Sedona hikes
 

Is there information at the Sedona visitors center about the various hikes in Sedona? We're there just for 2 days and would like to do a couple of easy hikes to enjoy the sites. Where would I find out what hikes exist, directions to the trailheads, etc?

The visitors center has lots of good information about the hiking trails in the area. Some of it is free but we found the best book to be "Sedona Hikes" by Richard and Sherry Mangum. It is a paperback so it's light weight to carry along with you and cost about $16.

When we were there a few years ago they sold a "Red Rock Pass" which allowed you to park at the trailheads (I think you can get the pass in various lengths, one day, several days, one week, etc.).

Enjoy your trip. This is one of the best hiking areas we've ever been to. The trails are varied, many easy to moderate trails that we preferred, some just a couple of miles, some longer so you could do something different everyday. And the views are incredible!

http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/artic...enHIkes/page/1

Thought this might interest you


I too am planning my Sedona trip but i only hike to the buffet!

Thanks so much. With all my research on Sedona, I can't believe this is the first I've seen the site you recommended, Fairhope.

vinolover-do you recall which were your favorites? I'm looking for short hikes, as we're novices and it will be the end of July. That's probably all we'll be able to handle due to the heat I'm guessing.

Hi. From my research before we went to Sedona, THE hike to do was the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon. They didn't steer me wrong!

We didn't hike much in Sedona b/c we did a ton of hiking up around Supai in the days prior to our arrival. But we liked Oak Creek, and it was mostly shady - through a forest.

We were in Arizona in late May and it was already HOT.

I second karens recommendation for the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. The hike is very easy, although I would advise you to take one of the hiking sticks that people leave at the trailhead. The trail crosses the creek several times and you have to step from boulder to boulder and it helped me to balance. Not that you would have a problem (except for being wet) if you fell in because the creek is probably only about twelve to sixteen inches deep where you cross. Of course, in the summer that might feel good. The last four pictures on page one at this site (http://harley.smugmug.com/gallery/555411/1/23086979) are from a West Fork Trail hike we took on May 12 of this year.

More!!
http://www.onedayhikes.com/Hikes.asp?HikesID=110

The Visitor Center employees are very helpful with suggestions. You can pick up a free trailmap and can also buy a parking pass there that allows you to park at the trailheads.

We visited Sedona last Feb. and did quite a bit of hiking.

The easiest "best view for the effort" hike, I think, was Doe Mountain,which is actually a mesa. When you reach the top, walk to the edges of the mesa for great canyon views. You could do this hike in the morning before it got warm, and then head over to the Enchantment Resort for lunch on the patio---very good sandwiches, large portions.

Then you could walk Boynton Canyon, a lovely shaded canyon hike. There's a vortex site there too.
The drive alone---out Dry Creek Rd. is beautiful---at sunset, it was spectacular.

We also enjoyed the Brins Mesa trail---it connects with Jordan Trail/Cibola Pass. We did these area hikes on 2 different days.
Lots of suggestions for hiking in Sedona on www.hikearizona.com

You will enjoy driving the Red Rock Loop Rd---walk to Red Rock Crossing for great views of Cathedral Rock.

Great views from Airport Mesa too.

On a hot day, head to Slide Rock State Park for a dip---supposed to be fun.

We took a Pink Jeep Tour--The Broken Arrow tour---especially nice for people who don't get into the canyons and do much hiking---the canyon views in Sedona are really spectacular.

Thanks so much for all the great info!

Sorry owrp, I'm going through my trail book and trying to remember which trails we liked best (actually ALL of them). I thought I had them marked in the book but didn't so this is going off memory from 4 years ago (also consulted my photos but of course, I didn't label them!):

Easiest introductory trails-Bell Rock and Courthouse Loop

Beautiful canyon views near the Enchantment Resort (and a vortex sight)-Boyton Canyon Trail

Really nice trail into the canyon and across Oak Creek-Huckaby Trail

Neat views of the red rock arches-Soldiers Pass Arches Trail

These were all easy to moderate trails. We did accidentally get on a difficult trail that was a climb up the rocks but turned back. We're the type that would rather look at the rocks than climb them. Also the vortex sights didn't really do anything for us (I think the biggest vortex sights that I found were on the golf course-oops those were sand traps)!

We hiked for a week and didn't scratch the surface of all the great trails. Hope you have a wonderful time.

lindainOhio Can a couple in their 60's who walk but do not hike (walking shoes) do Boynton Canyon--(maybe not the hand climbing at the end)???

Besides Dick and Sherry's book, and the visitor's center, there is a forest service information center in town that is very helpful.(sorry I don't have their address or web site at hand) Also Red Rock State Park Center has lots of nature programs and hikes: www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/redrock.html
Yes, the sixties couple can do Boynton Canyon. Go as far as you are comfortable with and then turn around. If you are in to yoga--or even if you aren't-- Sedona Spirit Yoga (www.sedonaspirityoga.com) offers yoga hikes, tailored to your specific needs and skills, or lack thereof. They will include easy yoga and meditation breaks if you like. Or if you are experienced in yoga, they will do more complex stuff. I just got back from Sedona and found the yoga hike a perfect introduction to the area.

We'll only be in Sedona for 2 days and I had no idea there was so much to choose from. Thanks for all the suggestions. I told my DH that I already know I want to return soon for a longer time so we can do a lot more of the hikes (at a cooler time than July). Vinolover-loved your golf course Voxtex comment. Now that's a vortex I could get my DH interested in!

All I know is that those sand traps drew me into their magnetic field. Plus the views from the golf course was just as magnificent as many of the hiking trails.

You are right though, two days will only whet your appetite. We were there seven days and want to go back for another week soon.

http://www.ci.sedona.az.us/arcims/we...map/viewer.asp

City's interactive trail map