5 Favorite Hikes in Sedona

These hikes are spread out and great ways to see Sedona by foot

Before we get into some of our favorite Sedona hikes we want to remind you to practice the LEAVE NO TRACE principles when exploring the outdoors and visiting Sedona. The town and surrounding Coconino National Forest are highly visited and increasingly sensitive to the foot and tire traffic. Please remember to stay on trail, pack out all trash, hike prepared!

1. Templeton to Baldwin Loop

Baldwin trail in Sedona. Lauren stands in front of Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock at sunset off Baldwin Trail in Sedona
Lauren on Baldwin trail in Sedona, Coconino National Forest
Owen on Baldwin Trail in Sedona, Coconino National Forest

This is one of our favorite hikes in Sedona! Starting at Cathedral Rock trailhead take Templeton to Baldwin Loop. This is a great way to avoid the crowds and see different view points of Cathedral Rock, a little of Oak Creek, and get some physical activity. Templeton to Baldwin Trail Loop on AllTrails.

Templeton trail, Sedona

The Quick Stats

Distance: 4.4 mile loop

Elevation Change: 528 ft

Restrooms at the Trailhead: Yes

Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: Yes

Water at the trailhead: No

Dogs allowed: Yes

Parking lot: Yes (small and fills up quick. parking lot does close and you will need to take the Sedona Shuttle to get to the trailhead)

Fee: Yes. For more information check out the Sedona Red Rock Pass or you can use the America The Beautiful Pass.


2. Brins Mesa & Soldier Pass Loop

Lauren on Jordan Trail by Soldier Pass, Sedona
Owen at the 7 sacred pools, Sedona
The Sphinx rock formation, Sedona.
Soldier Pass Cave, Sedona

We love Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass loop for so many reasons! You can start from Soldier Pass Trailhead or Brins Mesa/Jordan Trailhead. We recommend doing the loop clockwise for great views in all directions, and views of rock formations such as coffee pot rock and the sphinx. The trail will take you by the 7 Sacred Pools, The Devil’s Kitchen, and the offshoot to the Soldier Pass Cave. Brins Mesa & Solider Pass Loop.

The Quick Stats

Distance: 5 mile loop

Elevation Change: 846 ft

Restrooms at the Trailhead: There are no restrooms at Solider Pass Trailhead but there are restrooms at Jordan Trailhead

Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: No

Water at the trailhead: No

Dogs allowed: Yes

Parking lot: Yes (VERY small and fills up quick. parking lot does close and you will need to take the Sedona Shuttle to get to the trailhead)

Fee: Yes. For more information check out the Sedona Red Rock Pass or you can use the America The Beautiful Pass.


3. Bear Mountain

Bear Mountain Trail will for sure get your heart rate up and lungs expanding. It’s one of our favorite hikes because it will really challenge you while offering rewarding views of west Sedona and the canyons nearby. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to refuel while you look back at the views. Bear Mountain on AllTrails.

The Quick Stats

Distance: 5 miles out and back

Elevation Change: 2,024 ft

Restrooms at the Trailhead: Yes

Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: Yes

Water at the trailhead: No

Dogs allowed: Yes, but we wouldn’t recommend it

Parking lot: Yes – very small

Fee: Yes. For more information check out the Sedona Red Rock Pass or you can use the America The Beautiful Pass.


4.Doe Mountain

Doe Mountain starts from the same parking lot as Bear Mountain and is a great alternative. It’s steep at times, but a much shorter hike, only 0.75 miles to the end, and has great views too! While at the top look for 180 degree panoramic views and the obvious rock layers of Sedona’s geological history. Doe Mountain Trail on AllTrails.

The Quick Stats

Distance: 1.5 miles out and back

Elevation Change: 511 ft

Restrooms at the Trailhead: Yes

Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: Yes

Water at the trailhead: No

Dogs allowed: Yes

Parking lot: Yes – very small

Fee: Yes. For more information check out the Sedona Red Rock Pass or you can use the America The Beautiful Pass.


5. Big Park to Bell Pathway Loop

Three popular rock formations in one hike! This loop is very “Sedona” and as a result one of our favorites. You get sweet views of Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and Cathedral rock. The trail is a nice length and can be tweaked however you feel as there are so many connecting paths. You can also start from a couple different trailheads. Watch out for mountain bikers! Big Park to Bell Pathway Loop on AllTrails.

The Quick Stats

Distance: 4.7 mile loop

Elevation Change: 442 ft

Restrooms at the Trailhead: Yes

Trash Receptacle at Trailhead: Yes

Water at the trailhead: No

Dogs allowed: Yes

Parking lot: Yes

Fee: Yes. For more information check out the Sedona Red Rock Pass or you can use the America The Beautiful Pass.

To learn more about the gear we bring on our hikes and in some of the photos above, CLICK HERE

2 thoughts on “5 Favorite Hikes in Sedona

Leave a Reply

%d bloggers like this: