Known as the Day Hiking Capital of the country, Sedona hiking doesn’t have to entail long, arduous trails in order to enjoy beautiful scenery. Sedona is packed with trails that will cater to all ability levels, including those for beginners and families! Whether your hiking group includes children or you simply don’t want to commit to an all-day, strenuous journey, there are plenty of easy hikes in Sedona for beginners that are well worth your time. Consider a few of these trails for beginner hiking in Sedona to add to your itinerary!
West Fork Trail
Situated in Oak Creek Canyon, the West Fork Trail is great for families who may have reluctant kids in the group. The trail has 13 creek crossings, keeping things interesting and allowing for some water play along the way! The stream crossings require a few steps in shallow water, or boulder hopping if you want to keep your shoes dry. Enjoy views of Sedona’s iconic red rocks as you hike, along with plenty of shade from the surrounding foliage. Take your time and picnic along the creek, soaking up the views along this trail. The trail is well-maintained for 3 miles, at which point you can retrace your steps to the start. Continuing on the unmaintained portion is best reserved for experienced hikers. Those not up for a 6-mile round trip Sedona hiking trail can easily turn around at an earlier point! West Fork Trail is located in Oak Creek Canyon, 9 miles north of Sedona.
Sedona View Trail
Offering flat paths with little elevation gain, Sedona View Trail is ideal for beginner hikers. Though the trail is gentle, it doesn’t sacrifice on views. Enjoy panoramic vistas of Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Thunder Mountain, all of which are fairly easy hikes in Sedona. With no hazardous cliffs to worry about, Sedona View Trail is great for families traveling with kids! The trailhead can be accessed from the gravel parking lot on the left side of Airport Mesa Road across from the viewpoint.
Fay Canyon Trail
For hikers who want to immerse themselves in Sedona’s red-rock formation while tackling minimal elevation gain, Fay Canyon’s Sedona hiking trails are a top choice. The scenery here includes towering red sandstone walls and a natural arch. Fay Canyon is located 2.5 miles west of Sedona.
Hiking Turns Swimming
If you’re visiting Sedona in the warmer months, turn an easy hike into a swimming adventure. A lot of these spots have an easy path to get to the water, so “hike” might be a stretch, but “FUN” is definitely the word of the day when it comes to these amazing spots. Pack some towels, cold beverages, snacks, and sunscreen and get ready to experience the red rocks like you’ve never before. For a shady spot to layout and some varying levels of red rocks cliffs to jump off of, make your way to Grasshopper Point. The thrill seekers can leap to their hearts content while those looking to commune with the rocks can easily wade their way into the blue waters. If you’d rather have a large red rock “beach” to lay out in the sun with a spring break vibe, Midgely Bridge is where you’ll want to head to. If you’ve heard about the natural water slides prevalent throughout Oak Creek, get ready for some fun at Slide Rock State Park, where you can make your way down the creek in the cool white water. But if it’s views you’re after, head to Red Rock Crossing, where you can easily find a spot to lay out and admire the views, whether it’s a warm red rock or an inflatable raft you’ve got in mind.
Adventure Requires Sustenance
Spending so much time amongst the red rocks under the beating Arizona sun, we’d be doing you a huge disservice if we didn’t recommend a watering hole to wet your whistle and feed your belly. There are some absolutes in this world, and one of those is the desire for pizza after a day in the sun. With amazing reviews not only for their food but for their views as well, you’ve got to try Hideaway House. Offering all the Italian favorites you crave, there is truly something for everyone here. For something a little lighter, Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen is another local favorite that offers a healthy twist on a variety of delicious flavors. Of course, at the end of a good hike, sometimes all you need is a good pub – in which case you can’t go wrong with Oak Creek Brewery & Grill. With a variety of ales brewed in house such as Snake Charmer IPA or the award-winning Doc’s Pale Ale, they pair perfectly with the assortment of food offered.
Be Prepared
Hiking in Sedona can mean long hours in the sun, so be prepared with plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, and proper hiking shoes for traversing the rocks! Still in need of accommodations for your hiking getaway to Sedona? Browse our Sedona vacation rentals today.
