- Destinations, Hiking
7 Best Sedona Hikes in Winter
The winter months in Sedona, Arizona are the perfect time to plan a hiking trip out to red rock country. The beautiful red rocks contrasted with snow on some of the popular trails in Sedona are breathtaking. The colder air means that even popular trails are less crowded. Plus, some of the best Sedona hikes in winter are fit for people of all hiking abilities.
In this guide, I will share everything you need to know about some of the best hikes so you have a great time hiking in the red rocks of Sedona. Use this guide when planning your next Sedona trip during the slow season.
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Complete Guide to Winter Hiking in Sedona
The winter months are the perfect time to plan your trip to Sedona. While Sedona does not receive a lot of heavy snowfall, they do still have cooler temperatures making desert hiking a little nicer. There are fewer crowds in the tourist off-season however, the city of Sedona is still bustling with fun things to do.
I have organized this hiking guide into sections: sunrise-worthy hikes, Kid and adult-friendly trails, and more challenging trails.
Prepare for Your Trip to Sedona
Book your accommodation in advance – find the best hotel deals in Sedona here.
Find the best tours in Sedona – book your activities in Sedona in advance
Rent a car – if you’re flying into Sedona you’ll want to rent a car
Sunrise Worthy Sedona Hikes
Catching sunrise in Sedona is one of the best ways to enjoy the hiking trails in the area. On your winter visit be sure to check weather forecasts. You may even want to consider packing yourself some hot cocoa or coffee while you sit and enjoy the sunrise.
Devil's Bridge via Chuckwagon
Devil’s Bridge Trail is probably one of the most iconic hikes in Sedona, Arizona. Even with a large parking lot, the city still provides a free shuttle to the trailhead. The route to Devil’s Bridge can vary a little bit, but the most traveled route starts at the Dry Creek Trailhead where the shuttle drops people off. Hikers will take Dry Creek Road, an OHV Road to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. On the return from Devil’s Bridge, I recommend following the Chuckwagon Trail back to the Dry Creek Trailhead, to avoid large crowds and vehicle traffic. Taking Chuckwagon adds about a mile to the total distance of the trail and no elevation gain.
Trail Length: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 728 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Lot: Dry Creek Vista Trailhead, shuttle available
Bathroom?: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Must be leashed
Pass/Permit: None
Birthing Cave Trail was a quick and easy sunrise hike. With a short but steep climb up to the cave, the immaculate views of this Sedona Hike make the climb worth the effort. When I completed the hike for sunrise there were four other people in the cave and you could hear a pack of coyotes howling and yipping in the distance. This trail opened my eyes to why Sedona is referred to as a spiritual place.
Trail Length: 2.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 291 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Lot: Road Pull-Off, Limited parking space
Bathroom?: No
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: No
Brewer Trail
Brewer Trail is in the heart of Sedona and is an extension of a short lookout, Summit Trail. The trail provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and wilderness. The Summit Trail is also accessible via the Airport Mesa Trail. Waiting for sunrise there were a handful of people at the top, but plenty of space to stand and wait for the beautiful sunrise to come over the mountains. This trail is easy to follow in the dark, but does have a little more elevation gain than some of the other trails in the area. If you’re looking for a quick trail to complete for sunrise, this hike should absolutely be on your list.
Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 374 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Lot: Road Pull-Off, limited spaces
Bathroom?: No
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: No
Kid AND Adult Friendly Sedona Hikes
These two hikes are Kid and Adult Friendly because they are absolutely enjoyable for both. While they are an easy hiking trail, they have some of the best views.
Montezuma Castle Interpretive Trail
A little outside of Sedona, Arizona rests a historical look into the history of the people who once thrived in the surrounding area. This National Historical Monument tells the story of the people of the area who lived in a 20-room cliff dwelling. This look into the past absolutely needs to be on your Sedona Hiking list.
