Hiking in Sedona
There’s something magical about hiking in Sedona that’s hard to put into words. The moment you step onto the trail, you are surrounded by towering red rock formations that seem to glow even without the sunlight. We got a lot of rain so the air was crisp and clean, and the silence was only broken by the sound of our footsteps and the occasional bird call. As you go along the trail, you may encounter all kinds of wildlife, from colourful lizards to majestic birds of prey. And the views…oh, the views! Every turn in the trail brings a new and breathtaking vista, with the red rocks and sky stretching out as far as the eye can see.
Of course, hiking in Sedona isn’t always easy. The trails can be steep, rocky, busy and the sun can be intense. But the challenges are what make the experience so rewarding. When you finally reach the top of a difficult climb, the sense of accomplishment is indescribable. And when you take a moment to rest and take in the view, you realize that all the effort was worth it.
But hiking in Sedona isn’t just about the physical challenge. It’s also about connecting with nature and disconnecting from the stresses of everyday life. When you’re out on the trail, it’s just you and the natural world, and the worries and distractions of the outside world fade away. It’s a chance to recharge your batteries and find peace and clarity.
And perhaps most importantly, hiking in Sedona is about doing so responsibly and sustainably. The Sedona Pledge emphasizes the importance of respecting the natural environment and minimizing your impact on it. By following these guidelines and being mindful of your actions, you can ensure that the trails and the natural beauty of Sedona will be there for generations to come.
How to avoid the crowds?
If you want to hike in Sedona without the crowds, your best bet is to hit the trails early in the morning or later in the evening. Most people tend to start their hikes later in the day, so if you get an early start, you can beat the crowds and have the trails to yourself. Additionally, consider hiking on weekdays instead of weekends, as the trails tend to be less crowded during the week. You can also explore some of the less popular trails in the area, which are just as beautiful but not as well-known. And if you’re up for it, consider going during the offseason when there are fewer tourists and visitors in the area.
So, whether you like people or not and only have time for one trail or all five, you can’t go wrong – these are some of the best hiking trails in Sedona.
1. Soldier Pass Trail to Seven Sacred Pools
Soldiers Pass Trail is a must-visit trail in Sedona, offering breathtaking sights like sinkholes, caves, pools, and stunning views of the desert landscape. Despite being muddy at the beginning, it’s worth experiencing the natural beauty of the trail, especially if you love caves.
Seven Sacred Pools are a series of natural pools that cascade into each other over the vibrant sandstone. What’s really cool is that these pools are considered sacred by the locals and are also a vital source of water for the desert animals. To get the most out of your visit to the Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona, plan your trip during season when there’s been some rain. April or May is a great time to go. Keep in mind that the summer heat can make the pools less noticeable.
To get to the Seven Sacred Pools, start from the Soldier Pass Trailhead, cross Soldier Wash and turn left at the first junction. Keep right, descend to the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, and then climb back up. There’s no signage until you start climbing back up, so double-check your map. The trail parallels the wash, and you’ll quickly arrive at the pools. Enjoy the vibrant red earth, agave, juniper, and views of the mountains.
- Distance to Cave and back: 6.9km
- Elevation Gain: 251m
- Time: 2:37:12
- Difficulty:
2. Boynton Canyon to Subway Cave
The Subway Cave is an intriguing tunnel-shaped cave. The cave resembles two Cs facing each other with a gap in between, as if a train could pass right through the middle. This cave is a well-known hiking spot and can be reached through the Boynton Canyon Trail. There are two routes to the Subway. You can either go straight up the rock “ramp” if you’re a bit more confident, or you can stick to the left of the ramp for an easier trail.
- Distance: 9.2km
- Elevation Gain: 254m
- Time: 2:53:07
- Difficulty:
3. Cathedral Rock
A trip to Sedona is not complete without hiking the magnificent Cathedral Rock. This hike is widely recognized as one of the best in Sedona and for good reason – the natural beauty of this place is simply awe-inspiring. The towering red rock formations that surround the trail create a dramatic and breathtaking landscape.
- Distance: 2.4km
- Elevation Gain: 223m
- Time: 1:09:30
- Difficulty:
4. Devils Bridge
The trail to Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hiking spots in Sedona and can get very crowded, especially during peak season. I’ve heard stories of people waiting in line for hours just to take a photo on the bridge. If you’re planning to hike there, I would recommend getting there early in the morning or later in the eveing to avoid the crowds and to find a good parking spot. The bridge is an iconic rock formation and a rite of passage for Sedona first-timers like us. Having only a handful of people around made it even more perfect.
