Your complete guide to the best hikes in Sedona when you only have one day to enjoy it!
By Bekah Whitney
You start to feel the magical energy of Sedona as soon as you start the drive down into the valley of red rock and if you are anything like me you start to immediately google the best hikes in Sedona. You’ll quickly learn there are enough hikes in Sedona to keep you busy for a whole month! It can feel overwhelming with so many options picking one thing over another, especially if you only have one full day to take everything in. That’s why we have compiled this short list of the best hikes in Sedona, Arizona with different difficulties and length. Let’s dive in!
If you are anything like my mom, you are up a few hours before the rest of your traveling party and you will want to take advantage of watching the sunrise from the top of Schuerman Mountain. This easy, lightly trafficked, 1.8 mile one way, 3.6 round trip hike is a perfect way to start out the day, especially for anyone who is planning on using the afternoon to hit the crystal shops, get an aura reading, and hang out in the local coffee shops. Plus it’s simple to get to so hiking solo is no problem!
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 34.84607, -111.82860
Or type in: Schuerman Mountain Trailhead
Getting there: Follow your map directions to Sedona Red Rock High School and turn onto Upper Red Rock Loop Drive off of 89A. Just past the high school, you will take your first left onto Sedona Red Rock Hill Drive and find parking on your left. Once parked the trailhead will be towards the far right of the parking area. Follow the signs to Schuerman Mountain.
The hike: Even though this hike is rated moderate we felt it was an easier moderate. The elevation gain is only 561 feet and although there are a few stepper sections it’s pretty mellow. After you get to the top of the incline you will walk across the top of Schuerman to a lookout overlooking Oak Creek in front of you and Sedona to the left. We have done this hike multiple times with Snoop (not the fastest hiker) and Yuke and the whole hike takes us about an hour.
Now there is one thing I like more than fresh tasty food and that is fresh tasty food at a great price! After your morning hike, or morning coffee and breakfast, head over to Bashas’ and order one of their sandwiches for lunch. They make it fresh for you at the deli counter and you can customize them to fit exactly what you want. Sawyer loved their roast beef and the fact that a whole sub is $5. I personally order the veggie with turkey (which has a little bit of an extra cost, but worth it!). Hands down the best grocery store deli counter in our travels.
Fill up your water and you are ready to take on the day!
Sedona is located in central Arizona at an election of 4,350′. This means that the summers are very hot and dry, yet it will snow in the winter and rarely stick around for more than a day. Be mindful of the temperature throughout the day and don’t get stuck without water.
When deciding to bring your pets, keep in mind that many of these hikes do not have streams or water for them. Pack their adventure pack with their own source of water and collapsible bowl to insure they won’t get dehydrated.
We suggest always looking up the hike on Alltrails to get familiar with the hiking map and note if there are any recent closures or warnings in the last two weeks in the reviews.
Here are our top 3 picks if you choose to spend your day hiking:
If you are looking for a long day hike with killer views, look no further. Wilson Mountain is a 11.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail rated difficult because of its length and elevation gain. You will trek up 2,805 ft ending at the summit of 7,122 ft where you will have stunning views all around you. This hike has steep sections and after going up and then back down we were exhausted and happy. When we got back and looked at the map, we realized that we didn’t go all the way to the end of the trail. We stopped at the Sedona overlook, assumed we had made it, and turned around, only to learn that there was another 1.7 miles, 3.5 round trip, to the actual panoramic end of the trail and a massive overlook. From there, you could see a huge portion of the valley to the west of Sedona. But, if you don’t want to tack on the extra mileage, we were blown away by the Sedona overlook. It certainly won’t disappoint.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 34.88548, -111.74115
Or Type In: Midgley Bridge Picnic Area
Getting there: Unfortunately the parking lot is very small and getting a spot may require sitting in your car and waiting for something to open up. There are some lower parking lots, but many people park for a quick loop and then leave. To get to the main parking area drive North up 89A, the lot will be on your left 1.3 miles after the traffic circle. Depending on the season, it does cost to park here.
The Hike: This hike is well marked! Just follow the signs for Wilson Mountain at every fork as there are many different trails in this area. This hike is rated difficult, has many steep sections, and is long. The hike has two parts: Part 1 goes up to the First Bench. Part 2 goes from 1 bench to the Sedona Lookout.
I fell in love with the Sedona area while on this hike. I had no idea that there were waterfalls, let alone swimming holes in Arizona. Bob Bear aka Fossil Springs (Not to be confused with Fossil Creek Falls) aka The Toilet Bowl is a moderate 8.3 mile round trip out and back trail located near Strawberry, Arizona, an hour and a half drive from Sedona itself. As this is a popular hike a permit is required from April 1st – October 1st and can be found here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251903. If you are lucky enough to be in Sedona in October or November I highly suggest you take advantage of not needing a permit and having perfect weather.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 34.40689, -111.56806
Or type in: Fossil Springs Trailhead (Google maps has yet to update this to Bob Bear trailhead when this was written)
Getting there: Depending on what side of town you are on there are a couple different ways to get to the trailhead. Since we have historically camped between Cottonwood and Sedona we take 89A North to Cottonwood then take a left to jump onto 260 East. You will hit a stop sign at the top of the mountain and take a left to continue on 260 East. After you enter Strawberry, take a right on Fossil Spring Road. You will follow this road until the trailhead, and it will turn to dirt about halfway down. Keep following it until you see signs for the trailhead parking to your right.
