Top 5 Best Easy Hikes in Sedona

Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Sarah Puckett

Sedona is a world-renowned hiking destination with dozens of incredible trails, many of which are perfect for novice hikers who still want big views! We’ve rounded up the five best easy hikes in Sedona, which is the perfect amount for a weekend trip and a taste for the amazing landscapes you can hike to in Sedona. If you’re looking for a taste of adventure without pushing your limits, Sedona offers a myriad of easy hiking trails that will immerse you in its natural wonders.

We’ve spent the last three winters roadtripping through the US southwest, and we have gotten to visit Sedona on several occassions! We honestly love every hike we’ve done there, but if you’re looking for the absolute best easy hikes in Sedona, look no further!

In this blog post, we will unveil the top five easy hikes in Sedona, each offering its own unique charm and captivating vistas. Whether you’re a novice hiker, traveling with family, or simply seeking a leisurely stroll amidst stunning scenery, these trails are perfect for you.

How We Chose the BEST Easy Hikes in Sedona

To choose the best easy hikes in Sedona, we pored through our own notes from our hikes in Sedona as well as user reviews on AllTrails to identify the hikes that are truly the best! When looking at easiness, we assessed the total trail distance, elevation gain, and average amount of time it takes to complete the hike.

After all of this review, we determined that these are THE five best easy hikes in Sedona. All of them are under 4 miles miles and 600 feet of elevation gain, making them perfect for beginner hikers, families, or just anyone who wants a softcore hiking adventure!

With no further ado, here are the best easy hikes in Sedona!

Best Easy Hikes in Sedona

1. Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass

• Distance: 1.1 miles
• Elevation Gain: 108 feet
• Click here for AllTrails link

We think the hike to Seven Sacred Pools on the Soldier Pass trail is the absolute BEST easy hike in Sedona. Not only do you get to enjoy beautiful red rock cliff scenery, but you’ll see a unique sinkhole on your right when you set out on the trail.

Soon you will arrive to the beautiful Seven Sacred Pools. These natural rock pools frequently are filled with water (though can be completely dry during particularly arid drought times). It’s a tranquil and serene view if you are lucky to have it somewhat to yourself. A sunrise meditation or yoga session would be a great way to experience the peacefulness of this location and truly understand what makes the seven pools sacred.

2. Devils Bridge

• Distance: 3.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 521 feet
• Click here for AllTrails link

Devil’s Bridge is an easy hike in Sedona that showcases one of nature’s remarkable creations. This trail, offers hikers of all levels a chance to experience the beauty of Sedona’s red rock landscape. As you traverse the path, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and encounter the iconic sandstone arch that gives this hike its name. As the largest sandstone arch in Sedona, Devils Bridge spans 45 feet long and towers 54 feet over the desert below.

Reaching the arch is a highlight of the hike, allowing you to walk across the top and soak in the panoramic vistas that stretch across the red rocks, distant mountains, and vast desert landscape. The experience is both thrilling and visually captivating, offering ample opportunities for memorable photographs. It’s not nearly as scary as it looks, as the arch is wider than most photos show.

3. Doe Mountain

• Distance: 1.5 miles
• Elevation gain: 511 feet
• Click here for AllTrails link

The Doe Mountain hike is perfect for all skill levels, with a well-maintained trail leading you to the top of a wide, flat mesa and 360 degree views that’ll make your heart skip a beat. What’s really cool about Doe Mountain is that the summit mesa is wide and flat, giving you plenty of room to explore and unwind. Take your time, have a picnic, or simply sit back and meditate while soaking in the peaceful vibes.

For the ultimate experience, plan your hike around sunrise or sunset. Trust me, the colors get even more mind-blowing, casting a magical spell over the entire landscape.

4. Bell Rock Pathway

• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Elevation gain: 475 feet
• Click here for AllTrails link

The Bell Rock Pathway hike is one of the best easy hikes in Sedona because you can tailor it to the level of exertion you want! You can stick the wide, flat trail for a scenic stroll around Bell Rock, or you can continue to scramble up Bell Rock for views all around. The choice is yours!

We especially loved Bell Rock at sunrise. It is a great spot from which you can admire the light of the early morning set all the red rocks aglow. Plus, it’s one of Sedona’s famed vortexes (vortices), a center of powerful healing energy. Believers of Sedona’s energetic magic point to the twisty trees along this trail as a sign of the unique energies that exist at Bell Rock.

5. Birthing Cave

• Distance: 1.9 miles
• Elevation gain: 242 feet
• Click here for AllTrails link

The short and flat trail to Birthing Cave is a popular easy hike in Sedona for good reason. You can enjoy views of the cave from outside the cave looking in, or you can also climb up a bit inside the cave.

For a truly easy hike, we wouldn’t suggest climbing up into the cave, because the walls are quite steep inside. But if, like us, you are up for more adventure and comfortable with heights, you can climb high up into the cave. In the back wall there is a small circular recess. This is a great spot from which to take wide angle photos that capture all walls of the cave!

Final Thoughts on the Best Easy Hikes in Sedona

In conclusion, Sedona’s easy hiking trails provide a gateway to unforgettable natural beauty and serene landscapes. From the breathtaking vistas of Doe Mountain to the majestic allure of Bell Rock Pathway, these hikes offer something for everyone, regardless of skill level or age. Whether you seek solitude, connection with nature, or a memorable adventure with loved ones, Sedona’s easy hikes will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Want more tips on visiting Sedona? Check out our one week Sedona hiking itinerary and our list of the most unique things to do in Sedona to help plan your trip!

If you’re hungry for more Arizona adventures, don’t forget to check out our other blog posts dedicated to this captivating state. From the iconic wonders of Havasupai and the Wave to the hidden gems of White Pocket and beyond, Arizona has countless destinations waiting to be explored. So, keep that sense of wanderlust alive, and let our blog be your guide to unlocking the treasures of this remarkable region. Stay tuned for more inspiration, tips, and recommendations to fuel your adventurous spirit and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy trails and happy exploring!