Sedona, Arizona, is famous for its red rock formations and beautiful views and other breathtaking bare land sceneries, making it a major attraction to any outdoor lover. Easy Sedona hiking trails comprise a plethora of trails that anyone with an average fitness level can undertake without much difficulty. These trails are perfect for those who want some adrenaline rush and also the best for families, kids, and novices. Sedona hiking trails are planned to showcase a variety of geology, vegetation, and wildlife in the area, including huge rocks and the trails through the canyons. In this guide you’ll find the top trails in Sedona, as well as information to help ensure your hike is fun and successful.
Top Easy Hikes in Sedona for Beginners
Bell Rock Pathway – Scenic Views and Iconic Landmarks
Bell Rock Pathway is one of the best easy Sedona trails that gives stunning vistas of the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte rocks. This trail measures 3.6 miles round trip and is rated easy as it has a few inclines and declines and is well maintained and marked. During the trekking, visitors are able to observe large red rocks that characterize the desert and, of course, take beautiful pictures. It also has other smaller trails for those who wish to take a longer walk or have a view from the other angle.
Cathedral Rock Trail – Stunning Views With a Short Hike
Cathedral Rock Trail is a 1.8 km easy trail that will take one to one of the most iconic features in Sedona. The trail spans only 1.2 miles round trip, but it does go up in some steep parts, so it is considered a moderately easy trail. The views over the red rocks and the valleys are awesome, and the last part of the trail is especially spectacular as it is recommended for photographers and sunset lovers. For the beginner tourist, the trail’s length is easy to manage while the views to be seen on the trail are simply breathtaking.
Fay Canyon Trail – Relaxing Walks Through Red Rocks
Fay Canyon Trail is an easy hike that provides a scenic journey into Sedona’s red rock country with little vertical climb. It is a 2.4-mile round-trip shaded hiking trail good for beginners and families who want to enjoy their nature walk. The trail covers forested slopes and large rocks; the last part of the trail is the large rock arch that gives the trail its name.
Family-Friendly Sedona Hiking Trails for All Ages
Baldwin Trail – Perfect for Families and Beginners
Baldwin Trail is an easy trail that passes through beautiful forest to provide a great view of Cathedral Rock and the landscape. The round trip distance of the trail is 3 miles, which is long enough to offer many photogenic moments in front of red rocks to families interested in the desert. With occasional elevation changes and no technical obstacles, it is safe and enjoyable for children and elder people, and the nearby Oak Creek for a refreshing rest.
West Fork Trail – Shaded Paths and Creek Crossings
West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is one of Sedona’s most popular family-friendly trails that offers a shaded trail and many creek crossings. The trail is a 7.2-mile round trip trail through the desert with green vegetation, red rock formations, and water pools to give a break from the hot sun. While the trail is a little longer, the landscape is flat and gorgeous, so the trail is perfect for families who want to spend the whole day hiking.
Little Horse Trail – Gentle Slopes and Beautiful Views
Little Horse Trail is considered an easy-moderate trail of 5.4 km round trip, which provides hikers spectacular views of the red cliffs and desert scenes. The trail ends at Chicken Point, which is a scenic overlook with views of most of Sedona’s red rocks. It has slopes for the cycling beginners and wider cycling tracks, making it suitable for families who need a family cycling experience.
Best Scenic Trails in Sedona for Photography and Relaxation
Doe Mountain Trail – Panoramic Vistas From the Top
Doe Mountain Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip trail that offers hikers a great view of the red rocks of Sedona. Most of the trail is actually a gradual climb up to a flat plateau, making it perfect for first-timers or those who don’t have much time to spend on the trails. Sunrise and sunset are famous here because of the elevated position of the trail that offers a great view of the surrounding valleys and rocks.
Airport Mesa Trail – Sunset Views and Easy Access
Airport Mesa Trail is one of the most popular Sedona sunset hikes, with a 3.5-mile loop to breathtaking views of the red rocks. The trail is not very steep, and so it calls for a low level of difficulty in hiking for those people who have various levels of physical fitness. Being just a few steps away from downtown Sedona, it is a favorite among those who wish to take a short hike either in the late afternoon before dinner or after the day’s sightseeing.
Courthouse Butte Loop – Stunning Rock Formations and Open Spaces
Courthouse Butte Loop is a 4.2-mile-long trail that encircles two of Sedona’s famous structures: the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. The trail is quite easy to follow and generally smooth with occasional steep slopes and good exposure of the area to the surrounding barren lands. Camping enthusiasts can take nature strolls through the red rocks while also exercising their ability to spot local vegetation and fauna. Being long and beautiful, it is one of the favorites of those in search of both adventure and a quiet time.
Conclusion
Sedona is blessed with many easy trails, which make them suitable for almost anyone who wants to explore the outdoors by hiking. Starting from the Cathedral Rock Trail with its enormous red rocks to the shaded West Fork Trail, there is something for everyone here in the middle of the desert. These short walks in Sedona allow visitors to have viewpoints, nature trails, and red rock features without having to hike steep trails. Sedona hiking trails are definitely a good way to take a closer look at the picturesque Arizona if one is prepared and willing to take a risk. If you long for a perfect hike or just a leisurely stroll with the views to match, the best Sedona hiking trails have it all.