When it comes to hiking and outdoor activities, Sedona is one of the country’s premier destinations. Sedona’s surrounding desert boasts some of Arizona’s most stunning canyons, mountains, and red rock landscapes. Sedona is teeming with national and state parks for hiking and outdoor activities. Our region’s many trails offer a uniquely Arizona experience where you can explore picturesque landscapes and enjoy the mild high desert climate.
Whether you’re in Sedona for work or play, this vast region offers something for everyone. If you are in town for one of our wine tours, why not take a little break and explore the many natural wonders of the Arizona desert through Sedona hiking tours?
Cathedral Rock
The Cathedral Rock Hike is one of Sedona’s most popular hiking destinations. This picturesque natural formation is one of Arizona’s most visited destinations. The natural red sandstone butte is teeming with trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking, and the casual terrain surrounding the landmark is ideal for all skill levels.
Depending on your chosen trail, you can expect a typical hike around Cathedral Rock to take about one hour. As such, this makes Cathedral Rock perfect for the whole family, from young kids to older adults.
When you reach the top, you can take panoramic views of the Sedona skyline, including Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and the Mogollon Rim. Local legend states that the saddle points between Cathedral Rock are a place of mysterious energy, also called a vortex. As such, thousands of travelers gather at this unique location to meditate and practice yoga.
Talk to a trusted provider of Sedona hiking tours to learn more about day trips to Cathedral Rock.
Bear Mountain Trail
If you’re looking for a challenge, Bear Mountain Trail is an excellent option for seasoned hikers. Although the total length of the trail is only about five miles, sharp elevation gains of 2,100 feet will surely have you breaking a sweat!
Although Bear Mountain is one of the tallest points in Sedona, hikers can expect a rewarding journey to the top as they witness some of the most stunning views of the Central Arizona mountains. If you’re taking on the Bear Mountain challenge, consider bringing a camera to capture the natural beauty of this untouched wild region.
Boynton Canyon
The Boynton Canyon is just a few miles from many of Sedona’s top wineries, including VinoZona and Winery 1912. Hikes along the canyon’s trails offer visitors lush forested areas and breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.
For those feeling adventurous, take a detour and discover an underground cave that lies deep within the canyon rocks. Like Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon also features one of Sedona’s fabled vortexes at the base of a rock spire near the main trailhead.
No matter where you choose to explore around Boynton Canyon, you’ll be pleased to discover the magic that makes this region unique. Sedona red rock hiking is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Bell Rock Climb
Bell Rock Climb is a famous red rock formation that resembles a bell shape, and it’s one of the most popular and well-recognized across Sedona.
The location is excellent for mountain biking, birding, hiking, and sightseeing. Although this natural area is suitable for beginners, Bell Rock also contains some more challenging trails best suited for seasoned hikers.
Remember to pack plenty of water and a snack, and wear plenty of sunscreen, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when the Arizona heat can be particularly daunting. Sedona red rock tours are thrilling experiences, but you’ll need to be prepared for the elements!
Oak Creek Canyon
If you’re looking for a unique hiking trail that stands out in appearance and climate, consider Oak Creek Canyon. This rugged trail works its way across the West Fork Creek, exposing hikers to stunning rock formations that formed millions of years ago when a great river once dominated the region’s geography.
If you’re visiting Sedona during summer and want to avoid the sun and heat, Oak Creek Canyon is the perfect hike, as most trails have a significant amount of shade. For wine lovers, Oak Creek is the ideal place to unwind after a long day of wine tours and tastings. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the Arizona sunset with your friends and family at Oak Creek!
Mescal Mountain
If you’re interested in mountain biking, the Mescal Mountains offer some of Arizona’s premier destinations for trail riding. This expansive area boasts plenty of trails for all skill levels. No matter where you go along the Mescal trails, you’ll enjoy gorgeous Sedona and the Colorado Plateau views. If you visit in the spring and early summer, you can enjoy the annual desert flower bloom, a true natural wonder.
Trusted Sedona hiking tours can provide you with transportation and pro tips for exploring the trails around Mescal Mountain.
Montezuma Castle and Well
For a quick and accessible hiking spot, the Montezuma Castle and Well is the perfect stop on your Sedona adventure. To get to the namesake landmark, you’ll need to make your way down a short trail. This geological wonder is a sinkhole that formed some 10,000 years old and has a depth of nearly 55 feet.
Nearby you can take photos and enjoy a picnic at the Montezuma Castle National monument, flanked by pre-Columbian red rock dwellings where the Sinagua people lived over 1,000 years ago. If you’re a history buff, you can take a guided tour of the area to learn more about the many cultures that once inhabited this expansive region.
There’s something special about Sedona red rock hiking, and Montezuma won’t disappoint.
Sedona: The Perfect Place for Wine and Outdoor Adventure
When Sedona was first established as a desert town, its early residents relied on agriculture for subsistence. From the onset, fruits such as peaches and grapes thrived as cash crops and helped Sedona grow into the thriving city we know and love today!
As such, the region’s long-standing farming tradition continues to live on through the many wineries and vineyards that make this part of Arizona a unique oasis for food, culture, and recreation.
Enjoy our local wine culture and the natural parks and trails surrounding our tight-knit desert community through Sedona red rock tours.
Call us today to book your next Sedona hiking tour!