Sedona, Arizona, is an oasis for photographers, hikers, and explorers, full of vortexes, red rocks, and adventures. Sounds magical, right? That’s because it IS! But you know what’s really amazing? Sedona sunsets and sunrises!
This gem is a hiker’s heaven, there are TONS of trails to explore (from difficult to easy Sedona hikes), but not all are ideal for sunset and sunrise. So before you head off to this part of the desert, let’s clear up what are the best Sedona sunset and sunrise hikes.
After you read this blog, check out these other posts that’ll help you plan the perfect Sedona vacation:
- First-Timer’s Sedona, Arizona Travel Guide
- How to Spend 3 Days in Sedona, AZ
- Most Instagrammable Places in Sedona
- Best Sedona Vacation Rentals
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Disclaimer: Hey explorer! This post contains affiliate links which means I earn a small percentage of each purchase made through my links. I only ever recommend products I believe in and appreciate your support if you decide to use my links—thank you!
What to Know Before Hiking in Sedona
Most Sedona hiking trails require a Red Rock Pass, which you can purchase for $5 online or in-person at trailhead parking lots.
The Forest Service created the Red Rock Pass program to help keep Sedona trails as immaculate as possible. If you skip on buying a pass and displaying it on your dash, you can get a citation – that’s no fun!
Avoid the Pass: If you’re a national park lover and have your America the Beautiful Interagency Pass handy, you can hang that on your car and you’ll be good to go! Read my guide on this here!
Sedona Shuttle System
To help with parking and provide more trail access to visitors, Sedona recently created a free shuttle system.
The shuttle runs Thursday through Sunday year round. It provides transportation to Dry Creek (for Devil’s Bridge), Cathedral Rock Trail, and Solider Pass.
They will be adding more routes.
According to folks who have recently used the shuttle, as of April 2022, you should expect some kinks in the shuttle schedules (running 30+ minutes late, etc.). You also might not be able to park at some of the trailhead lots when the shuttle is running.
Plan your hikes accordingly! I suggest going to SedonaShuttle.com for the most up-to-date schedules and information!
Map of Sedona Sunset & Sunrise Hikes
Below, you’ll find a Google Map I created, marking where each Sedona trailhead is!
Click here to access a live version of the map!
You’re welcome, booskie ;).
Best Sunset & Sunrise Hikes in Sedona
We will discuss each of these hikes in detail:
- Cathedral Rock
- Red Rock Crossing
- Devil’s Bridge via Chuck Wagon Trail
- Bear Mountain
- Soldier Pass
- Bell Rock via Bell Rock Access Trail
- Birthing Cave via Long Canyon Trail
- Doe Mountain
- Airport Mesa Vortex
- Sugarloaf Mountain via Teacup Trail
- Munds Wagon Trail
Let’s get into the best sunset and sunrise hikes in Sedona, shall we?
✨ PS: You might need these! Sturdy hiking boots, a cute sun hat, a headlamp, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and sunglasses.
#1 Cathedral Rock (Sunset)
- Cathedral Rock Trailhead: 34.8251648,-111.7895865
- Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Distance: 1.4 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Top: 30 minutes to an hour
- Elevation Gain: 645 feet
- Parking: Limited with about 20 spaces (available Monday through Wednesday)
- Shuttle Stop: Head to SedonaShuttle.com (Thursday through Sunday)
- Best Light: Sunset
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
Cathedral Rock is the iconic landmark you’ve probably seen in most pictures of Sedona. It is GORGEOUS at sunset!
So, if you’ve never been to Sedona, hiking Cathedral Rock vortex is a must. You’ll want to get to Cathedral Rock Trail off Back O’ Beyond Road to start your hike.
To get to the top, follow the trail markers. Cathedral Rock Trail climbs gradually, but will definitely test your fitness level!
Due to its popularity and the markers, the path is relatively easy to navigate, even after the sun goes down.
There is a short scrambling section near the halfway point that scares most people, but folks of all shapes and sizes can make it up – take your time! From there, it’s a straight shot to the end.
