There is so much beauty to explore around Sedona, where do you begin?! There are numerous trails in the area, for all skill sets. Here are a few of our favorites.
Better yet, if you are looking for a truly unique guided experience, please visit our favorite local guides at Southwest Outside. They can provide a custom experience to some very special places, and away from the crowds in the busy season. Highly recommend!
DON’T FORGET….
Sedona’s trails are getting more and more visitors each year. So please protect and value this beautiful place we call home. Pick up after your dog, and yourself. Pack it in, pack it out, yo!
A few of Sedona’s Most Popular Trails:
The Famed ‘Cathedral Rock’ of Sedona
This is by far the most famous of Sedona’s red rocks. natural sandstone butte on the Sedona skyline and one of the most-photographed sights in Arizona. There is the the more difficult, highly traveled Cathedral Rock trail, is not for the faint of heart, but worth the stunning views. Temple trail is equally impressive, and circles the base of Cathedral, for those of us that may just want to catch the sunset with our pups and a beer.
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Another one of Sedona’s most popular hikes, i.e. instagram famous photo spots, is Devil’s Bridge. While the crowds may not give you the relaxing nature experience your are looking for, but no one can argue that this, the largest natural sandstone arch located in the Sedona area, is something to see. Try to go on weekdays and early morning to avoid the crowds.
Easily Accessible from DIRT:
From DIRT you can access national forest, and link up to many of Sedona’s trails via primitive trail routes just out the back door, but for those of you who fear being carried off by the buzzards, a couple of trails we favor.
Hot Loop Trail
This trail can be accessed by walking or driving out and down Jack’s Canyon Road one mile from DIRT. There you will see a cattle guard and the trailhead for the Hot loop, as well as other hiking options. The Hot loop up to the mesa top is about 8 miles, but feel free to just go out and walk a bit and make the trail as short or as long as you please. This one is a favorite afternoon walk for the pup and I, as it is not so crowded and there are beautiful sunset views of Bell Rock and Lee mountain.
VOC Loop Trail
The VOC loop is just opposite the Hot Loop trailhead, and can be accessed by parking at that same trailhead. Cross Jack Canyon Rd., through the cattle gate and enjoy views of red rocks just behind DIRT. This trail can also link up to the Bell Rock trail system, as well as the primitive trails behind DIRT, making a great afternoon hike and putting you right back home at DIRT’s backdoor.
The local DIRT:
With so many beautiful vistas and trails to choose from, if you what you are looking for is a truly unique experience, but don’t want to set out into the desert solo, Edward Abbey style, we highly recommend hiring a local guide. For a unique experience away from the crowds, to places that only the locals go. Red rock views, ruins, info on desert flora and fauna, animals and history. Please visit our friends at Southwest Outside to book your custom, one of a kind desert experience.
Southwest Outside offers custom guided tours to Sedona’s most beautiful natural surroundings. Ask about their popular sunset tours too!
