Sedona Loop Trails
Sedona is known for its stunning landscapes built from red rock and limestone. Furthermore, Sedona is known for the epic number of hikes that follow trails around and between many of the towering rock formations. These loop trails listed below are an excellent way to surround yourself with phenomenal Sedona red rock views. Don’t skip the two bonus loops that are great at sunset!
Respect Sedona: Leave No Trace
Sedona is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arizona, and for good reason. It’s stunning, the weather is generally great, and there is a lot to do in the relatively small area. However, the high traffic of people and vehicles has made the area even more sensitive to human impact. It’s extremely important to practice the 7 Leave No Trace Principles and T.R.E.A.D. Lightly Principles when visiting.
Sedona’s Federal Wilderness Areas
Many of the amazing hikes in Sedona travel through federally designated wilderness areas within Coconino National Forest. Please be careful to respect the laws in place to protect wilderness areas, including those outlawing motorized and mechanical vehicles within the wilderness. Mountain bikes and drones are illegal in the wilderness.
1. Bell Rock, HT, Easy Breezy Loop
This is a great loop that isn’t too long, has some elevation change, and has amazing backdrops of Sedona’s most iconic rock formations – Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. Parking is available at the Courthouse Visa parking lot, but if it’s full continue south to the Bell Rock Vista parking lot. For more information and inspiration on hikes in this area check out our Bell Rock blog post.
Quick Stats: Bell Rock Pathway to HT to Easy Breezy
Length:
4.1 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
396 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes, Red Rock Pass
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
2. Cathedral Rock, Slim Shady, Baldwin, Hiline
Absolutely incredible, that’s how we’d describe this trail around Cathedral Rock. The views are spectacular and it’s amazing how a trail in the heart of Sedona can feel far away from others at times. This loop is longer and a little more challenging, but it’s so worth it!
Quick Stats: Cathedral Rock Loop: Hiline and Templeton
Length:
7.5 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
915 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes, Red Rock Pass
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
3. Mescal Mountain Loop
This is a fun loop on the west side of Sedona with great views of Red Rocks in Long Canyon and of course, Mescal Mountain. Overall, the hike isn’t too difficult and a good distance to get a nice workout it. We hiked a little further into Long Canyon during our visit. There is parking and toilets available at the Mescal lot or limited free parking on the side of the road north of the designated lot.
Quick Stats: Mescal Mountain Loop
Length:
4.2 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
380 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes, Red Rock Pass
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
4. Hangover via Cow Pies
This trail is somewhat of a hidden gem. It’s accessible from the bottom of Schnebly hill, but also accessible from halfway up the 4×4 forest road. Schnebly Hill Road should not be attempted without a high clearance vehicle and 4-wheel drive. Starting from the road is less crowded and offers some amazing views of Sedona. We must admit, we haven’t done the full loop in one hike, but collectively we’ve hiked it in two separate hikes and we wish we had done it all in one hike.
There are multiple ways to complete this loop, this AllTrails route is one of the possibilities. From the Cow Pies Trailhead off Schnebly Hill Rd, the hike is about 5 miles.
Quick Stats: Hangover Loop via Cow Pies & Munds Wagon
Length:
8.3 from Munds Wagon
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
1,181 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
Dog Friendly:
Yes
Fee:
Yes, Red Rock Pass
Difficulty:
Moderate
Water:
No water at trailhead
5. Chapel Loop, Broken Arrow
This loop somewhat flies under the radar. There isn’t a major parking lot, and typically the main attraction is the famous Sedona Chapel. However, this loop offers great red rock views as it takes on the north side with views of north Sedona and then comes around to Chicken Point with views towards Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and south Sedona.
There is limited trail parking off Chapel Road, but more parking for a slightly longer loop is available at Broken Arrow Trailhead and Little Horse Trailhead (Red Rock Pass Required).
Quick Stats: Chapel & Broken Arrow Loop
Length:
3.8 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
472 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
No
Bonus: Best Sunset Sedona Loops
Thank you for using our website for inspiration and taking time to read this blog post! Below are two of our all time favorite evening hikes to enjoy in Sedona.
6. Pyramid to Scorpion Trail Loop
This short loop on the west side of Sedona has some amazing sunset views of Cathedral Rock and the Oak Creek valley. We absolutely loved this hike!
Parking is somewhat limited but a Red Rock Pass is not required. Please make sure to follow all the laws about legal parking and to respect the residents of the area.
Quick Stats: Pyramid to Scorpion Trail Loop.
Length:
2.2 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
288 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
No
7. Baldwin Trail #191 - Loop
This is arguably our favorite trail in Sedona, especially in the evening time as the sunset starts to illuminate Cathedral Rock into this vibrant and firary orange icon of Sedona.
This trailhead is only accessible from the Village of Oak Creek so you do have to travel out of Sedona, but it’s not far. The road does become dirt for the final few miles. It’s generally accessible but is susceptible to erosion and deterioration like all dirt forest roads.
All Trails uses a different starting location than what we use. There is a larger lot at the end of the road, and a Red Rock Pass is required.
Quick Stats: Baldwin Trail Loop.
Length:
2.7 miles
Route Type:
Loop
Elevation Gain:
285 ft
Vaulted Toilets:
Yes
More Inspiration
For more trails, restaurants, and places to stay, check out our Sedona itinerary guide that we’ve put together with all of our suggestions. If you’re interested in the gear we bring on trail, check out our top gear recommendations page, and lastly, newsletter subscribers have the password to our exclusive 2 Night Sedona Itinerary from our November 2025 issue- it’s completely free to subscribe!
Best Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona: Hikes, Stays, and Food
Sedona attracts millions of visitors each year for its stunning red rocks and outdoor activities. The area is divided into four main sections, each offering different experiences. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead due to crowds and to follow rules for preserving the natural beauty.
The AZ Hikeaholics Top Gear Recommendations
Gear for the trail ranges from what’s in our pack to what’s on our back and feet. Here you’ll find what we trust and bring, including the essentials and what keeps us comfortable!
Protected: Newsletter Exclusive: Ultimate 2-Night Sedona Itinerary
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