The hike: You start off the hike next to the trailhead which does have a bathroom. The entire hike to the springs you are going downhill. There is one section that is flat rock and has Cairns to mark the way. Cross the flat slab to the other side and you will see the trail again. When you are down in the valley you will see a sign to Fossil Spring. It’s a quick detour and is amazing to see the water pop out of the earth from under a tree. Once you get to the waterfall there are a couple of options for swimming! You can swim around under the waterfall and jump off the rocks across from there. Or you can go down a little further and swim into the cave and jump off the rocks into the deep parts. People, including us, do go skinny here. If you are comfortable we say go for it!
This is one of the most popular options on our list since they are the most iconic and picture-worthy hikes we included. The hikes themselves aren’t the most exciting, but it’s the destination that makes it worth it!
Devil’s Bridge
Did I mention this is an iconic hike? Unless you get there very early, you are most likely going to have to park along the road. I do suggest doing this hike as early as you can because the sun will move behind the rocks, putting the bridge in shadow of the backdrop landscape in sunlight, meaning your pictures will not have the best lighting.
Trailhead GPS Coordinates: 34.89055, -111.82014
Or Type in: Dry Creek Trailhead
Getting There: If you are in the center of Sedona, you will drive West on 89A then take a right onto Dry Creek Road. There are a lot of people coming in and out of this road to mountain bike and hike that have no idea where they are going, so be on high alert and go slow! Once you find parking, (there is a parking lot, but unless you want to keep turning around I suggest just parking along the road) it’s time to get your hike on.
The hike: There are 2 different options for the hike to the bridge. Down the OHV road (3.9 miles round trip) or via Chuck Wagon (5.7 miles round trip).
Both ways meet up at the Official Devil’s Bridge Trailhead which is where only foot traffic is allowed. This is where the hike starts to become moderate. Depending on the crowds this section may include a little bit of waiting around since some areas are narrow. Once at the top there will be a line of people waiting to take their picture solo on the bridge and you can easily make a deal with someone to snap their photo if they take yours.
Robber’s Roost (aka The Window aka Hide Out Cave)
GPS Coordinates: 34.91572, -111.97826
Or Type in: Hide Out Cave
Getting There: From Sedona, head down 89A East Bound. After about 7 miles, depending on your start, turn onto Forest 525 Rd on your right. Drive about 3 miles down the dirt road and take a right onto Forrest 525C Rd. 6 miles in the “trailhead” parking will be on your right. We say “trailhead” because depending on your vehicle you can drive most of the hike, but we in our Kia could not.
The Hike: The hike starts out down the road with little to no shade. This makes it a very easy hike, but make sure it is a relatively cool day. We took Snoop and Yuke on this hike during the mid-afternoon and Yuke was fine, but Snoop definitely felt the heat without having any shade. You will start to see the rock that contains the cave to your left. The road will start going up, follow it until you see the trail to your left going down. This is where the trail becomes moderate as you will be hiking a pretty steep section, but don’t worry, it’s short and you are almost there! Follow the trail next to the ledge and then you will see the cave!
Many reviews I have read on AllTrails included people getting a little lost and not expecting the 10 miles of dirt road driving. Make sure your vehicle can handle it and that you study the map as there is no service there. Here is a screenshot from Google Maps to help you visualize the hike. The bottom is where you will park if you have a low clearance car.
Hi! I’m Bekah, but you can call me Beks, all my friends do! I travel full-time in a tiny home on wheels that my partner, Sawyer, and I built from a cargo trailer shell in 2019. We started out in beautiful Colorado and have been all over the United States over the years. This space is designed to inspire and guide the nature obsessed nomad, weekend warrior, and future roadlifer. I’m so excited you’re here!
Get my incredible FREE guide to get yourself prepared for Vanlife!
Whatever hikes you choose to do, or not do, you’ll be sure to see some unforgettable sights. All the hikes we’ve included we have personally done and loved. After a long day of hiking we know you have only one thing on your mind: dinner! The Colt Grill located at 804 North Main Street in Cottonwood is the place. Everything from their lounge outdoor seating to their damn tasty bbq is perfect, plus you can bring your cat and dog to the patio.
The colt grill has the perfect atmosphere with their outdoor lounge seating and order-at-the-counter service. They have a bunch of local beers, a really friendly staff, and a foundation. Their food is delicious, reasonably priced, and perfect for after a long day of hiking. Their bbq sauce bar is complete with a mustard-based Carolina sauce that makes everything you have even better. Although I’ve enjoyed everything I have eaten there, my absolute favorite picks are the jalapeno popper burger with jalapeno cornbread. Sawyer, a North Carolina boy, said they made a delicious pulled pork sandwich, something he hadn’t had in a while being so far from the south. We went back a few more times because it was just so much better and cheaper than most things we could find.
Go in and order at the counter, find a seat outside near the fountain, and wait for them to call your order. Dig into deliciousness.
I love these boots for day hiking with a light pack. Their thick sole, arch support, and squishy insoles are perfect for hiking in extreme conditions.
If you have never owned a pair of Teva’s before I would suggest going to try some on, as I feel they run large. I have gone down half a size on these hiking boots as well as my sandals.
If someone tells you the type of socks you hike in are unimportant, they are dead wrong.
Wool socks help keep your foot dry and able to breathe. Hiking specific socks provide cushioning in areas that are susceptible to rubbing.
If you ever see me hiking in socks other than SmartWool, it’s because I need to do laundry soon as they are my absolute favorite and are already dirty.
Sawyer turned me onto Osprey packs a long time ago. There is literally a perfect size for every activity out there!
The reason I love this pack is the awesome waist strap with pockets, the compact size, and how light it feels when I put it on!
