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Alternative Transportation Options
- Posse Grounds Park and Ride – Solder Pass & Dry Creek Vista Trailheads.
- West SR 89A Park & Ride – Dry Creek Vista & Mescal Trailheads.
- North SR 179 Park & Ride – Cathedral Rock & Little Horse Trailheads.
- Devil’s Bridge: 4×4 access cuts the 4-mile hike in half.
- Soldier’s Pass Cave: 3-mile out-and-back trail shortened to 1 mile.
- Merry-Go-Round Rock: An underrated photo op, 8-mile hike, reduced to ¼ mile.
West Sedona
“West Sedona” excursions and hikes refer to those in the valley between Bear Mountain and Capital Butte, accessed via Dry Creek Vista Road, which heads north from town. This area features several of Sedona’s most popular hikes, including Devil’s Bridge, The Birthing Cave, Boynton Canyon, Fay Canyon, Bear Mountain, and Doe Mountain. Be prepared for congestion and limited parking.
Devils Bridge via Mescal Trailhead
4.0 mi
528 ft
Devil’s Bridge is the most popular hike in the area. The Devil’s Bridge Trailhead is accessible by 4×4, while the Mescal Trailhead is the best option for those without a rock crawler. The Sedona Shuttle provides transportation to both Dry Creek Vista and Mescal trailheads, though it operates with a curfew. The hike to Devil’s Bridge typically takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and shares a parking lot with the 2-mile Birthing Cave trail.
The Birthing Cave
2.0 mi
242 ft
The Birthing Cave offers great photo opportunities, but you’ll need to climb to the indentation at the back of the cave for the best shots. To get there, take a left at the fork near the partial fence.
Across the desert valley along Boynton Pass Road the ever popular Boynton and Fay Canyons.
Boynton Canyon & Cave
4.7 mi
620 ft
Fay Canyon & Arch
2.4 mi
300 ft
Here’s a link secret ruins site up a gully to the northeast, about 1 mile from the turn-off from the Boynton Pass Vortex fork.
Adventures Off Highway 179
Cathedral Rock
1.2 mi
741 ft
Moderate
Cathedral Rock is the second most visited attraction in Sedona, renowned for its stunning beauty. The trek to the top is short and sweet. At the top, a ledge traces the northern cliff massif, allowing those comfortable with heights to capture some amazing photos. A path also leads to the southern cliff spires. This path rounds a corner and heads up a steep embankment where climbing requires attention to the terrain. The summit has several safe purchase points, but when crowded, some synchronized maneuvering may be necessary. It is a fun and beautiful viewpoint, and I recommend it to all who are comfortable making the climb.
Near the top, a lesser-known trail semi-circumnavigates the north rock massif. This trail heads around to the back of Cathedral Rock and offers some great views of Oak Creek’s serpentine path as it meanders through the lush riparian valley. The trail provides a unique perspective, looking up into Cathedral Rock and showcasing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte
4.0 mi
350 ft
Moderate
While the Courthouse Butte loop also serves as a tranquil trail run—testament of the half dozen Up & At Em’s that passed me by whilst I practiced my professional iPhone photography—Bell Rock has a frolic-on-the-rock vibe. On the south side of the rock, away from all the action, lies a truly Zen-style vortex.
Back to the frolicaholic adventure side of the rock—A ledged path rounds the rock at 4,600 ft elevation, where a user-friendly class 3 gully leads to Bell’s pseudo – summit, adorned with stubby, giraffe horn-looking blocks. A bolted rappel anchor is set up on the western block, directly above the vortex. Could Bell Rock be a lost bell of Shangri-La, echoing a paradise lost to humanity? Sedona Vortex is an enjoyable fictional narrative written about this vortex.
Huckaby Trailhead to the Hangover Loop
8.2 mi
1,181 ft
Moderate
Starting at the Huckaby Trailhead, follow the Munds Wagon Trail. The Munds were early cattle ranchers who built this wagon trail up to the top of the plateau, which later became Schnebly Hill Road. Named after Sedona Schnebly, the town’s namesake, this road (now a 4×4 route) once served as a vital route to Flagstaff.
The Hangover Loop traverses a ridge of exquisite rock towers north of Munds Wagon Trail. It begins at the Cow Pies Trail, 3 miles up the canyon from the trailhead. After crossing the cow pie rock features, it traverses the south side of a rugged red rock ridge, then climbs over a pass and completes the traverse on the north side. I loved the intimate rock features along the trail, as well as the majestic views overlooking the valley and the red rock cliffs and peaks.
Though this hike involves some route finding and rugged terrain, it comes with my highest recommendation.
