Sedona Hiking Trails: Day Trips from Cottonwood

Cottonwood, Arizona makes a perfect base for exploring Sedona’s breathtaking red rock country on day hikes. Sedona is only about a half-hour drive away (roughly 16–19 miles), so you can easily head out in the morning, enjoy a great hike, and be back by evening. Whether you’re a casual walker or an avid adventurer, Sedona offers trails for every skill level – from easy family-friendly strolls to challenging summit climbs. Many trails showcase Sedona’s unique geological features (like towering red rock formations and natural arches), sweeping scenic viewpoints, and even the occasional creek or waterfall. Below are some of the best Sedona hiking trails you can enjoy as day trips from Cottonwood, grouped by difficulty from easy to challenging.

Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop (Easy) – Iconic Red Rock Landmarks

This loop trail is a Sedona classic that circles two of the area’s most iconic formations: Bell Rock (a bell-shaped butte) and the massive Courthouse Butte. The path is relatively flat and great for all ages and ability levels, making it an excellent family-friendly hike. You’ll be treated to 360-degree views of Sedona’s red rock country throughout the hike, as the scenery changes with every turn around the buttes. For those looking for a little extra adventure, there’s an optional spur that climbs partway up Bell Rock at the end of the loop – a short scramble that rewards you with even bigger panoramic views. Overall, this easy loop is the perfect introduction to Sedona’s landscape, offering maximum scenery for minimal effort.

Length: ~4.0 miles round trip (loop)
Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat, well-marked trail) – very family-friendly
Time: ~1.5–2.5 hours to complete the loop
Highlights: Continuous vistas of red rock formations, close-up views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, optional Bell Rock climb for a higher viewpoint (if desired).

Fay Canyon Trail (Easy) – Shaded Canyon Walk to Sedona’s Longest Arch

For a short, shady hike with a hidden surprise, Fay Canyon is a must-do. This trail leads you into a lush box canyon framed by towering red cliffs. It’s a gentle, mostly flat walk through partial shade – wonderful even on a hot day, thanks to the canyon’s trees and high walls. About a half-mile in, keep an eye out on your right for an unmarked side trail to Fay Canyon Arch. This sandstone arch spans 130 feet and is actually the largest natural arch in Sedona – a rewarding find for those who take the short but steep spur climb. Even if you skip the arch, the main trail ends at a rock pile where you can scramble up for a big view looking out over the canyon toward Sedona (a spot kids often love to explore). Fay Canyon is a true hidden gem: it feels quiet and tucked away, yet offers impressive scenery on a small scale.

Length: ~2.4 miles out-and-back (round trip)
Difficulty: Easy (flat canyon floor trail; the brief climb to the arch is moderately steep)
Time: ~1 to 1.5 hours round trip
Highlights: High red rock canyon walls, desert plants and wildflowers, a cool and mostly shaded trail, and the hidden Fay Canyon Arch (Sedona’s longest arch at 130 feet) which is a short side trip for adventurous hikers.

West Fork Trail (Moderate) – Creekside Adventure through Oak Creek Canyon

The West Fork Oak Creek Trail is often cited as one of Sedona’s most popular and scenic hikes – and for good reason. This trail winds along the West Fork of Oak Creek deep inside a towering canyon, where sheer sandstone cliffs rise above a forested stream. In autumn, the canyon is ablaze with fall foliage, and in warmer months the creek offers a refreshing ambiance. The hiking itself is relatively gentle with minimal elevation gain, but be prepared for about 13 creek crossings on stepping stones or logs – you may get your boots wet! The full route is roughly 6.5 miles round trip, but you can turn around at any point, making it as long or short as you like. Because of its length and multiple stream crossings, West Fork is typically rated moderate in difficulty (the terrain is easy, but it’s a longer trek). It’s a family-friendly adventure for those with older kids, who will enjoy hopping across the water and exploring the woods. Expect plenty of company on weekends, but the stunning mix of red rock cliffs, clear creek, and lush greenery makes it worthwhile.

