We get asked all the time about Sedona hikes! Specific questions usually ask about family friendly hikes or where to avoid crowds. We want to start this blog out by saying we don’t have children and it’s hard for us to recommend kid friendly hikes. Everyone is different and what some may find easy others could find hard. We tried our best to think of 5 easier hikes in the Sedona area. There are so many connecting trails that most of these hike can be expanded or shortened based on personal preference. We hope you find this helpful!
Before we get into Sedona we want to remind you to practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles. Please remember to stay on trail, pack out all trash, and explore prepared. Don’t carve into any rocks. It is illegal! Check out our hiking tips here.
1. Teacup Trail To Coffee Pot Rock
This is a great hike with little to no elevation. If you want some elevation you can hike up to Sugar Loaf Summit. You can also continue to Soldier Pass Trail and connect with even more trails in that area! Tea Cup trail also connects to trails to the west as you can see in the picture. There are great options in the area!
Important Information:
- 2.7 miles out & back w/ loop
- 297 feet in elevation gain
- The parking lot is small. We recommend getting there early
- You can find the link to AllTrails here
- There is not a fee to park here like most other Sedona hikes
- No restrooms at trailhead
- Dog friendly
2. Bell Rock Loop
On this hike the trail takes you around Bell Rock with Courthouse Butte to the East. It’s a nice and easy hike! You can also make it longer by connecting to other trails in the area. We’ve also done a loop including Big Park Loop Trail, Llama Trail, and Bell Rock. This hike has little to no elevation. For more of a challenge you can climb onto Bell Rock and hike as far up as you want! We’ve also done a loop including Big Park Loop Trail, Llama Trail, and Bell Rock starting at the trailhead south of Bell Rock off SR 179.
Important Information:
- 1.8 mile loop
- 203 feet in elevation gain
- There are two different parking lots down the street from each other. A Red Rock Pass is required to park at both. You can also use an America The Beautiful Pass or another Interagency Pass
- Restrooms at both parking lots, but no water
- You can find the link to AllTrails here
3. Fay Canyon
Fay Canyon is a nice hike with little to no elevation. There is an off shoot you can take to an arch if you want. If you continue to the end of the canyon there are some steep sections, but overall the trail is pretty flat. A little elevation helps make for good pictures down the canyon from where you start.
Important Information:
- 2.3 miles out and back
- 193 feet gain in elevation
- The parking lot is small and a Red Rock Pass is required. There is a kiosk to purchase one or you can use an America The Beautiful Pass or another Interagency Pass
- Dog friendly
- Restrooms at trailhead, but no water
- You can find the AllTrails here
4. Little Horse
Little Horse is one of our favorite easier hikes in Sedona. There is not a ton of elevation gain on this hike, but the trail takes you up to Chicken Point where you have a great view of the red rocks. This is a popular spot for the Pink Jeep tour and personal off road vehicles so please watch out for your safety and others. Additionally, you can connect to Little Horse from Chapel Trail or Llama Trail.
Important Information:
- 4.3 miles out and back
- 564 feet in elevation gain
- The parking lot is small, but there is shuttle. For more information on shuttle schedules and park & ride locations, please visit SedonaShuttle.com
- A Red Rock Pass is required or an America The Beautiful Pass or any other Interagency Pass
- You can find the link to AllTrails here
5. Combination Loop at Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park is a hidden gem! You get great views of Cathedral Rock without the crowds of Cathedral Rock. Red Rock State Park is a unique state park because they don’t have trash cans for the protection of the animals and you can’t get into Oak Creek here.
Important Information:
- 2 mile loop with a combination of trails. Bunkhouse Trail to East Gate to Javelina Trail to the House of Apache Fires Trail back to Bunkhouse
- 220 feet in elevation gain
- There is a great visitor center with information
- Restrooms & water at visitor center
- There are no trash cans to protect animals. Please pack out all of your trash!!
- Entrance fee to enter the State Park. You can find more information here
- Pets not allowed
To learn more about the gear we bring on our hikes and in some of the photos above, CLICK HERE