Best Hikes in Arizona's Red Rock Country

West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon

Distance: 2.0 - 7.2 miles (Round Trip)

This very popular trail, one of the top hikes in Sedona, travels up the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon along a beautiful stream surrounded by lush vegetation. Dramatic, multi-hued canyon walls soar overhead.

Brins Mesa – Soldier Pass Loop

Distance: 5.1 - 6.6 miles (Loop)

This great loop features terrific views of the red rock formations towering above Mormon Canyon, Soldier Pass and the upper Dry Creek Valley and visits some popular Sedona destinations including the Seven Sacred Pools, Devil’s Kitchen and the Soldier Pass Cave.

Bear Mountain

Distance: 5.1 miles (Round Trip)

Nonstop views accompany this strenuous trail climbing the southern slopes of Bear Mountain. From the summit enjoys vistas of the red rock formations, deep canyons and peaks rising to the south and west along with the San Francisco Peaks to the north.

Wilson Mountain North

Distance: 7.4 - 10.3 miles (Round Trip)

Hike to the highest mountain in the Sedona with two scenic overlooks. The south overlook features stunning views of Sedona’s red rock formations. From the north overlook superb vistas include Oak Creek Canyon, Lost Wilson Mountain, the Upper Dry Creek Valley and the Mogollon Rim.

Long Canyon

Distance: 7.2 - 8.4 miles (Round Trip)

Walk as far as you like along this beautiful trail that gently ascends forested Long Canyon with intermittent views of canyon’s red rock formations, sandstone cliffs and rugged summits. Solitude, silence, an interesting habitat and opportunities for exploration add to the allure of this hike.

Little Horse

Distance: 3.8 - 4.2 miles (Round Trip)

This hike offers nonstop, panoramic views of some of the best red rock formations to the south of Sedona including Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Twin Buttes, the Madonna, Child and Two Nuns spires, Gibralter Rock, Submarine Rock, Munds Mountain and Lee Mountain.

Soldier Pass

Distance: 4.4 - 6.7 miles (Round Trip)

This popular trail visits the Devils Kitchen, the Seven Sacred Pools and Soldier Pass Cave before climbing to the head of the Soldier Pass Canyon and Brins Mesa. From the mesa views stretch east to Wilson Mountain and north to the formations towering above the upper Dry Creek Valley.

Boynton Canyon

Distance: 6.9 - 7.4 miles (Round Trip)

This popular hike ascends beautiful Boynton Canyon accompanied by great views of the red rock walls lining the canyon. The hike ends near the head of a dramatic box canyon beneath the east side of Bear Mountain. Side trips include a visit to the Boynton Vortex and the Subway Cave.

Boynton Vista / Vortex

Distance: 1.1 miles (Round Trip)

This short, popular hike visits the Boynton Vortex, set beneath the Kachina Women formation. The site, consider the most sacred vortex in the Sedona area, features terrific views of Bear Mountain and the red rock formation rising above Boynton and Fay Canyons.

Courthouse Butte Loop

Distance: 3.8 - 4.4 miles (Round Trip)

This scenic loop hike features beautiful desert scenery and stunning views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte along with nearby Sedona red rock landmarks including Twin Buttes, Capitol Butte, Cathedral Rock and the Seven Warriors.

Brins Mesa Overlook

Distance: 3.4 - 4.3 miles (Round Trip)

Ascend Mormon Canyon to Brins Mesa and then walk across the scenic mesa to a panoramic overlook. The hike features great views of Mormon Canyon, Capitol Butte, Wilson Mountain, Angel Falls and the formations towering above Soldier Pass and the upper Dry Creek Valley.

Baldwin Loop

Distance: 2.3 - 3.1 miles (Loop)

Escape the crowds on this trail that travels around an unnamed red rock butte with stunning views of the west side of Cathedral Rock. Extend the hike by taking side trips to visit beautiful Oak Creek.

Honanki Heritage Site

Distance: 0.6 miles (Loop)

A short walk at the Honanki Heritage Site leads to interesting cliff dwellings and rock art along the base of Loy Butte. The site, occupied by the Sinagua people, is one of the largest in the area and definitely worth a visit. The road to the site is rough and requires good clearance.

Palatki Heritage Site

Distance: 1.5 miles (Round Trip)

Bear Mountain towers above a beautiful canyon where alcoves and overhangs in the red rock formations protect Sinagua cliff dwellings and rock art. Three easy trails offer visitors access to the Palatki Heritage Site, reached by a rough road that requires a vehicle with good clearance.

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Distance: 0.4 - 1.0 miles (Round Trip)

A very interesting Sinagua cliff dwellings is the highlight of this small National Monument near Camp Verde, Arizona. Montezuma Wells, a detached unit of the Monument, is also worth a visit. The large sinkhole harbors Sinagua ruins and a small lake with a unique habitat and hydrology.