Please note this trail will take about 30 minutes for most folks to complete — clearly the little man on the map below has never been up here before *eye roll*.
Cathedral Rock Hiking Tips
- Parking fills up quickly, so get here early for sunset!
- This Sedona, AZ hiking trail does not have much shade, so pack a hat.
- At the top, swing left at the overlook and follow a rocky hill to a hidden pillar!
- Be prepared to use your hands and feet on this hike and wear good hiking boots.
Where to Take the Best Sunset Pics
- The main vista at the top.
- The “Edge” on the righthand side of the main vista.
- The hidden pillar to the left of the main vista.
- Looking out at the surrounding valley via Cathedral Rock Trail.
- On Baldwin Trail, looking up at Cathedral Rock.
There aren’t many places that look as though you’ve jumped right into a postcard, making Cathedral Rock an easy choice for your next Sedona sunset hike!
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#2 Red Rock Crossing via Verde Valley Road (Easy Sedona Sunset Hike)
- Baldwin Trailhead: 34.8217445,-111.8080694
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.4 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Crossing: 10 to 20 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 50 feet
- Parking at Trail: Minimal with about 15 spaces
- Best Light: Sunset
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
Red Rock Crossing is the perfect place to enjoy a Sedona sunset over Cathedral Rock, minus the strenuous hike!
Park at the Baldwin Trailhead to start your hike. Hang a left and walk down Verde Valley Road until you get to Oak Creek.
From here, swing a right and walk along Red Rock Crossing Trail for 0.5 miles to Templeton Trail. Take Templeton 0.2 miles to “Buddha Beach.”
And voila! You’ve arrived.
With the Crossing’s proximity to Cathedral Rock, you’ll have incredible close and personal views of this Sedona landmark for sunset!
Red Rock Crossing Hiking Tips
- Take a swimsuit so you can go for a dip as you watch a Sedona sunset.
- For footwear, consider some comfortable hiking sandals that you can wear swimming too!
- You can bypass the hike and go to the Crescent Moon Day Use Site to get here!
- Perfect place to go when you only have one day in Sedona.
Where to Take the Best Sunset Pics
- The Crescent Moon area.
- The most iconic images are taken when you “arrive” and see Cathedral Rock over Oak Creek.
Red Rock Crossing vortex has a lot going for it: a view of Cathedral Rock, easy to get to, and is a Sedona swimming hole! This is the best Sedona sunset hike for folks who aren’t really into hiking.
#3 Devil’s Bridge via Chuck Wagon Trail (Sunrise)
- Chuck Wagon Trailhead: 34.8908909,-111.8215838
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: ~6 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Bridge: About an hour
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Parking: Limited with about 20 spaces (available Monday through Wednesday)
- Shuttle Stop: Head to SedonaShuttle.com (Thursday through Sunday)
- Best Light: Sunrise
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
Devil’s Bridge glitters with the prettiest golden color in the morning, making it a fantastic Sedona, Arizona sunrise hiking trail. Unfortunately, getting to Devil’s Bridge via Chuck Wagon Trail includes a trail junction that can confuse people, so let’s get into what to expect!
Park at the Chuck Wagon Trailhead lot off Boynton Pass Road to start your adventure. Once parked, hike Chuck Wagon for about 2 miles to the Devil’s Bridge Trail junction.
The entire route before the junction is relatively flat and easy to follow.
Once you hit Devil’s Bridge Trail, things start to pick up since all the elevation gain is along this path. BUT, it’ll be a straight one-mile shot to Devil’s Bridge from here!
See! Not so hard, right?
Will you be brave enough to cross the Bridge when you get there? Ooooooooooo, spoooookyyyyyy.
Devil’s Bridge Hiking Tips
- Wear good hiking boots because Devil’s Bridge Trail can be rocky!
- This hike may take 1.5 hours in the dark, so plan your sunrise mission accordingly.
- Drive a 4×4, high-clearance vehicle directly to Devil’s Bridge Trail for a shorter hike.
