Amazingly, some of the best, most iconic scenery in Red Rock Country is accessible via short and sweet hiking trails. Whether you have just 30 minutes or a full day to explore, this round up covers the best easy hikes in Sedona, Arizona for beginners.
The stunning red rock paradise of Sedona is renowned for its iconic scenery, mild weather, mystical energy vortexes, and epic hiking.
With over 200 trails and hundreds of miles to cover, just deciding where to start can be tricky. Luckily, there are several spectacular easy hikes in Sedona Arizona, with trails starting at less than half a mile.
Whether you simply want to pack as much hiking into your itinerary as possible, you’re a beginner hiker, or you have little ones in tow, these easy Sedona hikes are the perfect starting point.
Sedona, Arizona Hiking Guide
We’ve included some extra info for planning your hiking trip to Sedona. Jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
1. Seven Sacred Pools via Soldiers Pass Trail
- Distance: 1.1 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 95 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Not only is Seven Sacred Pools one of the best easy hikes in Sedona Arizona, but it’s also one of the most popular. Don’t count on having the trail to yourself, but the crowds are worth it—the scenery is gorgeous, offering a great intro to everything Sedona is famous for.
En route to the pools (which may or may not have water in them, depending on whether or not it’s rained recently), you’ll pass the impressive Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole. You can also continue past the pools to one of Sedona’s ‘hidden’ caves, Soldier Pass Cave.
Psst! If you are a newbie to hiking and not sure where to start. Our friend Parker helped us put together a list of beginner hiking tips and essential info that has everything you need to know to feel comfortable hitting the trails!
2. Walnut Canyon Rim & Ruins Loop
- Distance: 0.8-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 39 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Located in Walnut Canyon National Monument, near Flagstaff about one hour north of Sedona, this trail is the very definition of an easy hike. It’s more of a leisurely stroll than a hike, following the flat rim of Walnut Canyon.
Two overlooks offer views of ancient cliff dwellings built right into the canyon walls. You can see them up close on the short but very steep Island Trail, which descends into and back out of the canyon.
The first part of the rim trail, to the first overlook, is even paved and wheelchair-accessible.
3. Crescent Moon Ranch at Red Rock Crossing
- Distance: 1.9 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 52 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Although recently it’s gotten more popular, for many years Crescent Moon Ranch was a local secret. It sits along Oak Creek, and is one of the best photography spots in Sedona. At the right time of day, you can catch Cathedral Rock’s reflection in the creek.
Starting from the picnic site, walk along the creek and then cross it (look for the shallowest spot), hiking along both the Baldwin and Templeton trails for a short distance. For more of a challenge, you can also hike Cathedral Rock from here.
Local tip: the Crescent Moon Picnic Area connects to another easy hike in Sedona Arizona, Secret Slickrock Trail, via the Ridge Trail.
4. Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock
- Distance: 2.6-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 269 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Hiking to iconic Coffee Pot Rock is the perfect way to break up more challenging trails. Unlike many Sedona hikes, this trail is wide open with panoramic views, rather than hiking through a narrow canyon. The views seem almost too good to be true for such a short and sweet hike!
Other than a few loose rocks, this trail is truly easy and suitable for even young children.
If you’re scratching your head trying to see the “coffee pot,” picture a percolator instead of the traditional drip-style pot.
5. Bell Rock Pathway via Bell Rock Trail
- Distance: 2.7 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 305 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Bell Rock is one of the most recognizable rock formations in Sedona. Amazingly, one of the best ways to access it is this easy hike. The vast majority of the trail is wide and flat, covered in that quintessential red dirt.
In addition to up-close views of Bell Rock, you’ll also see Cathedral Rock and some of Arizona’s signature mesas, these ones covered in greenery most of the year.
There are several Bell Rock hikes with similar names. This one, the “pathway,” connects the two parking lots, traveling along the base of Bell Rock’s west side. If you want to hike all the way around Bell Rock, try the loop trail (#10 on this list!).
6. Yavapai Vista Trail
- Distance: 0.5 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 82 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
On its own, Yavapai Vista Trail is one of the best easy hikes in Sedona Arizona. You can be back to your vehicle in about 30 minutes! The trail is close to Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, so many people add Yavapai Vista to a longer hike.
