book ahead, since flights depend on the weather.
+ Add to my tripRide
Mountain biking
Sedona is one of the best known mountain bike towns in the country, with trails for every skill level.
+ Add to my tripNight
Stargazing
Sedona is a certified International Dark Sky Community. Look up after sunset!
+ Add to my tripExplore
Vortex sites
Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon are the classic four.
+ Add to my tripPlan your trip
- When to go: March–May and September–November have the best weather. Summers are hot, and July–September brings afternoon monsoon storms.
- Start early: Trailhead parking at popular hikes fills up by mid-morning, especially on weekends.
- Take the shuttle: The free Sedona Shuttle runs to several of the busiest trailheads.
- Parking passes: Many national forest trailheads require a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass.
- Bring water: More than you think. The desert sun is strong, even in cooler months.
Book your Sedona adventure
Our favorite ways to stay and play in Sedona.
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