- Itching to explore some Sedona off-roading areas like this? Click here to book a Jeep Tour!
Where to Take the Best Sunrise Pics
- The only real “shot” to get on this Sedona sunrise hike is of the Bridge itself!
Truth be told, there are about 4 different ways to hike to Devil’s Bridge, which you can read about in my trail write-up!
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#4 Bear Mountain Trail
- Bear Mountain Trailhead: 34.8983127,-111.874322
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: ~5 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Top: About 1.5 to 2 hours
- Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
- Parking: Limited with about 20 spaces
- Best Light: Sunrise
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
Bear Mountain Trail is more on the strenuous side of all the sunrise hiking trails in Sedona, AZ. You’ll park at the Doe Mountain parking lot and cross the street to the Bear Mountain Trailhead to begin your journey.
The trail starts flat but quickly begins to climb up to the summit.
Sometimes the path to the summit becomes faint and may be difficult for you to follow, especially for sunrise! But if you keep your eyes peeled for white diamonds painted on the trail, you will have no problem making it to the top.
At Bear Mountain Summit, you’ll see one of Sedona’s best panoramic sunrise views and, if you’re lucky, hot air balloons! Hot air balloons + dreamy light make for a bomb @$$ morning, therefore making Bear Mountain one of the best Sedona sunrise hikes!
Bear Mountain Hiking Tips
- Bring a headlamp to help you spot the white diamonds.
- Want to experience the hot air balloons? Book a Sedona sunrise hot air balloon tour!
- If you want to hike this for sunrise, consider allocating 2 hours to reach the summit.
Where to Take the Best Sunrise Pics
- In my opinion, all of the best photos of this hike are from the top!
While Bear Mountain isn’t long, it’s steep! For more info on the hike, check out my Bear Mountain Trail post!
#5 Soldier Pass Trail via Cibola Pass (Sunrise)
- Jordan Road Trailhead: 34.8879751,-111.7684405
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: ~2.8 miles round trip to Pools (out and back)
- Time to Pools: About 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 170 feet
- Parking: Fairly large lot (Jordan Trailhead is not included in the shuttle stops)
- Best Light: Sunrise
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
Caves and pools and sinkholes, oh my! Soldier Pass trail happens to have all of those, making it an enjoyable Sedona hike for your next sunrise.
Since the Soldier Pass Trailhead parking lot opens at 8 AM, you will have to begin your sunrise mission from the Jordan Road parking lot (also referred to as Jim Thompson).
Once parked, hop on Cibola Pass Trail. You’ll hike 0.7 miles to connect with Jordan Trail, then another 0.3 miles to get on Soldier Pass Trail.
At this point, you’ll see the famous Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole!
You’ll come up to the famous Seven Sacred Pools in about 0.4 miles, and if you keep going you can hunt for the Soldier Pass Cave.
About 0.9 miles away from the Pools, there will be a fork in the trail. Taking the right side will lead you up to an open mesa. In the distance, you’ll see a red rock wall – this is where the Cave is!
The trail to the Cave will be along the lefthand side of the mesa.
Soldier Pass Hiking Tips
- Do this hike after Sedona has had some rain because the Pools will be full.
- Getting to the Secret Cave requires some scrambling, so save it for after sunrise!
- You can take trekking poles to help you get to the Cave.
Where to Take the Best Sunrise Pics
- Seven Sacred Pools area
- The Secret Cave makes for a great Sedona photo op too!
There are about four different ways to enjoy this hike. Read my Soldier Pass trail post to see your options!
#6 Bell Rock Climb via Bell Rock Access Trail (Sunset)
- Bell Rock Trailhead: 34.8050676,-111.7667896
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
- Time to Top: 45 minutes to an hour
- Elevation Gain: 600 feet
- Parking: Limited with about 20 spaces
- Best Light: Sunset
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
The Bell Rock area has some of the best sunset hiking in Sedona! Various trails lead you around the rock, but the top is where the real magic happens.