Even as a standalone hike, the views along this trail are outstanding, perfectly showcasing some of Sedona’s most famous rock formations.
The most challenging thing about this hike is simply following it. Several trails intersect here and signage isn’t clear in some spots, so stop every so often to make sure you’re actually on Yavapai Vista.
7. Big Park Loop
- Distance: 2.4-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 170 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
This flat, easy loop trail connects to the south portion of the Courthouse Butte-Bell Rock Loop. The section closest to Bell Rock can get incredibly busy, but away from there, crowds thin out considerably and you may even have some viewpoints to yourself.
There are several offshoots, all connecting to the larger Courthouse Butte Loop, so you can somewhat choose your own adventure. All of the paths are popular with dogs and mountain bikers, so just keep your eyes open.
Note that the trail was recently rerouted. Several recent AllTrails reviewers mention they followed trail markers, but the app showed they were way off-trail.
8. Chapel Trail
- Distance: 1.3 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 170 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
Sedona has several world famous landmarks, but Chapel of the Holy Cross is perhaps the most unique. The striking church is built right into the red rocks and soars to 250 feet. While it’s a major tourist stop, the trail is surprisingly not nearly as busy as many other Sedona hikes.
Start your hike from the chapel parking lot (the views get better as you get further away!). The official trail ends at an intersection with Little Horse Trail, but you can hop on that and hike another 0.6 miles to Chicken Point for spectacular views.
If the chapel is open, stop in to see the inside. There’s even a gift shop!
9. Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole Trail
- Distance: 0.4 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 42 feet
- Difficulty rating: Easy
- View the trail notes
An awe-inspiring (albeit ominous) feature along Soldiers Pass Trail, Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole is about 150 feet long by 90 feet across, and over 600 feet deep. You’ll walk right up to it on this super short, family-friendly hike.
Most people stop at Devil’s Kitchen on the way to other easy hikes in Sedona Arizona, namely Seven Sacred Pools or Soldiers Pass. However, it’s also the perfect standalone hike if you’re pressed for time or just want to squeeze in a quick hike with interesting features.
10. Courthouse Butte & Bell Rock Loop
- Distance: 3.6-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 341 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Courthouse Butte is deservedly on most people’s Sedona bucket lists. The “moderate” rating really only applies to an optional add-on, but the bulk of this hike is easy-peasy. Other than navigating some steps and typical uneven desert terrain, the trail is largely flat and sandy.
When you reach the base of Bell Rock, you have the option to climb it, ascending 800 feet in about 0.3 miles. That’s where the hike gets tougher, but otherwise, this loop is solidly one of the best easy hikes in Sedona Arizona.
11. Fay Canyon Trail
- Distance: 2.4 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 298 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Fay Canyon is home to one of Sedona’s elusive hidden natural arches. You can see it from a distance exactly halfway through the trail, after hiking through the canyon.
That first part of Fay Canyon is definitely one of the best easy hikes in Sedona Arizona. If you want to actually hike up to the arch, though, that’s a different story.
The trail’s second half is steep, not well marked, and involves some bushwacking. For a strictly easy hike, turn back after you spot the arch. For more of a challenge, and quite the reward, work your way to the arch and check out the views from both underneath and on top of it.
12. Birthing Cave Trail
- Distance: 1.9 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 242 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Similar to Fay Canyon, the hike to Birthing Cave is quite easy right up until the cave itself. The trail is sandy, flat, and wide up to that point, where hikers will have to decide if they’re going to scramble up to the cave.
Getting into the cave is very steep, but it’s also a short distance, so most people find it totally doable. The biggest problem is crowds, to be honest. We highly recommend going at sunrise or mid-afternoon, as crowds in the morning and at sunset make the cave less than enjoyable.
13. Cathedral Rock Trail
- Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 741 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Whether or not Cathedral Rock qualifies as an easy Sedona hike is debatable. It’s more of a rock climb, or at least a scramble, than a hike, gaining over 700 feet in elevation in just over half a mile. However, the trail is mercifully short.
Although the ascent starts immediately, the first half of the hike is easier. Once you’re on top of Cathedral Rock’s base, the trail gets significantly steeper and scrambling is required. Many people turn around here, and the views are good enough to warrant doing so.
