Views from the breathtaking Teacup trail in Sedona, AZ

Sedona, Arizona is a gorgeous Southwestern vacation destination, and by far, the most beautiful place to visit in Arizona (yes, even above the Grand Canyon!!). Towering ancient red rock formations dominate the landscape. And, through various means, including scenic drives, hikes, spectacular overlooks, tours, and even restaurant patios & resorts, you will be able to enjoy these extraordinary views. Although a diverse assortment of over 100 miles of trails are to be found, the majority of the most scenic hikes are (thankfully) easy-moderate in intensity.

If you are looking to keep it short & sweet, yet still enjoy the breathtaking red rock scenery, you are in luck as Sedona offers a lot in the way of breathtaking hikes that are easy/moderate in intensity.

Below are my top 5 Sedona hikes under 5 miles.

Doe Mountain

Amazing scenery climbing up Doe Mountain in Sedona AZ

Doe Mountain is a moderately challenging hike which involves a short & steep climb up to a scenic mesa. This underrated hike offers some of the biggest views in town, with minimal effort required. Although the trek involves a series of steep switchbacks, the total distance is just 0.7 miles each way. The extraordinary summit views more than make up for the intense cardio workout. The trek up is a bit scary as there are some pretty steep drop offs. Note that this trail really is not recommended for those scared of heights. For those with no fear of heights, Doe Mountains really offers spectacular red rock vistas.

The panoramic red rock views from the summit are so incredible – few hikes offer this grand of a view in exchange for so little time and effort. Once you get to the top, you can walk around, check for signs of wildlife, and enjoy unending photo opportunities, all in a really quiet setting totally away from everything touristy. Really, hiking Doe Mountain is one of the best-of-the-best in terms of short, scenic Sedona trails.

Distance: 1.7 miles RT
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 400 ft.
Location: 97-99 Callisto Ct Sedona, AZ

Additional info on the Doe Mountain trail 

Devil’s Bridge

Devil's Bridge hike in Sedona - the largest natural sandstone arch

Devil’s Bridge is one of the most used of Sedona trails and for good reason! A short and mostly flat (asides from a short steep climb near the end) trail leads you to Sedona’s most striking feature: the largest sandstone arch. Walking across Devil’s Bridge is an exhilarating experience! Assuming you are not scared of heights (there is a very steep drop off), walking across the arch and having someone take your pic on the other side is the top thing to do in Sedona. What a great free souvenir to take home with you! Luckily, people are very friendly here so you should have no problem finding someone nice enough to take your photo! The bridge is not as narrow as it looks, however, you’ll have a blast showing friends and family members your “big feat.”

Despite being crowded pretty much the entire year and the hassle of finding parking (arrive early!), Devil’s Bridge is well worth adding to your bucket list. The breathtaking views and unique opportunity of walking across the largest sandstone arch easily places it on the best of Sedona list. Note: If you do not have a high clearance vehicle, you will need to start your hike on the Mescal/Chuck Wagon trail, adding about 2 miles to your total distance, for a total of around 4 miles. Don’t worry as the extra mileage is very scenic, easy in intensity, and peaceful!

Distance: 4 miles RT (Mescal-Chuckwagon to Devil’s Bridge)
Difficulty: Moderate (due to a rough/steep climb at the end)
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Location: Drive to Dry Creek Road and turn right at the stop sign onto Long Canyon Road. Turn right and drive 0.2 miles to the Mescal Trailhead on the right. Use the Mescal-Chuckwagon trail connection to reach Devils Bridge Trailhead.

Additional info on the Devil’s Bridge trail

Airport Mesa

Great views from the summit of the Airport Mesa loop hiking trail

Airport Mesa is a pretty unique trail to add to your Sedona hiking bucket list. First off, the scenery is really spectacular. The views are really jaw dropping particularly during the first section of the trail, although the very steep scary drop offs might be too much for those afraid of heights. Prominent red rock formations surround you in every direction and the trail is relatively peaceful and quiet. Second, the desert plant life here is extraordinary, with dozens of healthy bright green prickly pear lining much of the trail.

Third, this hike is considered to be one of 4 vortex hikes. The others are: Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, & Cathedral Rock. In Sedona, a vortex site is said to possess special energies. This is due to an unusually high concentration of energy naturally swirling up from the earth. As this is a New Age theory, there really is no proof, although many claim to feel a sense of peace or healing after visiting these sites. The entire Sedona region is technically a vortex. However, these 4 hikes are said to be areas of intense concentrated energy. Lastly, Airport Mesa is one of the top sunrise/sunset destinations. Bring your camera – the views are out-of-this-world!

Distance: 3.5 miles RT
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 300 ft
Location: 538 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336

Additional info on the Airport Mesa hike

Teacup/Sugarloaf Summit

Breathtaking scenery from the Sugarloaf Trail in Sedona AZ

The magnificent Teacup/Sugarloaf Summit loop is so beautiful, peaceful, and conveniently close to Uptown, yet still somehow forgotten. Quite a shame as the summit views are so enchanting. For jaw dropping scenery like you have never seen before, do consider adding this hike to your itinerary. The little effort required to take in such amazing views is crazy. Most of the trek is very easy and relaxing with ongoing views of dramatic rock formations including the towering Coffeepot rock. Every Sedona formation’s name is based on the shape it resembles. In the case of Coffeepot, it resembles a French Press.

Combining the Teacup with the Sugarloaf Summit (a short 0.3 climb to a breathtaking overlook) adds little to your total distance, yet the payoff is huge considering the stunning 360 degree panoramic red rock views. Just when you think the views could not possibly get any better, they do. This hike is so amazing that it is one of the few that I deemed spectacular enough to complete twice.

Distance: 1.9 mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Location: Buena Vista Dr Sedona, AZ 86336

Additional info on the Teacup/Sugarloaf Summit trail

Cookstove

Gorgeous views of Oak Creek Canyon from the Cookstove Trail near Sedona, AZ

While Sedona is most well-known for its’ towering red rock formations, the dramatic cliffs and pine forests of beautiful Oak Creek Canyon are just as incredible. The drive along Oak Creek leads you through a variety of incredible landscapes including colorful rock formations, tall ponderosa pine forests, and even deciduous forests which turn beautiful hues of red and yellow come fall. Oak Creek is home to a diverse variety of plant life, and thus, the views are quite different from Sedona. Due to the extreme elevation changes (4000-7000 ft), you will get to witness the scenery change from green pines to stunning red rocks.

The gorgeous Cookstove hike is overlooked as tourists all flock to the West Fork trail. While the red rocks are stunning, the pine tree vistas along the Cookstove trail are just incredible, if not more so.

A short (just 0.7 miles), yet very steep climb will lead you to the most stunning overlook which looks out upon the entire canyon. This is one Sedona trail which you will have entirely to yourself! As this trail is hidden along Oak Creek Canyon, not nearly enough tourists take the time to check it out. The hike remains a peaceful hidden gem. For the beauty and peacefulness, Cookstove is a definite bucket list contender.

Distance: 0.7 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult, depending on current fitness level
Elevation gain: 450 ft
Location: Mile marker 387 on Hwy 89a

Additional info on the Cookstove trail