Red Rock Country: 13 Must-See Hikes and Sites in Sedona, Arizona

Sedona sits in the heart of Arizona’s red rock country. The city lies about two hours north of Phoenix and one hour south of Flagstaff. Towering red sandstone cliffs, deep canyons, hidden caves, and panoramic vistas surround the area. Visitors come for hiking, photography, spiritual retreats, and simply to soak in the dramatic desert landscapes.

Many trails in Sedona pass through US Forest Service land. The Coconino National Forest manages most of the popular hiking areas. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking at most trailheads. America the Beautiful annual passes also work on this federal land. Some locations charge separate entrance fees, and a few have no fee at all. Knowing which pass is needed before arriving saves time and trouble.

Bell Rock

Bell Rock greets many visitors arriving from the south. The formation earned its name because its shape resembles a bell. An easy loop trail circles the base of this massive rock. The full loop runs 3.6 miles and remains relatively flat throughout. Two large parking lots sit on either side of the formation. Both fill quickly, especially on weekends.

Bell Rock is also known as a Sedona vortex site. Vortexes are described as swirling centers of energy believed to aid healing, meditation, and self-reflection. Whether one believes in the spiritual aspect or not, the views from this area are undeniably beautiful.

Hiking to the top of Bell Rock is possible but requires climbing skills. The route involves scrambling and is not suitable for those with a fear of heights. Most visitors stay on the lower trails and still enjoy excellent views of the surrounding red rocks.

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock stands as the symbol of Sedona. This sandstone formation appears on postcards, brochures, and souvenirs throughout the region. The hike to the top is short at only 1.2 miles round trip. But the trail gains 740 feet in elevation and includes scrambling over slick rock sections.

Due to extreme popularity, parking restrictions exist at this trailhead. Two lots serve hikers, but street parking is strictly forbidden. Cars parked along the road are towed. During busy seasons from Thursday through Sunday, the only way to reach the trailhead is by taking the free Sedona shuttle from a park-and-ride lot.

The view from the top makes the effort worthwhile. A famous photo spot on a ledge provides dramatic shots with the red rocks behind. The vortex site sits to the left, up a small hill. This area is generally quieter than the main viewpoint.

Devils Bridge

Devils Bridge ranks as one of the busiest attractions in Sedona. This natural sandstone arch spans across a deep gap. The hike length depends on where one starts. A high-clearance vehicle can drive a dirt road for one mile to a 4×4 parking lot. From there, the hike to the bridge is about two miles round trip.

Without a high-clearance vehicle, the hike is closer to four miles round trip from the main Dry Creek trailhead. An alternative option starts at the Mescal Trailhead, which has a larger parking lot. The Mescal Trail adds scenic views and connects to the Devils Bridge route.

The final approach to the bridge involves stone stairs built into the rock. During peak hours, a long line of people waits to have their photo taken on the arch itself. An early morning start avoids the worst crowds.

Fay Canyon Arch

Fay Canyon offers a quieter alternative to Devils Bridge. The main trail through the canyon is flat, easy, and peaceful. It runs for about 1.5 miles round trip through juniper trees and past red rock walls.

For those seeking the arch, a spur trail branches off to the right. The spur is not marked by a sign but is well worn and easy to find. A short scramble leads up to Fay Canyon Arch. This natural arch sees far fewer visitors than Devils Bridge, making it a good choice for those who prefer solitude.

The Birthing Cave

Sedona’s red rock cliffs contain numerous caves. The Birthing Cave is one of the easiest to reach. The hike runs only two miles round trip. The trailhead sits along Long Canyon Road, not far from Fay Canyon and Devils Bridge. No Red Rock Pass is needed for parking at this location.

The trail is straightforward for the first 0.6 miles. A log blocks the trail at a junction. Crossing over the log leads to a spur trail that climbs toward the cave. The cave itself appears as a heart-shaped indent in the cliff face. A short, steep scramble brings hikers into the cave. From inside, the view looks out over the canyon. An ultra-wide lens is recommended for photography here.

The Subway Cave

The Subway Cave in Boynton Canyon is arguably the most popular cave in Sedona. The hike runs about six miles round trip. The Boynton Canyon parking lot fills extremely early. A Red Rock Pass is required. The Sedona shuttle also serves this trailhead.

The Boynton Canyon Trail begins with a gradual incline. A side trail to the right leads to the Boynton Vista Trail, which offers another vortex site. Continuing past the Enchantment Resort, the trail enters a wooded area. Around the two-mile mark, a distinctive tree marks the spur trail to the cave. This tree is the best landmark for finding the turn.

