Sedona is the kind of place that makes even a short walk feel cinematic. Red rock towers rise from the desert floor, juniper and prickly pear frame the trails, and the light changes by the minute, shifting cliffs from rust to rose to deep purple by sunset. For travelers who come to Sedona to hike, the real question is not whether to hit the trail. It is which trail to choose first.
For guests staying at Arabella Hotel Sedona, the answer begins close to home. Located at 725 Highway 179 in Sedona, Arabella places guests in the heart of Red Rock Country with comfortable accommodations, scenic views, thoughtful amenities, and easy access to the area’s trail system.
Whether you are looking for an easy family-friendly walk, a moderate red rock adventure, or a short but strenuous climb, here are some of the best hiking trails in Sedona for every skill level, all well suited for a stay near Arabella Hotel Sedona.
Start Close to Arabella: Marg’s Draw
One of the best reasons to stay at Arabella is that you do not have to begin every hiking day with a drive. The hotel’s own hiking guide highlights Marg’s Draw as a pleasant, moderate hike within walking distance of the property, with a roughly 90-minute experience and views that include Sedona’s beloved Snoopy Rock formation.
For many guests, Marg’s Draw is the ideal first hike. It introduces Sedona’s red rock landscape without asking too much too soon. The terrain gives you a sense of open desert, classic sandstone scenery, and the feeling of being instantly immersed in the outdoors. It is also a beautiful option for travelers who arrive in the afternoon and want to stretch their legs before dinner, or for early risers who want a quick trail experience before the rest of the day begins.
After the hike, return to Arabella for one of the hotel’s most appealing perks: a slower Sedona rhythm. Guests can cool off at the pool, relax by the fire pits, borrow a cruiser bike, or walk to the hotel’s panoramic Sunset Vista, which Arabella describes as a five-minute stroll from the property and a memorable place for sunrise, sunset, and red rock views.
Easy: Bell Rock Pathway
For beginners, families, and hikers who want big scenery without a technical challenge, Bell Rock Pathway is one of Sedona’s most accessible classics. The U.S. Forest Service describes Bell Rock Pathway No. 96 as an easy, family-friendly trail with 185 feet of elevation change and a 3.5-mile one-way length.
The appeal is immediate. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte create a dramatic red rock backdrop, and the path gives hikers plenty of flexibility. You can walk a short section, turn around when you are ready, or continue farther for a longer outing. The relatively gentle grade makes it especially useful for mixed-skill groups, where some people want a scenic walk and others want to log more distance.
Bell Rock Pathway is also a wonderful first full day hike because it helps visitors acclimate to Sedona’s dry air, sun exposure, and rocky terrain. Even easy trails here can feel more demanding than expected, so bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes. Guests staying at Arabella Hotel Sedona can ask the team for local guidance before heading out, then return to the comfort of the hotel’s rooms and suites after a morning among the rocks.
Easy to Moderate: West Fork Trail
If your idea of a perfect hike includes shade, creek crossings, and canyon walls, West Fork Trail is a Sedona favorite. The U.S. Forest Service describes the first three miles of West Fork Trail No. 108 as easy, with a 3-to-14-mile range depending on how far hikers continue and a typical two-to-three-hour round trip for the first three miles.
West Fork feels different from many of Sedona’s sun-soaked red rock trails. Located in Oak Creek Canyon, it offers a cooler, greener experience, especially appealing during warmer months. The trail follows the creek through a canyon setting, making it a strong choice for visitors who want beauty without a steep climb. It is also a good reminder that Sedona is not one single landscape. It can be desert, forest, canyon, creek, and sandstone all in the same trip.
Because West Fork is popular, arriving early is wise. Parking can fill, and the peacefulness of the canyon is best enjoyed before the busiest part of the day. For guests at Arabella, West Fork makes a great half-day outing, followed by an afternoon back at the hotel’s amenities and services, including pools, fire pits, cruiser bikes, sunset vistas, and guided hotel-hosted activities such as sunset hikes and live music events.