- Distance: 6.9km
- Elevation Gain: 165m
- Time: 1:50:40
- Difficulty:
5. Munds Wagon Trail to Merry Go Round
The Munds Wagon Trail area of Sedona quickly became one of my favourites thanks to my friend who recommended it. The trail takes you between towering rocks along a creek bed, providing endless views and a sense of tranquillity that is truly special.
If you plan on hiking this trail, it’s important to be aware that it crosses Schnebly Road multiple times, so it’s important to pay attention to your surroundings when crossing, especially if the road is open. The trail offers a mix of open desert terrain and tree canopies, and while the majority of the elevation gain is on the way in, there is still some elevation gain on the way back since the trail constantly gains and loses elevation. The trail is about 1.6 miles long before it reaches the junction for the Hangover Trail.
Continue straight on the trail and make your way past the cow pies and junction where the Hangover Trail joins again to the final stretch of the trail. It will take you to the backside of Merry Go Round Rock, where you can explore the area. My favourite spot is the rock’s west side, with sweeping views overlooking the valley below. It’s a perfect spot to take in the beautiful scenery!
- Distance: 11km
- Elevation Gain: 327m
- Time: 3:15:31
- Difficulty:
So what is a vortex? What does a Sedona vortex feel like? Where are the vortexes in Sedona?
A vortex is a unique geological and energetic phenomenon believed to affect a range of physical, emotional, and spiritual insights. It’s amazing to think that there are special spots on Earth where energy is either entering or projecting out. I wonder if I’ve ever been near a vortex without realizing it. The range of sensations that one can feel when encountering a vortex is also fascinating, from tingling skin to vibrations in the ground. It’s amazing how the human body can sense these things.
Sedona has four main energy vortexes. Some are off the beaten path and require a hike to reach. The four main vortexes in Sedona are the Airport Mesa Vortex, Boynton Canyon Vortex, Bell Rock Vortex & Cathedral Rock Vortex.
It’s hard to say for sure if it’s just the natural beauty of Sedona that makes you feel so uplifted and peaceful, or if there is some energy vortex at work. Either way, I think it’s undeniable that there is something special and almost otherworldly about the place. It’s no wonder that people are drawn in by its spiritual and magical energy. I felt fulfilled.
Pro Tip
It’s always a good idea to plan when visiting popular hiking destinations like Sedona. Carpooling or taking alternative transportation options can not only save time but also reduce traffic congestion and environmental impact. I am not a planner by nature unless it’s for a solo adventure so relying on someone else’s itinerary and asking for suggestions is a great way to take some of the pressure off yourself.
For more information on how to responsibly visit dwelling sites and locations in the Southwest please visit www.friendsofcedarmesa.org and consider taking the Sedona Pledge before visiting. See below:
- The rocks are red and the silence is golden. I vow to respect the natural quiet of Sedona’s open spaces and neighbourhoods.
- I will be mindful of Sedona’s arid environment by minimizing my water and energy use and I will be extremely careful with fire.
- I’ll make my own memories, but not my own trails.
- I won’t risk life or limb (human or sapling) for more likes. I won’t get killed for a killer photo.
- When playing outside, I’ll be ready for rapid changes in weather and random episodes of magic.
- Leave No Trace and pack out trash – that includes TP and pup poo!
- I will discover art in Sedona’s galleries rather than making my own. Carving on trees or rocks, stacking stones, or defacing the environment diminishes nature’s art.
- If I can’t find a parking spot, I will not invent my own. I will go with the traffic flow, using my turn signal often and my car horn seldom.
- I’ll be caring and considerate wherever I go because that’s the Sedona way.
Hiking with friends?
When you’re old and grey, you might look back on your life and wonder how you made it so far without a hip replacement. But if you’ve ever gone on a hiking trip with friends, you’ll know the answer: pure luck and a lot of fireballs! You’ll remember the times when you almost fell off a cliff, when you had to pee behind a tree, or when you got lost and ended up off the trail. Whether Jillian is singing off-key or someone is telling dad jokes, there’s never a dull moment. I love how we can be cheesy together and still have a great time.
Happy Trails!