The spur trail climbs gradually for just under one mile. At the base of the red rock cliffs, a sign notes the presence of Sinagua ruins in the area. A slick rock scramble leads up into the cave. An alternative route scrambles up to the left, passing by ancient petroglyphs before entering the cave. Visitors should respect these cultural sites and avoid touching or entering the ruins.

Soldiers Pass Trail

The Soldiers Pass Trail is another premier Sedona hike. The trail features Devils Kitchen, a massive sinkhole that last collapsed in 1995. It also passes the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of small rock basins that hold water after rains. When full, the pools reflect the surrounding red rocks, creating excellent photo opportunities.

The parking lot for Soldiers Pass is small and gated. It is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cars left after closing are locked in overnight. When the Sedona shuttle operates, the parking lot is completely closed, and all visitors must take the shuttle.

The spur trail to Soldiers Pass Cave requires a short but steep scramble. The cave itself can be tight inside. An arch sits directly to the left of the cave and provides a nicely framed photo opportunity.

Robbers Roost

Robbers Roost, also known as Hideout Cave, sits outside Sedona city limits. The drive from town takes about 45 minutes and includes several miles of dirt road. A high-clearance vehicle can drive almost to the trailhead, making the hike as short as half a mile round trip. Without high clearance, the hike is about three miles round trip.

The trail leads down into a gully and up onto a butte. A narrow ledge with a steep drop-off wraps around the left side. The cave features two openings, including a circular window that frames the view perfectly. This area is more remote than other Sedona caves, so visitors find fewer crowds.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

About 30 minutes south of Sedona lies Montezuma Castle National Monument. This site preserves a Sinagua cliff dwelling built into a limestone cliff. The dwelling functioned as a kind of apartment building and was last occupied around 1425 AD. Neither the name Montezuma nor the Aztecs have any connection to this place. Early settlers named it incorrectly, and the name stuck.

A three-mile loop trail leads from the visitor center to a viewing area. Visitors can no longer enter the dwelling itself due to preservation concerns. The other part of the monument, Montezuma Well, sits 20 minutes up the road. This massive water-filled sinkhole receives 1.5 million gallons of water daily from a subterranean spring. Cliff dwellings and irrigation ditches used by the Sinagua are visible around the well.

West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon separates Sedona from Flagstaff to the north. This forested canyon offers greener scenery than the red rock areas around Sedona. The West Fork Trail is the most popular hike in the canyon. It runs 6.5 miles round trip with only 500 feet of elevation change.

The trail features multiple stream crossings. Waterproof boots or water shoes are recommended in spring and early summer. By late summer and fall, the water level drops enough to use stepping stones. Fall is the best time to visit, when the canyon colors turn gold and orange.

A $12 entrance fee is required at this trailhead. Neither the America the Beautiful pass nor the Red Rock Pass is accepted. The gated parking lot opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at dusk.

Crescent Moon Ranch

Crescent Moon Ranch sits on the west side of Sedona. This day-use area features picnic grounds, forested trails, and a swimming hole. It also offers one of the best views of Cathedral Rock, especially at sunset. The entrance fee is $12, and passes are not accepted. The area is open from sunrise to dusk.

Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain offers what many consider the best view in Sedona. But reaching that view requires effort. The hike runs five miles round trip with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail climbs almost continuously with little shade. Four false summits trick hikers into thinking they have arrived before the actual peak.

The trail begins flat but quickly turns upward. Several scrambles are required along the way. The views improve with every step. From the fourth false summit, much of Sedona becomes visible. The final push involves a series of switchbacks leading to the summit. A simple wooden sign marks the end of the trail.

From the top, the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff are visible in the distance. Looking back toward Sedona, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock can all be spotted. The view is all-encompassing in a way few other Sedona viewpoints achieve.

Conclusion

Sedona offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. From easy walks around Bell Rock to strenuous climbs up Bear Mountain, there is a trail for every skill level. The red rock caves provide unique photography opportunities. The ancient cliff dwellings tell stories of people who lived here centuries ago. The vortex sites attract those seeking spiritual experiences.

Early starts are essential for avoiding crowds. Parking lots fill before sunrise on weekends. The Sedona shuttle system helps reduce congestion at the most popular trailheads. Visiting during winter months brings cooler temperatures and thinner crowds.

Whether hiking to a cave, standing beneath a natural arch, or watching sunset light up Cathedral Rock, Sedona leaves a lasting impression. The red rocks glow in golden hour light. The desert air stays fresh and dry. The views stretch for miles in every direction. This is red rock country at its finest.