Adventures Off Highway 89A
Soldiers Cave & Pass
Devils Kitchen / Seven Sacred Pools / Solders Pass Cave
3.0 mi
465 ft
Soldiers Pass Cave / Brins Mesa Loop
5.6 mi
1,053 ft
A scenic and enjoyable hike, Soldiers Pass Cave is my favorite attraction in Sedona. While statistically, Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock hold the top spots, I thought I’d throw in my favorite for a bit of fun. For those tackling the Sacred Pools-Cave out-and-back, don’t overlook the nearby Hell’s Kitchen attraction. Though often missed, this sinkhole is quite impressive and well worth the minimal effort required to include it in your adventure.
Adding the Brins Mesa loop to the hike introduces some elevation and mileage, but it’s a rewarding challenge. The loop not only offers stunning scenery but also provides a deeper connection with the flora and fauna of the mesa above the valley. From Brins Mesa, you’ll get a panoramic view of the mountains flanking the valley and a unique perspective of the landscape beyond. Standing on a large rock directly above Soldiers Pass Cave, you can overlook the valley you just traversed.
If time and energy are on your side, I recommend doing this as a loop, which is most efficiently completed from the Jordan Road Trailhead. However, I thoroughly enjoyed doing it lollipop style from Posse Grounds Park & Ride.
West Fork Oak Creek
6.5 mi
564 ft
Moderate
West Fork Oak Creek is located 10 miles north of Sedona on SR 89A. There is a $12 fee for parking but the scenic adventure the creek offers is well worth it.
One of my favorite experiences along the hike was looking up at the brilliant white cliffs towering overhead. The trail offers numerous opportunities to find cool views and photo ops of the curved overhangs carved by Oak Creek. There are several spots along Oak Creek where non-invasive parkour adventuring is welcomed. These rock hops and log walks often lead to alternative viewpoints and photo ops of subway rock features sculpted by the creek and skyline vistas of the canyon’s towering white cliff walls. Three miles in, the creek passes through a subway slot canyon where a wade is unavoidable, marking the end of the maintained trail. For those willing to brave the slippery, seldom-trod stones, wading up the meandering creek offers an amateur canyoneering experience. Six miles in, a sign marks the availability of caveman luxuries that await a pack of franks, a big bag of Frito-Lays and even a tent stake or two. Oak Creek offers a unique experience each season: autumn’s translucent rustic canopy rains, winter’s dangling icicles bling, spring’s trees alive with songbird sing, and summer’s cool creek’s splash brings. It’s a year-round adventure waiting for those ready to explore.
Old Town & Tlaquepaque Village
2.5 mi
140 ft
Easy
Reeling in filmmakers, the alluring landscape of Sedona creates a stunning backdrop for this western-themed hamlet. Ample parking allows for an easy stroll down Main Street. As you window shop, the scent of sandalwood wafts from quaint boutiques. This classic western town, cradled between the iconic red rock towers, offers a walk that’s hard to beat—and with the delectable cuisine along the way, perhaps impossible.
Tlaquepaque Village, envisioned by Abe Miller and inspired by old Mexican villas, was carefully constructed to preserve Oak Creek’s iconic sycamore trees. The village stylistically honors the region’s rich history of arts and crafts. Wandering through the stucco alleyways, passing through cast iron gateways, and beneath ivy-draped archways, the courtyards are dotted with carefully chosen pottery amid artisan galleries. This journey transports you back in time. Although built in the 1970s, Tlaquepaque adheres to the saying, “forget the plumb, use the thumb.” This meticulous attention to subtle, imperceptible details gives the village an ancient charm, making it feel as though it has stood for hundreds of years. Designed to showcase both past and present artisans, Tlaquepaque itself is a timeless work of art.
I hope my website provides you with an efficient guide to hiking routes in the area. There are many other activities that might pique your interest or complete your itinerary. Here are a few suggestions for additional activities:
- Get information: Brush up on the history of the area, pick a park ranger’s brain, and refine your itinerary with insights from visitor centers featuring displays on animals, rock layers, Native American history, and more. Red Rock Ranger Station Visitor Center:
- Catch a sunrise/sunset or stargaze: Enjoy the breathtaking views at dawn or dusk, or marvel at the night sky. Airport Vista & Lover’s Knoll
- Photo shoot: Capture stunning photos of the landscape and unique features along the trails. Lover’s Knoll
- Picnic and dip in a cool pool: Relax with a picnic and take a refreshing dip in a scenic spot. Slide Rock State Park: & Crescent Moon Picnic Area:
- Explore historical sites: There are several historical sites in the area. Palatki & Honanki Hetitage Sites:
- Visit a spiritual site: Immerse your soul in a moment of tranquility. Chapel of the Holy Cross: & Amitabha Stupa Peace Center:
Although I haven’t had the chance to visit them all, I look forward to returning and exploring more of the attractions I missed.
Happy adventures!