Moderate: Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge is one of Sedona’s most famous hikes, and for good reason. The natural sandstone arch is dramatic, photogenic, and instantly recognizable. The U.S. Forest Service lists Devil’s Bridge Trail No. 120 as moderate, with 371 feet of elevation gain and a 1.6-mile round-trip distance from the official trail, though many hikers complete a longer route depending on where they park and how they access the trailhead.
This is a good hike for travelers who want a rewarding destination and are comfortable with crowds. The final approach includes steeper sections, and the photo spot at the bridge can become busy, especially during peak times. Patience is part of the experience. Go early, bring more water than you think you need, and remember that the hike is more than the final photo. The surrounding red rock scenery is part of what makes the trail so memorable.
Devil’s Bridge is best for hikers who already have some trail confidence. It is not the most difficult hike in Sedona, but the combination of popularity, sun exposure, uneven ground, and the final climb makes preparation important. Afterward, Arabella’s relaxed setting feels especially welcome. Settle back into your accommodations, where many rooms feature patios or balconies with panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock formations.
Strenuous: Cathedral Rock Trail
Cathedral Rock is short, iconic, and much more challenging than its mileage suggests. The U.S. Forest Service lists Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170 as strenuous, with 669 feet of elevation gain across just 1.1 miles round trip.
This is not a casual stroll. Cathedral Rock involves steep sections, slickrock, and places where hikers may need to use their hands for balance. For those comfortable with that kind of terrain, the payoff is extraordinary: sweeping views, sculptural red rock formations, and one of Sedona’s most unforgettable trail experiences.
Cathedral Rock is best for confident hikers with good footwear, plenty of water, and a realistic understanding of their comfort level with heights and scrambling. It is also a trail where timing matters. Early morning can help avoid heat and crowding, while sunset is beautiful but requires extra caution on the descent. If you are unsure, choose one of Sedona’s easier or moderate hikes first and save Cathedral Rock for later in the trip.
After a strenuous climb, Arabella’s slower comforts become part of the reward. The hotel’s rooms and suites include thoughtful amenities such as a studio-size fridge, Keurig coffee maker, USB charging stations, custom bath amenities, and, in many rooms, red rock views from a patio or balcony.
For Sunrise or Sunset: Arabella’s Panoramic Sunset Vista
Not every memorable “hike” has to be a full trail day. Arabella’s panoramic Sunset Vista gives guests an easy way to experience Sedona’s famous light without leaving the property. The hotel describes it as a five-minute stroll to some of the best views in Sedona, ideal for sunrise, sunset, red rock photography, and quiet moments outdoors.
This is perfect for arrival day, recovery day, or travelers who want the views without a long hike. It is also a lovely option for families or groups with different energy levels. Some guests can tackle a major trail in the morning while others enjoy a gentler day at the hotel, then everyone can gather for sunset together.
Tips for Hiking Sedona Safely
Sedona’s trails are beautiful, but they deserve respect. The desert climate can be dry and intense, and rocky terrain can be harder on feet and knees than expected. Carry water, wear sturdy shoes, use sun protection, and check current trail, parking, weather, and shuttle information before heading out. Many trailheads require a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass for parking, including Bell Rock Pathway and Cathedral Rock according to the U.S. Forest Service.
It is also smart to match the hike to your actual energy level, not just your ambition. Easy trails in Sedona still offer spectacular views, and moderate trails can feel plenty adventurous. If you are hiking with children, older relatives, or first-time desert hikers, start with Bell Rock Pathway, Marg’s Draw, or a shorter section of West Fork before moving on to more demanding routes.
Make Arabella Your Sedona Hiking Base
The best Sedona hiking trip is not about doing the hardest trail or the most famous route. It is about finding the right balance: morning adventure, afternoon rest, sunset views, and enough time to let the landscape sink in. That is where Arabella Hotel Sedona shines.
With easy access to trails, red rock views, comfortable accommodations, pools, fire pits, complimentary cruiser bikes, scenic vistas, and guided hotel-hosted activities, Arabella gives guests the freedom to experience Sedona at their own pace. Whether you are taking your first desert walk, chasing a canyon view, or climbing toward one of Sedona’s most iconic formations, Arabella offers a welcoming place to begin and a relaxing place to return.