Arizona has some of the country's most scenic and beautiful hiking trails. The summer heat in Arizona can be brutal, but that doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up indoors. With Arizona Shuttle, you can easily escape the heat and explore the great outdoors. This blog will share the best summer hikes in Sedona to help you plan your next adventure. Travel costs from Phoenix to Sedona Phoenix to Sedona shuttle
The West Fork Trail:
The West Fork Trail is a popular hiking trail in Sedona that allows hikers to explore a beautiful canyon. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the canyon walls and lush vegetation along the route. Trees shade the course and follow a creek, making it the perfect summer hike. The trail is approximately 6.4 miles round trip and is rated as moderate.
Cathedral Rock Trail:
The Cathedral Rock Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike in Sedona. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip and is rated difficult due to its steep incline. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of Cathedral Rock and the surrounding area from the top of the trail. This hike is best done early or late afternoon to avoid the day's heat.
Devil's Bridge Trail:
The Devil's Bridge Trail is a must-do hike for anyone visiting Sedona. The trail is approximately 4.2 miles round trip and is rated as moderate. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding red rocks and even walk out onto the Devil's Bridge, a natural sandstone arch. This hike is best done early or late afternoon to avoid the day's heat.
Soldier Pass Trail:
The Soldier Pass Trail is a popular hiking trail in Sedona that allows hikers to explore a beautiful desert landscape. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding red rocks and even visit the Seven Sacred Pools, a series of natural pools formed by the creek. The course is approximately 4.2 miles round trip and is rated as moderate.
Bell Rock Trail:
The Bell Rock Trail is a popular hiking trail in Sedona that offers hikers a chance to explore a beautiful red rock landscape. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of Bell Rock and the surrounding area from the top of the trail. The track is approximately 3.6 miles round trip and is rated as moderate.
Sedona is a beautiful destination for summer hikes, and with Arizona Shuttle, you can explore the best trails without worrying about transportation. Book your trip today and escape the heat while enjoying the beauty of Sedona.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I start the Cathedral Rock Trail to avoid the heat?
Start early or late afternoon to beat the day's heat.
How long is the Devil's Bridge Trail and what can I see there?
The trail is about 4.2 miles round trip, offering views of red rocks and a walk on Devil's Bridge.
Can I visit the Seven Sacred Pools while hiking Soldier Pass?
Yes, you can explore the Seven Sacred Pools along the Soldier Pass Trail.
How does the West Fork Trail compare to Bell Rock Trail in terms of distance?
The West Fork Trail is about 6.4 miles round trip, while the Bell Rock Trail is 3.6 miles.
How to Choose the Best Summer Hike in Sedona
Not every Sedona trail is a good fit for summer, and picking the right one can make the difference between an unforgettable morning and a miserable, overheated slog. When deciding which trail to tackle, ask yourself three questions: How much shade does the route offer? Is there water along the way? And how early can you realistically start? Canyon hikes like West Fork and Fay Canyon hold shade and cooler air, while exposed climbs like Cathedral Rock and Bear Mountain should only be attempted at dawn or in the late afternoon during the hottest months. Avid hikers should plan on spending at least three days in Sedona to work through a good handful of these trails — it took the travel writers at Earth Trekkers a total of seven days to hike all of the trails on their Sedona list.
Trailheads matter, too. Some, like the Cathedral Rock Trailhead on Back O' Beyond Road, fill up extremely early — on one April visit, hikers reported grabbing one of the last parking spaces at 6:15 am, and many lots are full by 7 am. If you're arriving without a car, our Arizona Shuttle service and related Sedona trip planning guides can help you get to the trailheads without circling packed parking areas.
More Sedona Trails Worth Adding to Your Summer Itinerary
Fay Canyon: The Best Shaded, Easy Stroll
If you're looking for an easy, shady canyon walk, put Fay Canyon on your list. The trail runs about 2 miles round trip and is rated easy, taking roughly an hour. The canyon walls provide welcome shade in summer, making it one of the most comfortable warm-weather options near West Sedona.
The Birthing Cave: A Short Hike to a Hidden Landmark
The Birthing Cave, reached from the Long Canyon Trailhead, is a relatively short, flat, and fast hike of about 2 miles round trip with roughly 250 feet of elevation gain, rated easy to moderate. It's one of Sedona's more hidden points of interest — and for the best photos inside the cave, bring a wide-angle lens or use the panoramic feature on your smartphone.
Boynton Canyon: A Classic Through Red Rock Country
Boynton Canyon is one of Sedona's most beloved hikes, winding through a scenic canyon northwest of town that's steeped in local lore. The canyon's mix of shaded stretches and towering red rock walls makes it a solid summer choice if you start early. It also serves as the gateway to the popular Subway Cave side route, a favorite for photographers.