Trail Length: 0.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 36 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Parking Lot: Yes
Bathroom?: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: America the Beautiful
Fay Canyon and Fay Canyon Arch
Close to a number of other spectacular hikes, Fay Canyon was magical. The trailhead is across the street from the parking lot which has views of Doe Mountain. Fay Canyon seems to take hikers into another world. Walking underneath a desert canopy, this trail provides ample shade for visitors. The slow meandering trail reaches the base of the canyon with an “End of Trail” sign. This trail has one of the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. For those wanting a view from above, the rocks at the base of the canyon provide stable hiking and visitors will quickly arrive in the heart of the canyon with views of the forest they just walked through. This was a trip favorite!
Trail Length: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 193 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Lot: Yes
Bathroom?: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: No
Seven Sacred Pools and Soldier Pass Trail
The trail to the Seven Sacred Pools is popular both for hikers and for jeep tours. Even in the winter months, you’re bound to see many people. At three miles it is actually one of the longer trails in the area. It is recommended that due to the exposure on this trail, you visit between October and May so you can see water in the pools. To avoid crowds, consider hiking this out-and-back trail in the evening!
Trail Length: 3.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 430 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Lot: Yes
Bathroom?: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: No
Spectacular Sedona Hikes with a Little Challenge
While the following hikes may not seem challenging because of the trail length to elevation gain ratio, they are challenging because the grade of the hike is more strenuous than some of the others previous listed. Both can be completed by anyone up for a challenge!
Doe Mountain
Doe Mountain is one of the more challenging hikes in the area, but it was one of the most scenic. With a collection of switchbacks, hikers eventually make it to the top of the butte. The view from the top of the mountain includes that of the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness and all of the peaks within the area. What makes this hike amazing for sunrise or sunset, is that on top of the butte, hikers can position themselves for 360 views of the area. So whether you’re looking for a brisk morning hike or a cool evening hike, this trail will provide spectacular views.
Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 511 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Lot: Yes
Bathroom?: Yes
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: Red Rocks Pass / America the Beautiful Pass
Keyhole Cave
This is one of my favorite hikes in Sedona and once you make it to the cave, you’ll know why. With a challenging climb up to the cave and an even more challenging scramble up into the keyhole, this hike is not for the faint of heart. The sugarloaf area is extremely beautiful and the views from the cave are immaculate. If you’re up for a challenge, this is a must.
Trail Length: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 472 feet
Trail Difficulty: Hard
Parking Lot: Yes, limited spaces
Bathroom?: No
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: No
Cathedral Rock Trail
The Cathedral Rock Trail is one of the more popular trails in the Coconino National Forest and for good reason. This epic trail is a moderately challenging trail due to the required scrambling required to get to the top. Due to its popularity, you will need a Red Rock Pass to park at the trailhead on days that parking is allowed, Monday – Wednesday. Otherwise, you can utilize the park and ride in central Sedona. When snow is present in the winter season, be cautious of slipping!
Trail Length: 1.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 741 feet
Trail Difficulty: Hard
Parking Lot: Yes, limited spaces
Bathroom?: No
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: Red Rock Pass
Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop
A little further south from Cathedral Rock is Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop which can be combined into one longer trail! In the Munds Mountain Wilderness, I really enjoyed this loop trail. As you hike around these large red rock formations you gain little elevation gain round trip making the perfect after-work trail to avoid high daytime temperatures. If you want to be in the morning sun, hike this trail counterclockwise.
Trail Length: 3.6 350
Elevation Gain: 741 feet
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Parking Lot: Yes, limited spaces
Bathroom?: No
Dog-Friendly: Must be on a leash
Pass/Permit: Red Rock Pass
What to Bring for Sedona Hikes in Winter
Hiking is hiking, but there are extra precautions that should be taken when hiking in a hot, dry and sunny area such as temperate semi-arid climate. Since I flew into Arizona from Washington for this hiking trip I packed all of my clothes and gear into carry-ons. If you want to fly with camping gear, you can read how here.
Hiking Boots
A sturdy hiking boot for these rocky trails is a lifesaver! My favorite boot is the Oboz Bridger Mid.
