13 Best Sunset Hikes in Sedona: Trails & Details (2023)

There is something about Sedona sunsets against the red rocks that make this area one of the best places to watch the sunset in the state.

Here you’ll discover the best sunset hikes in Sedona.

#1 Bell Rock Loop Trail

Website | Yavapai, Arizona

Bell Rock Loop trail connects a few different trails (Bell Rock Pathway Trail, Rector Connector, and Courthouse Butte Trail) making the entire loop about 1.8 miles (2.9km). The difference in height between the base and the top of the climb is 62m.

Bell Rock Loop trail
Image Source: All Trails website

This is a hiking route of medium difficulty, suitable for the whole family. It usually takes just under an hour to complete the entire trail where you can enjoy the best view.

It is allowed to walk dogs on this path, but a leash is required during the walk. This is a wheelchair-friendly, stroller-friendly trail.

Bell Rock Trail is a great option for families as this has a hard surface trail. As you stroll along the path, you’ll be able to enjoy views of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock of course.

The trail is suitable for

  • hiking
  • running, and
  • walking.

It’s not an overly demanding trail, so kids enjoy hiking at Bell Rock Loop Trail. A fee of $5 per vehicle is charged.

This is a fantastic hiking trail. Enjoyment of beautiful scenes is guaranteed. There may be a problem with parking.

The trail is well-marked and it is easy for visitors to find their way around it. Be careful, cyclists also love this trail. Hiking in the morning is the best. wear long pants.

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#2 Devil’s Bridge

Devil’s Bridge Trail, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

Devils Bridge is an easy hiking trail with a short section of rock scrambling very close to Sedona. Many people walk this path as it offers an easy hike.

The Devil’s Bridge trail is very popular because this trail allows you to enjoy the red rock scenery. The whole family can walk the path easily.

Image Source: All Trails website

The track is 6.3 km long. The difference in height from the base to the top is 159m. An average family covers this trail in 1 hour and 40 minutes. This is an extremely popular trail for hiking and off-road driving.

There is a possibility of congestion on the track. A camera comes in handy, because the view is beautiful, and it is possible to photograph the Devil’s Bridge.

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It is allowed to walk the dog, but only on a leash. During hiking, you can see wildflowers and different wildlife.

You must have a high-clearance 4WD to drive this track. It is necessary to arrive early in the morning because the Dry Creek parking lot fills up quickly and after 7 AM it is very difficult to find an empty parking spot.

There is a Sedona Shuttle that can bring you to the trailhead. The Sedona Shuttle is free and runs from 8 AM to 6:30 PM.

You can find the schedule and route of the Sedona Shuttle on the official website. The trail is sometimes crowded with people, as it is one of the most popular hikes.

#3 Cathedral Rock Trail

Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

The trail starts from Back O’ Beyond Road, across Cathedral Rock Trail and Easy Breeze Trail. This is a very short trail of 1.9 km. The difference in height from the base to the top is 226m, route type out and back.

This short trail has a very large elevation difference and is therefore considered one of the more challenging trails in Sedona, Arizona. The entire trail can be covered in a little more than 1 hour, but good physical preparation is necessary for this.

Image Source: All Trails website

Dogs can be walked on this trail, but only on a leash. There are two parking lots off Back’ O’ Beyond Road. They are closed Thursday through Sunday when the trail can be reached using the Sedona Shuttle service.

Leave your car at the park & ​​ride lot located at 1294 SR 179 and continue to the Sedona Shuttle service. Baldwin and Templeton’s trails also lead to Cathedral Rock.

From the Cathedral Rock hike, it is possible to enjoy seeing rock formations. Scrambling up a variety of rocks could be a challenge because rocks are slippery.

This is an amazing hike and the reward is a stunning view. Dress appropriately and wear good climbing shoes.

#4 Red Rock Crossing – Red Rock State Park

4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

Red Rock State Park is an area of ​​preserved nature where people can enjoy beautiful nature. This is also an education center. The visitors are offered fantastic hiking trails along the mountain range.

At Red Rock Crossing you can photograph a fantastic view of Oak Creek. This is probably the most photographed area of ​​Sedona, Arizona.

Image Source: Red Rock State Park website

Hiking and biking are the most popular activities along these trails. Those who want to rest can spend a nice day with the family at the Crescent Moon Picnic Area and the view of Cathedral Rock.

Fishing and swimming are allowed in Oak Creek. It’s one of the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful sunset views.

