3 Beautiful Sedona Hikes for First-time Visitors

Set amid stunning red rock mountains, Sedona offers unbelievable views (seriously I am in awe every time I visit) and is a dream come true for those who enjoy hiking, nature, and a bit of adventure. Hiking is one of our favorite ways to explore Sedona, but choosing which trail to hike always seems to be a challenge. The options are endless! So first-time Sedona visitors, here are a few of our favorite Sedona hikes that you might enjoy as well.  

Bell Rock 

Bell Rock is a highly trafficked hiking trail just south of Sedona that you do not want to miss. Actually, it is nearly impossible to miss if you are arriving from the south.  The landscape transitions quite dramatically as you travel north from Phoenix, from brown and barren (albeit for the cacti) to a mountainous landscape, and then finally to the famous red rocks of Sedona.      

Bell Rock is an easily accessible, short trail (just one mile each way). This relatively flat trail can be enjoyed by people of all ages and physical capabilities- making this trail a recommended first stop on a trip to Sedona.      

Once you reach Bell Rock, you can continue on a longer trail that leads around the base of Bell Rock, climb up Bell Rock itself, or return and make the trek back.  

Devil’s Bridge 

Devil’s Bridge is one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes and photo ops for visitors.  One quick Google search of Devil’s Bridge, and you’ll see thousands of photos with the same iconic image.     

A quick word of warning, although this is not necessarily a strenuous hike (the last ¾ of a mile is uphill), it is a longer hike.  A word of warning, if you plan to hike in the summer or warmer months, you need to start your hike early in the day and bring lots of water. 

Once you reach Devil’s Bridge, you will likely see a line of people waiting for their turn for their “photo op.”  I find it far more nerve-racking to watch other people walk out on the Bridge versus doing it yourself.  I promise it is not as scary as it looks.  Trust me- you’ll be glad you did it!      

Cathedral Rock    

On our last trip to Sedona, we hiked Cathedral Rock for the first time, and I think it is one of my favorite Sedona hikes to date. Is it scary? Yes.  Did I almost chicken out? Yes. Was it worth it? Totally.  Cathedral Rock is a short trail with an 800-foot elevation climb that ends with some of the best views Sedona has to offer.     

I discovered Cathedral Rock through the AllTrails app, and I still laugh at my initial reaction when reading reviews on the trail.  Hikers mentioned scrambling on all fours over sheer rock faces, and the term “treacherous” was exceedingly popular.      

Much to my dismay, I discovered midway through our hike that those reviews were indeed accurate- it was a scramble over rocks. I wish I could say I was a total badass and just scrambled up the rocks with no fear- but that would be a lie.  However, pride sometimes serves as a great motivator, and I had too much pride to let my family leave me behind, so I gave myself a pep talk and trudged ahead.     

The view from the top of Cathedral Rock at sunset was stunning and the perfect end to our Sedona adventures.  

So if you are heading to Sedona for the first time, be sure to check out one (or all) of these beautiful Sedona hikes!