Top 10 Hikes for Beginners

This is the trail we recommend to every first-time Sedona visitor. The Bell Rock Pathway is a wide, flat, well-maintained path that loops around the base of one of Sedona's most iconic formations. You'll feel like you're walking through a postcard.

The trail starts from the Bell Rock Vista parking area along Highway 179 and follows a gentle path with panoramic views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. The red earth crunches underfoot, juniper trees dot the landscape, and the massive red rock formations rise dramatically on either side.

For a bit more adventure, you can scramble partway up Bell Rock itself — but that's optional and the base loop alone is spectacular. This trail is perfect for families with kids, elderly visitors, and anyone who wants maximum scenery with minimal effort.

Cathedral Rock is arguably the most photographed spot in all of Sedona, and you don't need to climb it to enjoy it. The base walk at Red Rock Crossing (Crescent Moon Ranch) gives you the classic Cathedral Rock reflection shot in Oak Creek — the one you've seen on every Sedona postcard.

The short trail from the Crescent Moon Ranch picnic area leads to the creek bank where, if the water is calm, you'll see Cathedral Rock perfectly reflected. In summer, this is also a popular wading and swimming spot.

Note: The famous Cathedral Rock Trail that climbs to the saddle is NOT beginner-friendly (it's a steep rock scramble). This recommendation is specifically for the base area and creek walk at Crescent Moon Ranch.

Airport Mesa is where locals go when they want to show off Sedona. The loop trail wraps around a volcanic mesa that rises above town, delivering 360-degree views that include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Mingus Mountain, and the entire Verde Valley.

The trail itself is mostly flat once you're on the mesa, with a few rocky sections that require basic footing. The first quarter-mile from the main parking area to the overlook is the steepest part, but it's short and paved.

Airport Mesa is also one of Sedona's four famous energy vortexes. Whether you believe in vortex energy or not, the twisted juniper trees here are undeniably photogenic, and the panoramic views are the best in town.

If you want to escape the crowds, Fay Canyon is your trail. Tucked away in the Fay Canyon area northwest of Sedona, this gentle trail winds through a shaded box canyon with towering red rock walls on both sides. It's one of the most serene hikes in the area.

The main trail is flat and sandy, following the canyon floor through a canopy of Arizona cypress and juniper trees. At the end of the maintained trail, a short but steep side scramble leads to a natural rock arch — a hidden gem that many visitors miss.

The shaded canyon makes this an excellent choice for hot summer days when other exposed trails are uncomfortably warm. The cool canyon breeze and dappled shade make it feel 10–15 degrees cooler than trails in open areas.

Red Rock State Park is the best option for families and anyone who wants a more structured nature experience. The park has a network of well-marked, interconnected trails that you can mix and match to create your perfect hike — from a quick 30-minute loop to a full 5-mile exploration.

The trails wind through riparian habitat along Oak Creek, with cottonwood trees, wildlife viewing areas, and several creek access points. The park's nature center offers educational programs, and rangers lead guided hikes on weekends.

The Eagle's Nest loop trail offers the best elevated views, while the Kisva Trail drops down to a beautiful Oak Creek crossing. Combine them for the full experience. Unlike most Sedona trails, these are well-shaded and rarely crowded.

Soldier Pass packs more geological variety into a short distance than almost any other trail in Sedona. Within the first mile, you'll pass the Seven Sacred Pools (natural tinajas carved into the rock that hold water after rains) and arrive at Devil's Kitchen — a massive sinkhole that collapsed in the 1880s.

The trail is well-maintained and mostly flat for the first mile, making the Devil's Kitchen turnaround point perfect for beginners. Beyond that, the trail continues to Soldier Pass itself and becomes more challenging — but you can turn around at any point.

The Seven Sacred Pools are particularly impressive after rain, when the natural rock pools fill with water and reflect the surrounding red rock cliffs. Even when dry, the sculpted rock formations are fascinating.

West Fork Trail is consistently rated one of the top 10 trails in Arizona — and in October, it might be the most beautiful hike in the entire state. The trail follows West Fork of Oak Creek through a narrow, lush canyon with towering red and white sandstone walls.

You'll cross the creek multiple times on stepping stones (13 crossings in total), walk through groves of maple, oak, and sycamore trees, and feel like you've entered a completely different world from the desert outside. In fall, the canyon explodes with gold, orange, and red foliage.

Despite its length, the trail is flat and gentle — the 200-foot elevation gain is spread over 3.2 miles. The only challenge is the creek crossings, which can be tricky after heavy rain. Waterproof shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended.

The Courthouse Butte Loop circles the enormous Courthouse Butte formation — Bell Rock's slightly taller neighbor. This trail gives you a completely different perspective on two of Sedona's most famous landmarks as you walk around their base.

Starting from the Bell Rock Pathway parking area, the trail heads east and wraps around Courthouse Butte through high desert terrain with prickly pear cactus, agave, and wildflowers (spectacular in March–April after wet winters). The back side of Courthouse Butte is less visited and feels wonderfully remote.

The trail connects seamlessly with the Bell Rock Pathway, so you can combine both for a longer 5–6 mile figure-eight loop. The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle hills and some rocky sections on the east side.

This isn't so much a hike as a beautiful nature walk — and that's exactly the point. Crescent Moon Ranch is where you go for the iconic Cathedral Rock reflection photograph, creek wading, picnicking under cottonwood trees, and general relaxation.

Several short trails wind through the ranch property to different Oak Creek access points. The main path leads to the creek bank directly across from Cathedral Rock. On calm mornings, the reflection in the water is mirror-perfect.

This is the most family-friendly spot in Sedona. Kids can wade and splash in the creek, there are picnic tables with shade, and the walking is completely flat on maintained paths. It's also a popular spot for photographers, painters, and anyone who just wants to sit and soak in the beauty.

The shortest trail on our list, but one of the most memorable. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural marvel — a Catholic chapel built directly into the red rock cliff face in 1956. The short walk from the parking area to the chapel is steep but paved.

From the chapel terrace, you'll get sweeping views of the surrounding red rock formations. The chapel itself is a peaceful, contemplative space open to all visitors regardless of faith. The architecture alone — how the structure emerges from the rock — is worth the visit.

This is an ideal stop to combine with other activities. It takes 30 minutes or less and can easily fit into a day of hiking, shopping, or exploring. It's also one of the few Sedona landmarks that's fully paved and wheelchair-accessible to the viewing terrace.