You can begin your hike from two different parking lots, but for the quickest route, start from the Courthouse Vista lot. On some maps, it is labeled as the “Bell Rock Trailhead.”
From the Courthouse Vista lot, jump onto Bell Rock Access Trail. It will have wooden signs leading to the Bell Rock Climb, which is the path you’ll take to the top!
The trail will start flat but will ascend rather quickly as you begin your climb. At the top, you’ll have a great place to watch the sunset!
The Bell Rock Climb isn’t for the faint of heart, but completing it will give you panoramic red rock views, making this one of the best Sedona sunset hikes!
Bell Rock Hiking Tips
- Wear sunscreen and bring a hat! The trail has no shade.
- Make sure you wear good hiking boots — the rock along the climb is slick!
- If you’re afraid of heights, this trail may be difficult for you when the sun goes down.
- As an alternative, do the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop (3.9 miles RT).
Where to Take the Best Sunset Pics
- Go to the top to get some fantastic views of the surrounding valley!
- Along the Climb Trail there are multiple vistas to stop for photos.
If you want to learn more about the climb and the alternative Courthouse Butte Bell Rock Loop, read my Bell Rock Vortex blog!
#7 Birthing Cave via Long Canyon Trail (Sunrise)
- Long Canyon Trailhead: 34°54’24.0″N 111°49’27.5″W
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
- Time to Cave: About 15 minutes
- Elevation Gain: ~400ft
- Parking: Minimal
- Best Light: Sunrise
- Red Rock Pass required? No
Known for having sacred powers and teardrop shape, the Birthing Cave is a Sedona local favorite and just so happens to look fabulous at sunrise.
Your hike to Birthing Cave will begin on Long Canyon Trailhead No. 122. Parking is limited, so plan to get here early!
You will find that the trail is flat and wide with no elevation gain. Hike for about 0.6 miles until you reach a fork—go left towards the red cliffs!
You should be able to see the Cave nestled in the red rocks ahead.
As you get closer to the Birthing Cave, keep an eye out for a small trail that will lead directly to it. The trail is steep and will require you to bushwack a bit, but it is less than a mile.
Once inside, enjoy the view!
Birthing Cave Hiking Tips
- Women from all around come to the Birthing Cave hoping that it will give them a better chance at having a healthy pregnancy, so be respectful!
- You will have to bushwack a bit to get to the Cave, so consider wearing a long sleeve shirt for protection.
- To capture the best images, bring a 16-35mm f/4!
Where to Take the Best Sunrise Pics
- Climb into the center of the Cave to capture it’s tear-drop shape and the view ahead!
- Sit on the sides of the Cave to create a sense of scale in images.
Birthing Cave is one of the easiest Sedona sunrise hikes you can do. Pro tip! For the best sunrise vantage point, crawl up to the “belly button” in the center of the Cave.
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#8 Doe Mountain (Underrated Sedona Sunrise Hike)
- Doe Mountain Trailhead: 34.8927633,-111.8651711
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.7 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Top: 20 to 30 minutes
- Elevation Gain: 430ft
- Parking: Parking is limited
- Best Light: Sunrise
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
Hiking Doe Mountain doesn’t require much effort and its 360 perspective makes it a fantastic Sedona sunrise hike!
The trail begins at the Doe Mountain/ Bear Mountain parking area. Almost immediately after you start your hike, you’ll reach the Aerie Trail junction.
Skip the junction and continue on the path forward to reach the top of Doe Mountain.
The trail itself is easy to follow and has a gradual incline. A couple of well-made switchbacks will take you right to the mesa where you can enjoy sunrise!
Doe Mountain Hiking Tips
- Avoid this trail when it is raining since it can get slippery!
- There is little to no shade on the trail, so wear sunscreen.
Where to Take the Best Sunrise Pics
- The top of Doe Mountain is FULL of photo spots, so snap away!
If you want a unique experience at the top of Doe Mountain, hike up some snacks and a blanket to enjoy a little sunrise picnic!