Socks
Pair your sturdy hiking boot with a sock that will minimize blisters. Wool socks from Darn Tough are a fan favorite, but there are plenty of wool based socks that will keep your feet dry from sweat or water.
Sunscreen
In direct sunlight and at this longitude, the sun is hot and direct. Put on sunscreen before you head out and reapply throughout the day.
Water
It is suggested to bring 1 liter of water for every two hours on the trail. Staying hydrated is imperative for a safe and enjoyable hike. Adjust the amount of water you bring according to the temperature. I find myself drinking 0.5 Liter to 1 Liter of water every hour on really hot days on strenuous trails. Most rescues in the area happen because hikers don’t bring enough water.
Layers
Always begin with a base layer made of moisture wicking material. Clothes made out of cotton are a big no-no for hiking because they are slow to dry and keep water close to the body. They can also cause chafing. On hot days, I like to wear a sunshirt like this one to keep me dry and protected from the sun.
Not sure what to wear hiking in the winter? Read this article next!
Food
Food is fuel for the body and should be eaten as such. Bring lots of snacks that you enjoy eating and can provide your body with the energy it needs. There is no right or wrong food as long as you have enough for the activity you’re doing. I enjoy bringing cliff bars, energy gummies, and lots of candy.
Map
Sedona Hiking Trails can sometimes be tricky to follow. Make sure you have a map of the trail or a GPS device to follow so you do not get lost!
There are so many items you can back on your Sedona Hike with you, but you should always bring the ten essentials of hiking with you. If you’re not sure what the ten essentials of hiking are, check out this blog post on the hiking essentials!
I finished my Sedona Hike. Now what?
Sedona is rich with activities to do, things to see and places to eat. After a morning hike in Sedona, I am looking forward to having lunch and a post-hike beer before starting anything else. Head to West Sedona for the Tlanquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Post-Hike Drink and Snack
In my short trip I think I managed to find two of the best spots for a post hike beverage and snack. Let me tell you, Sedona Hikes will get you to work up a sweat!
Option 1: AGAVE89
This Mexican cantina had some of the best chips and salsa and delicious margaritas. Their spicy margarita was delicious and paired with the homemade chips, made for a great post hike stop. They have a fantastic menu with lots to choose from and is definitely a stop worthy restaurant.
Option 2: Sedona Beer Co.
Sedona Beer Company was a refreshing stop! They had an extensive rotating beer list and a variety of french fry options! While their menu had tons of food options, I opted for the bacon ranch french fries. This is a great place to stop for a quick bite and a drink or for a nice afternoon with friends.
Post Hike Adventure
Sedona, Arizona is in the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Only two hours from the Grand Canyon and Phoenix, the options for activities are endless.
Red Rocks Jeep Tour
One of the most popular activities in Sedona is a Red Rocks Jeep Tour. This unique way of getting up close and personal with the area is a fantastic option for people with children, people with limited mobility, or those that just want to take a sick ride on an off-road vehicle.
ATV Tour
Want to do the driving yourself? Rent an ATV and go on the tour in some of the areas most people will never get to see. This Sedona ATV tour will take you throughout the West Sedona Canyon showing some of the areas of famous movie sites.
Stargazing and UFO Sitings
Up for a late night? Check out some of the most spectacular night sky stargazing in the United states. This guided tour will take you to lucrative locations and provide military night vision goggles. The tour will explain some of the unexplainable UFO activity in the area.
Train to Grand Canyon
Want to travel into the Grand Canyon but don’t want to drive? Take a train! While this day trip in Sedona does not stay in Sedona, there are unparalleled views from the rail stations to the Grand Canyon. Then tour the South and East Rim by van.
Pack It Up
Whether you’re an avid hiker, new to hiking, or have never been hiking before. Sedona Hikes are a must do activity when visiting the area. As always when visiting an area, especially an area with such a fragile ecosystem, remember to leave no trace. Whether you visit Sedona once or many times, consider taking the Sedona Cares Pledge to protect and preserve the area. You can sign the pledge here at Visit Sedona.
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Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