Opening hours are from 8 am to 8 pm from May to September. Parking is $5 at the Red Rock Ranger District on Hwy 179, or $9 if parking at the Crescent Moon Picnic Area. Visitors who come alone without a vehicle pay a $2 entrance fee.

#5 Crescent Moon Ranch

300 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

This is a hiking trail near Seddon. It is a relatively short hike.The length of the track is 3.1 km, and the difference in height from the foot to the top is only 16 m.

Because of that small difference, this trail is considered very easy and the whole family can enjoy a day at Crescent Moon Ranch overlooking Cathedral Rock.

Crescent Moon Ranch website
Image Source: Red Rock State Park website

Dogs are allowed to walk on this path, but only on a leash. The trail is suitable for hiking, walking, or running. During the walk, you can enjoy the views and wildlife. There is also a fantastic view from the trail of the Red Rock Crossing Vortex.

The concrete paths on these trails are the best paths for people in wheelchairs and they are happy to come there. Oak Creek flows through the park.

This is a great place to enjoy a picnic because there is a designated place for a picnic. There are several parking lots available to visitors.

#6 Airport Mesa Trail & Overlook

483 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

The Airport Loop/Table Top Trails loop from Airport Mesa in a clockwise direction. The view extends toward Red Rock, down into the Oak Creek Valley.

It descends and intersects the small wash and climbs again to the intersection with the Table Top Trail.

This trail is located near Sedona, Arizona. The length of the trail is 5.1 km, and the height difference between the foot and the top is 127 m. An average hiker can complete the entire trail in almost 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Image Source: All Trails website

The trail is considered moderately demanding and the whole family can enjoy hiking, running, or walking. Pro tip: Dogs are allowed to walk, but only on a leash.

The track is open all year round. It is very well-marked. Parking is $3. There is no shade on the trail.

#7 Village of Oak Creek

Yavapai County, Arizona | Website

Around the Village of Oak Creek, there are several hiking trails.

  • Bell Rock Climb – Courthouse Rock Loop is a trail that is 4.53mi long.
  • The Courthouse Rock – Bell Rock Climb Loop is a 4.69m trail.
  • The Bell Rock Climb Loop is a 2.73 mi trail.
  • Courthouse Rock – Baby Bell Rock Loop

#8 Doe Mountain Trail

Doe Mountain, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

This is a trail near Seddon, Arizona that is 1.5 miles long. The difference in height between the foot of the trail and the top is 156m. This is an out-and-back route type.

It takes an hour to cover the entire trail. The Doe Mountain Trail is a moderately difficult trail that requires physically fit climbers. Red Rocks Parking is charged at $5.

Image Source: All Trails website

While climbing, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Red Rocks. At the top, the view is stunning. Be sure to bring a camera. The track is very popular and often full of people.

#9 Bear Mountain Trail

Bear Mountain trail/Oski approach, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

Bear Mountain Trail is a very long trail near Sedona Arizona. Its length is 7.9 km. The difference in height between the base and the top is 617m.

It takes almost 4 hours to hike the Bear Mountain Trail. Due to its length and steep climb, this is considered a difficult trail. Walking dogs is allowed, but only on a leash. There is no shade on the trail, but the beautiful view from Bear Mountain is stunning.

Image Source: All Trails website

During hiking, the view expands to wildlife and wildflowers. The track is open all year round. Fay Canyon can be seen from the trail.

There are many panoramic views while walking this trail. Red Canyon is passed and the San Francisco Peaks can be seen to the north. Good preparation is required for hiking this trail. Hiking equipment must be brought.

#10 Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout

538 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

At the end of Airport Road, Sedona Arizona is located in The Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout. That is a viewpoint with a view of Sedona and Red Rock formations.

This is a point where it is possible to view Sedona’s western part of the city, on one side and all-around Red Rocks. Capitol Bute and Coffee Pot Rock of Red Rocks are there and the view of them is fantastic. parking is at Airport Road and the fee is $3 for the whole day of enjoying the stunning view.

Image Source: Outdoor Project website

Sedona Airport Lookout is the starting point of The Sedona View Trail. This trail leads hikers to the Airport Loop Trail. For hikers ready for more excitement, there is Airport Vortex nearby, Airport Loop Trail, and Posse Grounds Park.

For hikers and campers there nearby are Manzanita Campground T Red Rock District, Coconino National Forest, Cave Spring Campground at Oak Canyon, and Pine Flat Campground in Red Rock District, Coconino National Forest.

#11 Sugar Loaf Trailhead

2065 Buena Vista Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

Sugar Loaf Trailhead is a trailhead near Sedona, Arizona in the Coconino National Forest. It is 3.1 km long, and the height difference between the foot and the top is 108 m.