#9 Airport Mesa Vortex (Sunset)
- Airport Road Parking: 34.855304,-111.7803895
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.1 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Vortex: 5 to 10 minutes
- Elevation Gain: Extremely minimal
- Parking: Parking is limited
- Best Light: Sunset
- Red Rock Pass Required? No
If you’ve been searching for places to watch the sunset in Sedona, you’ve undoubtedly come across Airport Mesa—for a good reason too!
The Airport Mesa Vortex is one of the most accessible Sedona vortexes and places to watch the sunset. To reach the Mesa, park at the small lot off Airport Road and walk under 100 feet up a small path.
The vortex is less than 200 feet in front of you! If you’re unsure of where exactly to go, ask folks in the area.
You’ll undoubtedly see some people climbing up a small rock formation lined with hand rails to help you reach the vortex. Some maps refer to the precise path as Airport Mesa Trail while others call it Summit Trail.
Once you’re up there, though, you’ll have unobstructed panoramic views of Sedona.
Airport Mesa Hiking Tips
- Parking is a challenge and is limited to a handful of spaces, so get here around 30 to 40 minutes before sunset.
- As an alternative, you can do a ~1.2 mile round trip hike from the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout parking lot, which costs $3 to park.
Where to Take the Best Sunset Pics
- Sedona Trail View Point
- At the vortex looking out to the valley!
Airport Mesa offers an iconic view of Sedona and is very photogenic at sunset. Check out my post on Airport Mesa Vortex for more information on getting there!
#10 Sugarloaf Mountain via Teacup Trail (My Fave Sedona Sunrise Hike)
- Sugarloaf Trailhead: 34.8775908,-111.7969803
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1.6 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Summit: 30 minutes to an hour
- Elevation Gain: 250 feet
- Parking: Parking is limited
- Best Light: Sunrise
- Red Rock Pass Required? Yes
Sugarloaf Mountain towers over a valley of large Sedona red rock formations and makes for the perfect vantage point for a desert sunrise! While hiking up a mountain for sunrise sounds intimidating, it’s pretty quick and easy to summit Sugarloaf!
Your adventure will start in the Sugarloaf Trailhead parking area. From here, you’ll hop on Teacup Trail and hike a relatively flat 0.4 miles to Sugarloaf Loop Trail.
Stay on the left-most fork of Sugarloaf Loop, and walk 0.1 miles until you reach Sugarloaf Mountain Trail. Hike Sugarloaf Mountain Trail 0.2 miles to the top of the mountain!
Your elevation gain will happen here, so take breaks as needed.
Tips for Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain
- Expect to hike around 250 feet to the top — use trekking poles as needed!
- It can take some folks 30 minutes to an hour to reach the summit, so plan your sunrise mission accordingly!
Where to Take the Best Sunrise Pictures
- Sugarloaf Summit is where you’ll want to take all your pictures!
With its 360 views, Sugarloaf Summit can be the perfect hike for sunset too! If you want to know more about this hike, read my post on Sugarloaf Trail!
#11 Munds Wagon Trail to Merry Go Round Rock (Bucket List Sunset Hike)
- Munds Wagon Trailhead Coordinates: 34.869034, -111.760251
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 6.4 miles round trip (out and back)
- Time to Complete: 2 to 3 hours
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,000 feet
- Parking: Available at the trailhead
- Best Light: Sunrise and Sunset
- Red Rock Pass Required? No
Nestled in the heart of Sedona’s breathtaking Red Rock Country, the Munds Wagon Trail to Merry-Go-Round Rock offers hikers an unforgettable experience of Arizona’s natural beauty. This moderate 6.4-mile round trip journey takes you through vibrant green foliage and under the shade of towering sycamore and juniper trees, all while winding alongside the meandering Dry Creek.
You can expect to encounter ancient red rock formations, including the iconic Mitten Ridge, before reaching the stunning Merry-Go-Round Rock! The trail is best enjoyed during sunrise or sunset when the sun’s rays paint the sandstone cliffs in vivid hues of orange and pink, creating a dramatic contrast with the surrounding scenery.
