6 Easy Sedona Hikes With Epic Views!

If you are looking for easy Sedona hikes but don’t want to miss those epic views, fear not! You can have both. If you are looking for easy trails in Sedona due to the summer heat, or short hiking trails when you are low on time, this guide can help you. Here I will cover the best easy Sedona hiking trails with amazing views.

I absolutely love hiking in Sedona. The glowing orange rocks, the surreal mountains, and the wild rock spires are incredible.

So why are we focusing on the easier hikes in Sedona?

For one, in the summer, the short hikes in Sedona are sometimes necessary when temperatures hit the triple digits. And two, even the most seasoned of hikers sometimes prefer an easier trek.

The good news is, just because you choose non-strenuous doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on the best viewpoints. Here are the best easy hikes in Sedona with epic views!

If you are looking to experience the best of Sedona’s easy hiking trails, you are in the right place. I have rounded up my top six recommended trails for those who want to skip the difficult hikes but not sacrifice the views.

Where Is Sedona, Arizona?

The town of Sedona is tucked away in Arizona’s Sonoran Desert, about two hours north of Phoenix and one hour south of Flagstaff.

The best way to get there is either by car, via a road trip, or by flying into Phoenix and renting a car.

This stunning place is completely surrounded by bright red rock canyons, fiery orange buttes and tall skinny rock spires!

Sedona’s scenery attracts nature lovers, artists, healers, yogis, and hikers, creating a beautiful blend of the alternative. Here you will find spirituality, self care, and the most beautiful outdoor scenery!

Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Sedona, Arizona. The stunning vistas, the red cliffs, and the unexpected dose of green in the desert are all beyond vibrant.

With so many scenic yet easy hiking trails to choose from in Sedona, I’m sure we can find the perfect one for you!

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Easy Sedona Hikes You Can’t Miss

First and foremost, if you have never hiked in the desert before, be prepared. The desert is no joke. The temperatures are extreme and heat stroke is a real concern, especially in the summer.

I have an entire post on the proper desert hiking gear to pack and I highly suggest reading it! Being prepared will ensure a fun and safe time on the trails.

So let’s jump into my favorite Sedona easy hikes so that you can choose which one you’d like to start with.

1. Secret Slick Rock Trail

Distance 0.7 miles / Type: Out & Back / Elevation 78feet / Time 15 minutes

This easy hike is the definition of low-effort-but-epic-views. It’s less than a mile in length, and is, in my opinion, the best easy hike Sedona has to offer..

For one, it is never crowded. I think it’s called “secret” for a reason.

And, even if it was, the flat, sprawling viewpoint is so large that you could easily find a corner all for yourself, even in a crowd.

From the small parking lot, you will meander between bright green cacti and red-brown dirt, passing through some scraggly desert brush and trees. The trail is well-trodden and easy to follow.

At the end, the narrow trail widens to a large slick rock with a panoramic view of Cathedral Rock. I love this short hike, particularly when the temperature is in the triple digits or when I’m low on time.

Trailhead Location

2. Sugarloaf Loop

Distance 1.9 miles / Type: Loop / Elevation 354feet / Time 1 hour

Another great Sedona hike is the Sugarloaf Loop trail.

While it is not technically challenging, it does require good shoes (I highly recommend these trekking sandals, which are my all-time faves.)

Hikers will encounter small rock scrambles and loose gravel, but overall this trail is easy and well-maintained. The view at the top is beautiful and panoramic but beware – there is no shade to be found.

This is a fairly easy trail, though the summit itself requires an uphill trek. That is the hardest part. But, the views from the top make up for it.

Low effort and beautiful views makes for the perfect combination!

I could see this being a tough hike for anyone who is not feeling physically fit as the hike to the summit can get steep. Alternately, you could skip the summit and opt for the loop only, still getting those amazing views.

Trailhead Location

3. Teacup Trail

Distance 1.7 miles / Type: Out & Back / Elevation ~200 feet / Time 1 hour

Teacup Trail is among the best easy hikes in Sedona, and yet still manages to showcase everything you are sure to love about the area.

The Teacup Trail is close in proximity to Sugarloaf Loop, and it leads you to another well-known peak called Coffeepot Rock. If you start early, you can easily hit both hikes in one day.

This trail is pretty short, and the elevation gain isn’t too bad. My only complaint is that the trail is a bit difficult to follow at times.

In any case, Teacup Trail is one of Sedona’s best easy hikes to tackle! If you want to see red-drenched earth, it delivers.