Airport Loop Trail: Easy Views Right Near Central Sedona
The Airport Loop Trail circles Airport Mesa, a shrub-covered mesa just south of central Sedona. It's about 3 miles with around 400 feet of elevation gain, rated easy, and takes roughly two hours. Because it sits close to town and offers nearly constant red rock views, it's a convenient sunset-adjacent option for summer evenings when temperatures finally drop.
Bear Mountain: For Experienced Hikers Only in the Heat
Bear Mountain may not be the longest hike in Sedona, but it is the toughest — about 5 miles round trip with a strenuous 1,800 feet of total ascent and some very steep climbs to the summit. In summer, this is a dawn-only hike for fit, well-prepared hikers. If you're visiting between May and September, consider saving it for a cooler season or turning back early.
Templeton Trail and Wilson Canyon: Quieter Alternates
Travelers who want to escape the biggest crowds often choose lesser-known routes like the Templeton Trail, which traces the base of Cathedral Rock along Oak Creek, or Wilson Canyon, a short, scenic wash walk near the Sedona Starbucks on Highway 89A. Both offer classic red rock scenery with lighter foot traffic than the headline trails.
Quick Comparison: Sedona Summer Hikes at a Glance
| Trail | Distance (Round Trip) | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Fork Trail | ~6 miles | Easy to moderate | Shade and creek cooling |
| Cathedral Rock | ~1.2 miles | Moderate–difficult | Sunrise summit views |
| Devils Bridge | 2–4 miles | Easy | Iconic arch photos |
| Bell Rock Climb | ~1 mile | Moderate | Quick landmark hike |
| Fay Canyon | ~2 miles | Easy | Shaded easy stroll |
| Soldier Pass | ~4.5 miles | Moderate | Seven Sacred Pools |
| Airport Loop Trail | ~3 miles | Easy | Evening views near town |
| Bear Mountain | ~5 miles | Strenuous | Experienced hikers at dawn |
Tips to Have the Best Summer Hiking Experience in Sedona
Start at Dawn or Hike Late in the Day
In Sedona's summer heat, timing is everything. Hiking late in the day, between roughly 3:30 and 7:00 pm, works very well for many trails, and sunrise starts help you beat both the heat and the crowds. Remember that parking lots at popular trailheads like Cathedral Rock can fill before 7 am, even in spring.
Know the Red Rock Pass and Shuttle Logistics
Many Sedona trailheads require a Red Rock Pass, which costs $5 per day or $15 for one week — display it on your dashboard. For trails with limited or 4WD-only access, such as Devils Bridge (whose trailhead road is only accessible by a high-clearance 4WD vehicle; without one, start at the Mescal Trailhead or walk in from Dry Creek Road), consider the local Sedona Shuttle or a guided option instead of risking a rough road in a rental.
Bring Essential Day Hike Gear
Pack more water than you think you need, salty snacks, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a lightweight layer. Sturdy shoes with good traction are essential on slickrock routes like Cathedral Rock. A fully charged phone and a paper map are smart backups in canyon country where service can drop out.
Build a Multi-Day Plan
Sedona rewards repeat visits — one travel site noted it took several trips and seven total hiking days to cover the area's best trails. Pair your hikes with time in town: Uptown Sedona along Highway 89A is full of restaurants and galleries for post-hike recovery, and nearby day trips like Oak Creek Canyon, the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179), or even the Grand Canyon's South Rim extend your adventure. For ground transportation ideas, see our Phoenix-area shuttle routes and other Arizona travel guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shaded summer hike in Sedona?
The West Fork Trail along Oak Creek and the easy Fay Canyon Trail offer the most shade, making them the most comfortable choices during hot summer months.
How early do Sedona trailhead parking lots fill up?
Very early. Hikers have reported popular lots full by 7 am, and at Cathedral Rock, one visitor got one of the last spaces at 6:15 am.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle for the Devils Bridge Trailhead?
Yes, the Devils Bridge trailhead sits on a road accessible only by a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Without one, start at the Mescal Trailhead or park and walk from Dry Creek Road.
What is a Red Rock Pass and how much does it cost?
A Red Rock Pass is required at many Sedona trailheads and costs $5 per day or $15 for one week.
Is Bear Mountain safe to hike in summer?
Only for well-prepared, experienced hikers starting at dawn. With 1,800 feet of elevation gain and steep climbing, it's the toughest hike in the area and dangerous in midday heat.
How many days do I need to hike Sedona's best trails?
If you're an avid hiker, plan on at least three days to cover a good selection of trails; covering every top hike can take closer to a week.