From experience, sunset is my fave time to enjoy this hike!
Although a Red Rock Pass is not required for this particular trail, it is always a good idea to check for the latest information on access and fees before embarking on your adventure!
Tips for Hiking Munds Wagon Trail
- Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction for navigating the rocky terrain.
- Check the weather forecast before your hike, as flash floods and slippery conditions may occur during or after heavy rainfall — heavy clouds can also completely block out the sun!
Where to Take the Best Sunset Pictures
- Once you arrive at the main vista, you’ll be able to get some great photos!
More of the Best Sunset & Sunrise Hikes in Sedona
Here are more Sedona sunset and sunrise hikes to consider!
- Marg’s Draw (Sunset) — 2 miles round trip. Features rugged peaks and remarkable red rocks.
- Fay Canyon Trail (Sunrise) — 2.4 miles round trip. You will see arches and sweeping views of Sedona!
- Courthouse Butte Loop / Bell Rock Pathway (Sunset) — 3.9-mile loop. The loop will give you the best vantage points and sunset photo opportunities!
- Boynton Canyon Trail (Sunset) — 6.1 miles round trip. This trail offers excellent vista views of Sedona and features a hidden cave!
What to Pack for Hiking in Sedona, AZ
We’ve talked about this a little throughout the post, but here’s a collection of items I suggest bringing to your Sedona adventure!
Keen Targhees
Trekking Poles
Hydroflask
Hat
Osprey Pack
Sunscreen
Final Tips for Hiking Sedona at Sunset or Sunrise
Here are some things you need to keep in mind before you go and catch an epic sunset and sunrise in Sedona AZ!
Pay Attention to the Shuttle Schedule
Watch the shuttle schedule if you’ll be in Sedona when the shuttles are running! You will NOT be able to access certain trailhead parking lots when the shuttles operate.
In addition, some shuttle lots are over a mile away from the trailheads, so if you end up having to walk back to your car or a trailhead, this will add time and distance to your trip.
Watch the Weather
If there are heavy clouds in the forecast, your chances of catching sunset or sunrise in Sedona, AZ, actually go down… quite a bit.
Clouds tend to linger and stick in the Sedona valley. As a result, the best places to see sunrise or sunset in Sedona can turn gloomy in a matter of minutes.
Try to go on your light-catching excursions when the sky is clear.
Bring a Headlamp
During each sunset and sunrise hike, you will be walking in the dark at some point. Bring a headlamp!
Space Out Your Hikes
It’s tempting to visit and do every Sedona hiking trail! However, there are multiple things to see that make Sedona equally unique.
So space out your hikes and fill your days in the area with lots of fun activities! If you need some inspo for your trip, check out my Sedona 3 day itinerary write-up.
Overall
Sedona has some fantastic sunrise and sunset hikes! Hopefully, this list of trails helps you witness your share of cotton candy skies when you visit.
And if you’re planning an upcoming Sedona trip, read my other Sedona blogs:
- First-Timer’s Sedona, Arizona Travel Guide
- How to Spend 3 Days in Sedona, AZ
- Most Instagrammable Places in Sedona
- Best Sedona Vacation Rentals
Happy hiking :)!
I went to Sedona last summer and I loved it. I love what you do and your blog is amazing.
Thank you so much Marika! I appreciate it!
Hey! Question for you – the Soldier’s Pass gate apparently doesn’t open until 8am – did you go at sunrise anyway? Were you able to get past the gate? We’re planning on sunrise this Saturday. Thanks!
Hi Mandy! Great question. I recommend going to “Jordan Trail”. To my knowledge, Jordan Trail doesn’t have a gate. It also offers a more scenic view of the entire area. You can always call the visitors center and check on this just in case. In the past, I was able to go through Jordan trail for sunrise!