Length: ~6.5 miles round trip (out-and-back)
Difficulty: Moderate (mostly flat and easy trail, but fairly long with many creek crossings)
Time: ~2.5 to 3 hours for the full hike (plan more time if you stop for photos or picnic)
Highlights: Towering canyon walls of Coconino sandstone, a flowing creek with riparian vegetation, multiple fun stream crossings, abundant fall colors in October, and even some remnants of historic cabins (ruins of the old Mayhew Lodge) near the trail’s start. It’s an immersive canyon experience unlike any other in Sedona.

Devil’s Bridge Trail (Moderate) – Hike to a Spectacular Natural Arch

Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s most famous natural arch – in fact, it’s the largest sandstone arch in the area. Hiking to this photogenic spot is a relatively short but moderately steep trip. The trail begins on a wide, former jeep road and gently climbs through junipers and cacti, gaining elevation gradually. As you near the arch, the route turns into a natural rock staircase – a bit of a workout, but nothing technical. In total it’s about 1.8 miles round trip from the nearest trailhead with around 400 feet of ascent – a moderate hike most people can handle. (Note: if you don’t have a high-clearance vehicle and must park farther down Dry Creek Road, you’ll walk closer to 4 miles round trip.) At the top, you’ll reach Devil’s Bridge, a stunning stone arch about 50 feet high. Walking out onto the arch is an exhilarating experience – it’s wide enough to feel safe, but still a thrill standing over the gap! Take in the sweeping views of Sedona’s red rock wilderness all around. Because of its popularity, you might encounter a line of hikers waiting to snap that perfect photo on the bridge. Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and cool temps.

Length: 1.8 miles round trip from the trailhead (about 4 miles if adding the road walk from Dry Creek parking)
Difficulty: Moderate (some steep steps near the end, ~400 feet elevation gain total)
Time: ~1.5 to 2 hours (from the closer trailhead; add extra time if walking the road)
Highlights: Sedona’s largest natural arch formation, panoramic views from the top of the arch, unique photo opportunity walking on the arch, desert canyon scenery along the trail with juniper and prickly pear framing the route.

Soldier Pass Trail (Moderate) – Sinkhole, Secret Pools, and a Hidden Cave

If you want a hike packed with unique geological features, Soldier Pass Trail delivers. This moderate trail is like a greatest-hits of Sedona landmarks: shortly after starting, you’ll come upon Devil’s Kitchen, a massive sinkhole created by collapsing cave ceilings. Farther along (about 0.6 miles in), you’ll reach the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of circular natural rock pools carved into sandstone. These pools often hold water even during dry periods, and after rains they form small cascading waterfalls from one pool to the next. It’s a beautiful and sacred-feeling spot with an expansive backdrop of Coffee Pot Rock and red cliffs. Beyond the pools, Soldier Pass Trail continues through juniper woods and red rock outcrops. A popular detour about 1 mile in leads to the Soldier Pass cave – actually a set of tall chambers eroded into the cliff (reached by a steep scramble up a side trail). Back on the main route, the trail eventually climbs to a high overlook and intersects with Brins Mesa Trail, offering terrific views into Soldier Pass Canyon. You can turn around before the big climb if you want to keep it shorter. Soldier Pass is moderately challenging overall, but the constant payoffs (sinkhole, pools, cave, vistas) make it enjoyable and interesting the whole way.

Length: ~4.5 miles round trip (out-and-back including the cave spur)
Difficulty: Moderate (mostly easy walking to the pools; some uphill and rocky sections beyond, especially if you go up to the cave)
Time: ~2 to 3 hours (allow extra time if exploring the cave or taking lots of photos)
Highlights: Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole near the start, the picturesque Seven Sacred Pools (often filled with water), a hidden off-trail Soldier Pass cave for those who venture, and great red rock canyon views. This trail offers a bit of everything in one hike.