Trailhead Location

You Might Also Like: A Phoenix to Sedona Drive: What to See on Your Road Trip

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4. Chuck Wagon Loop

Distance 4.5 miles / Type: Loop / Elevation 436 feet / Time 1.75 hours

The Chuck Wagon Loop Trail is shared by both hikers and mountain bikers.

It offers more beautiful views of orange and brown colored rocks all along the trail, and is dotted with green plant life. The Coconino Forest color palette never disappoints!

The trail itself is easy to follow, but the section that descends into Dry Creek is eroded and a bit uneven and rocky. Tread carefully.

Note that this hike connects with the much more famous Devil’s Bridge, which is a moderate trail. That means that the connection points may be quite busy, but the rest of the trail is usually quiet.

You’ll find some shade here, but be sure to bring lots of water, especially in the summer months!

Trailhead Location

5. Fay Canyon

Distance 2.3 miles / Type: Out & Back / Elevation 193 feet / Time 1 hour

Desert scenery never seems to disappoint. Fay Canyon Trail features everything from green creek beds to a natural rock arch, keeping the one-hour hike interesting.

This short but popular trail meanders through a canyon, which provides a bit of shade even in the summer heat.

At the end of the trail, adventurous hikers can scramble up the rocks for a bonus viewpoint above the canyon, which offers some sweeping panoramas!

Trailhead Location

6. Airport Mesa

Distance 3.2 miles / Type: Loop / Elevation 416 ft / Time 3 hours

As one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, this trail get busy. My number one tip for hikers is to leave early if you want to escape the crowds.

Despite its length, the Airport Mesa trail is fairly even and flat. Some areas have a bit of an incline, but not enough to truly be considered a Moderate trail.

The pathway loops around the Sedona Airport, and you’ll be exposed to everything from iconic orange rocks to a vortex to a ridge with sweeping views. (But really, where is Sedona do you not find sweeping views?!)

You’ll find a small parking area at the trailhead, but if you arrive late it almost certainly will be full. So I stress once more – go as early as possible!

Trailhead Location

Where To Stay in Sedona, Arizona

There are plenty of great hotels and resorts in Sedona for any budget! But I’m going to list my top two choices below.

1. Sky Ranch Lodge

The Sky Ranch Lodge is my top recommendation for anyone who wants the quintessential Sedona experience. It is nestled between the towering orange and red rocks, providing the prettiest views in town.

This luxurious hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and drop dead gorgeous grounds. It is situated in a prime location, and offers easy access to many of Sedona’s unique attractions.

Bonus: After a day of hiking, you can treat yourself to a relaxing soak in the on site hot tub.

BOOK THE SKY RANCH LODGE NOW!

2. Arabella Hotel Sedona 

The charming Arabella Hotel Sedona in Red Rock Country is just minutes away from attractions like Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, Oak Creek Canyon, and Slide Rock State Park. It’s prime location is just part of the draw.

They have a seasonal outdoor pool (and year-round hot tub) that are perfect after a busy day of exploring. The hotel offers free WiFi and enjoy plentiful in-room amenities like coffee makers, ironing facilities, and hairdryers for your convenience.

Bonus the Arabella offers a complimentary breakfast on site!

BOOK THE ARABELLA HOTEL SEDONA NOW!

Sedona Hiking FAQ’s

What should I pack for these easy hikes in Sedona?

No matter which of the easy hikes Sedona tempts you with, you will want to come prepared to hike in the desert climate. That means having all of the desert essentials and gear that will keep you safe and cool.

When is the best time to go hiking in Sedona?

Hiking is popular in Sedona year round, but the best time to visit in terms of weather is in the Spring and Fall. The sun will still be shining but you’ll avoid the triple digits.

However, since we are focusing on easy Sedona hikes, these can honestly be tackled in any season.

In general, avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day. Start early and finish before noon.

Check out my post on desert safety so that you are prepared for everything from flash floods to heat stroke!

Bonus Tips for Visiting Sedona

1. Remember to prepare for the heat if you visit Sedona in the summer. The proper hiking gear is absolutely essential for desert safety.
2. Public transportation is not the most abundant here, so the best plan is to road trip yourself. That can be in your own car or a rental car (I usually get the best prices through the company linked here.)
3. If you want to truly explore the wilderness, a 4WD vehicle is a great idea!
4. Spend at least one full weekend exploring Sedona. There are just so many things to do in Sedona outside of the beautiful hikes!
5. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions when hiking around Sedona.

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Sedona is one of those places that you can’t help but fall in love with. The vivid colors, the vibe, and the hikes listed here will win you over – I just know it.

Let me know below – which of Sedona’s easy hikes with epic views are you planning to hit first?!

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