Hey
Love you’re site! Planning a trip with my boyfriend in June. We heard it’s really hot in June? Too hot to do these hikes in day? If not any recommendations for things to do when it’s that hot would be greatly appreciated.
Too hot is subjective. Bring plenty of water, a hat, sun glasses, and sunscreen and proper clothing and you should be fine provided you are fit and healthy enough for a given hike.
Devil’s Bridge was my favorite hike. Looking at pictures I thought the bridge was very narrow, however getting there I was surprised at how wide it actually was! One guy hung off the side and scared the living daylights out of me! ….he lived.
Thank you so much for this blog! I’m here in Sedona right now! I am so grateful and honored to be here! I came in from California and everyone has had such beautiful energy and has been so kind! Thank you for all the tips I making notes for my next trip later this year!!
hi, I never been to Sedona…have airfare from NYC to AZ first week in September. Hope weather will be nice. my companion is not much of a hiker but I love it. do I need to rent a car when I get there to go to all these places for hiking or do they have tours that will pick me up at the hotel?
Hi – Have you hiked Shamans cave? If you have would you be interested or no someone that would hike it with me. that knows this cave possible a sunset hike. I will be in Sedona 9/11/1- through 9/19/19
Thank you
Sheila
Amazing pictures and great choices for the hikes! So much to do in Sedona and you nailed it!
Thanks this is amazing! Quick question: why isn’t Merry-Go-around on this and have you been there? Do you know what it’s like at sunrise? Any help would be so appreciated!
Hey Lexi! I have been up there, but I didn’t hike! I took the off-roading route, however. I’m not sure what it’s like up there for sunrise but I have seen it at sunset and had a great experience 🙂
Awesome info, you are so thorough! Hiked The Birthing Cave and Westfork the last couple days, unbelievable experience!
Curious your suggestions for dslr cameras to capture the best color without the sun bleaching everything out. I’m having trouble with this. I don’t do a lot of post editing, the sun is so bright (not complaining) I’m getting a lot of washed out shots.
Thanks for such a detailed blog, really helpful for my first Sedona trip????
Hi Thanks for the advice. I am curious though for Birthing Cave – it’s marked as a good Sunset hike. Would you be facing East when you’re at the cave though, so as to not see the sunset?
I appreciate the list but I’m only seeing numbers 1 through 7? Where is 8 through 16?
This has to be one of the most detailed and informative articles I’ve come across on Sedona. We are heading there in a couple weeks for my wife’s birthday. Thanks for sharing the specific details and beautiful photographs.
Are there any other hikes you’ve come to know since writing this article that would be good for sunsets that you can simply drive to/only short walk? I only ask to avoid hiking back in the dark.
If you go for a sunset hike will you be walking back in the dark?
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Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
So glad I came across this page/site. Your site is amazing Dani, thank you! Your reviews and suggestion for sunrise/sunset hikes were truly helpful. What Im most curious about is the hike for sunrise in the dark – How challenging is it to hike in darkness to get to viewpoints for sunrise, ie. Doe Mountain. Knowing how long (timing) the hike to the viewpoints would also be helping when reviewing each description. Thanks so much!
Hi! Awesome advice and website, thank you for all of the tips! I was wondering, the picture just above “Final Tips…”, where was that shot taken? Was that one off of Boynon Trail? We will be making our first trip at the end of the month and are super excited. Thanks again!
hey there! That’s Lover’s Knoll which isn’t a hike at all! It’s a drive up spot. I think I mention it in my 3 day Sedona itinerary and Instagrammable Sedona places. Hope that helps!
Sedona is beautiful! A friend and I attempted the Red River Crossing Sunset hike and it was not as expected. We followed Verde Valley Road down to the creek, but the trail was not clear on the map, and Red rock river crossing was not where the instructions said it was. The places were on the wrong side of the river, and they were on the wrong side of the rock to view the sunset over the rock. You could not even see Cathedral rock from the end point. There were places along the trail that provided a good view of Cathedral Rock, but the sun was setting behind us and not the rock. Pretty hike, but not for sunset.