Cathedral Rock Trail (Challenging) – Steep Climb to Sedona’s Most Famous Vistas

Short but steep, the Cathedral Rock trail is a heart-pounding climb that rewards you with one of Sedona’s most iconic viewpoints. Cathedral Rock’s towering spires are visible from all around Sedona, and this hike takes you right up into the midst of them. Don’t be fooled by the mere 1.2-mile round trip distance – much of that is an aggressive 600–700 foot climb over a very short distance. The route starts off easy, but soon you’re scrambling up bare red rock slabs, using your hands to grip indentations in the rock as you ascend a natural cleft. This slickrock scramble is the crux of the hike; it’s not technically rock climbing, but it will test your leg strength and comfort with heights. Once you reach the top saddle between the spires, all the effort is worth it. You’ll be perched among Cathedral Rock’s magnificent pillars, with a panoramic view of Sedona’s red rock basin unfolding below. Many hikers like to come up for sunset when the rocks glow orange (just bring a headlamp for the hike down!). Because of its popularity, parking at the trailhead on Back O’ Beyond Road can fill up early – consider taking the Sedona Shuttle during peak times. Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, so expect company, but the experience of sitting atop this vortex site with a view of courthouses, buttes and mesas all around is simply unforgettable.

Length: ~1.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging – short but very steep (approx. 700 feet elevation gain in 0.6 mi) with hands-on scrambling required
Time: ~1 to 2 hours (round trip)
Highlights: Thrilling rock scramble ascent, up-close perspective on Cathedral Rock’s formations, sweeping 360° views from the saddle (especially stunning at sunrise or sunset). (Note: Use caution on this trail – the smooth rock can be slippery, and it’s best avoided in wet or icy conditions.)

Bear Mountain Trail (Challenging) – Conquer a Peak for Epic Panoramas

For experienced hikers seeking a true challenge, Bear Mountain is one of Sedona’s most demanding day hikes. Unlike Sedona’s shorter trails, this one makes you earn the views with a steep 1,800-foot elevation gain over roughly 2.5 miles one-way. The trail relentlessly climbs up a series of false summits and rocky switchbacks. Just when you think you’ve reached the top, another rise appears – but eventually, you’ll stand on the Bear Mountain summit around 6,400 feet above sea level. From here, the panorama is unbeatable: you get a bird’s-eye view of all of Sedona’s red rock country, plus distant peaks on the horizon (on a clear day you can even spot the San Francisco Peaks by Flagstaff). The landscape below appears as layered buttes, canyons, and valleys, a reward that few other hikes can match. Because Bear Mountain is less traveled than the easy Sedona trails, you’re likely to find solitude and serenity at the top to soak in the scenery. Just be sure to come prepared – carry plenty of water (there’s no shade and it gets very hot in summer), wear sturdy shoes for the rough terrain, and allow ample time. This out-and-back trek is roughly 5 miles round trip and is rated strenuous – but if you’re up for a workout, the payoff is one of the best views in Arizona.

Length: ~5.0 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous (significant uphill hiking over rough terrain)
Time: ~4 to 6 hours (round trip, depending on your pace)
Highlights: Summit-level 360° views of Sedona’s red rock formations and beyond (including the distant San Francisco Peaks to the north on clear days), challenging fitness test with multiple false summits, and a quieter trail for those looking to escape the crowds.

Tips for Your Sedona Day Hikes

No matter which trails you choose, start with the right preparation. Bring plenty of water (Sedona’s dry climate can dehydrate you quickly), wear sunscreen and a hat, and use sturdy hiking shoes – especially for rocky trails like Cathedral Rock or Bear Mountain. Many trailheads require a Red Rock Pass (daily or weekly parking permit) available on-site or online. Start hikes early in the day if possible, to avoid the midday heat and to snag parking at popular spots. Lastly, remember to Leave No Trace: stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, and respect the natural beauty so others can enjoy it too.

From easy walks among towering red rocks to lofty summit climbs, Sedona’s trails offer something for everyone – and from Cottonwood, all this adventure is just a short drive away. Happy hiking!