14. Lower Chimney Rock Loop
- Distance: 1.4-mile loop
- Elevation gain: 114 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
If you’re looking for easy hikes in Sedona Arizona without the crowds, you’ll love Lower Chimney Rock Loop. This trail is part of the North Urban Trail System in West Sedona, just far enough away from the major hotspots that it sees far less traffic.
Starting from Thunder Mountain Trailhead, you’ll circle the base of Chimney Rock (AKA Three Fingers Rock—see why?). Like many other Sedona hikes, you can easily hop on other trails or hike up Summit Trail Chimney Rock for more of a challenge.
15. Schuerman Mountain Lookout
- Distance: 1.7 miles out and back
- Elevation gain: 367 feet
- Difficulty rating: Moderate
- View the trail notes
Another less-trafficked trail, the Schuerman Mountain Lookout is on the moderate end of easy. It’s short but steep, commonly called “a butt kicker.” Luckily, other than some loose rock, the hike isn’t at all technical. So while you do have to climb, it’s a straightforward climb!
You’ll enjoy 360-degree views of Sedona from the summit of this long-extinct volcano, so this is a particularly good sunset or sunrise hike.
Sedona Hiking Shuttle
With the increasing popularity of easy hikes in Sedona, comes increased traffic and parking headaches.
Fortunately, the completely free Sedona Shuttle runs year-round, Thursdays through Sundays from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. There are also special days and hours for spring break and major holidays.
The shuttle specifically serves Sedona’s most popular trails, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Soldier Pass/Seven Sacred Pools. On shuttle days, parking lots at these trailheads are completely closed to vehicles.
To use the shuttle service, park at one of the two park n’ ride lots and simply hop on the next shuttle. For the schedule and operating hours, check the website.
Best time to go hiking in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a (mostly) year-round hiking destination, but the best seasons are spring and fall. Winter has its own unique draws, and we strongly recommend avoiding summer.
In the spring and fall, you’ll enjoy mild weather and endless sunshine, plus vibrant seasonal scenery. Colorful wildflowers and golden fall foliage are quite the sight, set against those iconic red rocks! Be prepared for increased crowds and traffic during both seasons, however.
Winter in Sedona means mostly mild temperatures, with the very occasional chance to witness the transformation to “Snowdona.” Particularly in recent years, winter sees its share of crowds.
Finally, summer is Sedona’s least favorable season, due to that notorious Arizona desert heat. If you must visit during this time, start hiking before sunrise and pack a ton of extra water.
What to pack for hiking in Sedona
- Navigation*: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map
- Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!
- Hiking daypack
- Water bottles and/or bladder for your Camelbak
- Bug repellant
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses
- Headlamp
- Camera/tripod (this one’s our favorite for hiking)
- Lots of layers (here is a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking)
- Comfortable hiking boots or shoes
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Plenty of snacks: check out our favorite hiking snacks here!
Be sure to download our FREE hiking packing list before your next trip and never leave another essential behind again!
Round up of the best easy hikes in Sedona, Arizona
Here’s a roundup of all the easy hikes in Sedona so you can see everything in one place.
- Seven Sacred Pools via Soldiers Pass Trail
- Walnut Canyon Rim & Ruins Loop
- Crescent Moon Ranch at Red Rock Crossing
- Teacup Trail to Coffee Pot Rock
- Bell Rock Pathway via Bell Rock Trail
- Yavapai Vista Trail
- Big Park Loop
- Chapel Trail
- Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole Trail
- Courthouse Butte & Bell Rock Loop
- Fay Canyon Trail
- Birthing Cave Trail
- Cathedral Rock Trail
- Lower Chimney Rock Loop
- Schuerman Mountain Lookout
You may also like…
- Beginner Hiking Tips: Essential Info & Preparedness
- What to Wear Hiking in Every Season
- Best Hiking Snacks: Healthy & Delicious Trekking Food
- Hiking Lunch Ideas to Keep You Fed on the Trail
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We want to hear from you!
Which of the easy hikes in Sedona Arizona are you most excited to tackle? Do you have a favorite beginner-friendly hike in Sedona you think we should add to this list? Leave us a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!