This is a loop track. The Sugar Loaf Trailhead is considered an easy trail due to its gentle ascent and a relatively short length. It is suitable for hiking with children.

Image Source: All Trails website

From the trail, the view of Sugarloaf Summit expands. Running, walking, hiking and biking are possible on the trail. In less than an hour, the whole can be crossed.

The view of Red Rocks is fantastic. It is open for walking all year round and dogs can be walked, but only on a leash. Parking is limited.

#12 Cultural Park Trailhead

77 Cultural Park Pl #73, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

Cultural Park Trailhead is a trail south of Flagstaff in Red Rock Country. It takes about 4 hours to complete the trail. Hiking, biking, horses, and camping are possible on the trail.

The view of Red Rocks is stunning. Panoramic observation of nature and wildlife is unforgettable.

#13 Sedona View Trail

Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

If you’re looking forward to enjoying the spectacular Red Rock vistas, then this short hike at the Sedona View trail is definitely worth the visit.

It offers some of the best views in town, and is really popular during the warm weather.

Image Source: Sedona Monthly view website

Don’t forget to put on your sunscreen because there’s no shade on this trail.

#14 Airport Mesa Vortex

483 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

Mesa Vortex Airport is located in Sedona, Arizona. The Airport Mesa Vortex is a unique experience. There is a fantastic view of the Red Rocks formations. Airport Mesa Vortex is powered by Red Rocks.

It is very close to London and easy to find, that’s why it is very popular. The walk along this trail is 3.3 mi long. It goes in circles. Elephant Rock, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, and Cathedral Rock can be seen from the trail. It is possible to go off-road to the saddle for a better view.

The trail is easy and suitable for children.

#15 Arabella Hotel

725 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

The Arabella Hotel in Sedona, Arizona is a fantastic hotel surrounded by Red Rocks formations in Red Rock Country.

The hotel offers a stunning view of Red Rocks. Lucky visitors to Sedona are accommodated in this comfortable hotel that will offer you fantastic service, friendly staff, and delicious food.

Arabella Sedona website
Image Source: Arabella Sedona website

This one wants a private hiking trail. At Arabella’s hotel, the backyard is Marge’s Drawn, a private trail for beginner hikers. The trail offers a view of Red Rocks.

It leads to Snoopy Rock. The path is easy to walk, so it can be visited with children in 1 hour 30 minutes. It is allowed to take dogs for a walk on this trail but on a leash.

#16 Templeton Trail

Sedona, AZ | Website

Templeton Trail is located near Sedona, Arizona. The track is 11.4 km long. The height difference between the foot of the trail and the top is 216m. this is an out-and-back track. The trail is easy to walk and suitable for families with children.

Image Source: All Trails website

It takes about three hours to cover the entire trail. Hiking, biking, horse riding, and walking are possible on the trail. It is open all year round. It is allowed to walk dogs, but only on a leash.

The trail starts at the Bell Rock Pathway. The Templeton Trail intersects with the Cathedral Rock Trail and the Baldwin Trail. The entire trail offers a fantastic view of the Red Rocks.

#17 Boynton Vista Trail

Arizona 86336 | Website

The Boynton Vista Trail is located near Sedona, Arizona. It belongs to the Coconino National Forest. The length of the track is 1.8 km. The height difference from the foot of the trail to the top is 41m. This is an out-and-back track.

Boynton Vista Trail is classified as medium difficulty. Children enjoy this track. It takes about half an hour to cover the entire trail. Walking, running and hiking are possible on the Boynton Vista Trail. There is very little shade on the trail.

Image Source: All Trails website

The trail offers a great view of the Red Rocks. It is extremely popular and very frequented. Cycling is not allowed on this track.

All trails belong to the Coconino National Forest.

Another Option

Another really fun way to see the sunset is by doing one of the Sunset Jeep Tours with companies like Diamondback Gulch Jeep and Mogollon Rim.

These companies have jeep tours in the Sedona area and Red Rocks. These tours are rides to Capitol Butte, Chimney Rock, and all other tractions of Red Rocks.

Important Notes for Viewing Sunsets in Sedona

  • If you have a camera with a wide-angle lens, make sure to bring it as you’ll have some fantastic views.
  • Some trails have rough terrain so make sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially since you’ll be hiking at the end of the day.
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Michaela Lee

Michaela lives in Northern Virginia and is a mom of 2 young kids. She enjoys writing, reading and going new places with her family.