Spring is fleeting in Sedona, that ideal time of year for outdoor adventures, when the temperatures are just right. The blooming wildflowers show off as they transform the red rocks into a truly mesmerizing setting. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker visiting the area or just want a leisurely stroll with a fantastic view, these favorite hikes offer something for every nature lover this spring.
1. Cathedral Rock Trail
If you can pull yourself out of bed early enough, Cathedral Rock Trail will reward you with one of the best sunrise views in Sedona? More of a night owl? The view is just as spectacular at sunset. This 1.2-mile roundtrip trail is moderate to difficult – short, but steep. The views atop the saddle are well worth the challenging ascent.
2. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop
For a fairly flat, accessible trail, head to the 4-mile Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop. You’ll circle two prominent rock formations as you drink in the views of the towering red rocks nearby. The gentle chirps of birds and the scents of fresh flora remind you that spring has sprung! We particularly love this loop for families and casual hikers because it combines up-close red rocks views with a serene desert environment.
3. West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon
If it’s a particularly warm spring day, get some shade along the 6.9-mile roundtrip West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. This hike features tranquil waters, stunning canyon walls, and – of course – blooming wildflowers. It’s your own little oasis within Sedona’s rugged terrain.
4. Airport Mesa Loop
Get a glorious 360-degree view on the 3.5-mile Airport Mesa Loop. From here, you can see Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock (maybe that will inspire you to tackle the hikes above!). Wildflowers dot the landscape with splashes of color. The panoramic view and the multiple angles make for great photography – without an overly strenuous climb.
5. Devil’s Bridge Trail
If you have time for only one hike and you have a few trails under your boots, don’t miss one of Sedona’s most famous natural wonders, Devil’s Bridge. It’s the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. The4.2-mile roundtrip hike is scenic and standing on the bridge is a thrill! Springtime is particularly beautiful with vibrant greenery and blooming cacti lining the trail.
6. Soldiers Pass Trail
At 4.1 miles roundtrip and one of the most diverse Sedona hikes, Soldiers Pass Trail is an excellent way to spend a spring day. Within the first mile, see Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools, which are significant to the local Indigenous people. The pools are particularly beautiful after rain, when they may turn into gentle waterfalls. Go a bit farther and you’ll find the caves in the cliffs of Brins Mesa. The trail eventually leads you into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, a collection of cliffs, buttes, and canyons that’s part of a larger 43,950-acre expanse.
7. Bear Mountain Trail
For experienced hikers seeking some heart-pumping trekking, consider Bear Mountain Trail. It’s 4.6 miles roundtrip with a substantial 1,975 feet of elevation gain. The reward is huge, with 360-degree views of extinct volcanoes, the San Francisco peaks, the ghost town of Jerome, Doe Mountain, Courthouse Butte, and Mogollon Rim.
If you’re looking for a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore Sedona, the Sedona Shuttle is a great option! This free shuttle service provides easy access to some of the area’s most popular trailheads, helping you avoid parking hassles while enjoying the breathtaking red rock scenery. Plan your trip and check the schedule at Sedona Shuttle.
Your Sedona adventure is waiting. We’ll be there at day’s end with comfortable, spacious rooms, excellent service, and perhaps a glass of wine by the fire. Book now!