5 Beautiful Sedona Summer Hikes
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While the 90-100 degree summer days in Sedona may feel like a welcome respite to the many Phoenix daytrippers who frequently flee up north to enjoy the cooler weather, for most tourists, hiking during the hot summer season is not ideal. After living in nearby Flagstaff for several years and hiking here frequently, I can say this is not my favorite season to explore the outdoors. I save my hiking for Flagstaff this time a year which sees beautiful temps in the low 80’s (see a list of my favorite hikes in the pines).
It’s much cooler than Phoenix but 90 degrees is still quite hot especially with the lack of shade. The fall and spring seasons are by far the best time weather-wise to enjoy unending views of the enchanting red rock formations in a comfortable setting.
If you do intend on visiting in the summer, there are numerous shorter, flatter, & shadier hikes which offer many of the same gorgeous red rock views as the longer more intense trails. Planning accordingly and setting out early in the day will ensure that you can take in the wonders of this incredible area without risking dehydration and heat exhaustion.
In my guide, I will highlight a few of my favorite red rock trails where you can enjoy some pretty views without being out in the heat/harsh sun for too long. While not necessarily the most jaw dropping options in town, the hikes listed below are all picturesque, relatively easy without major elevation gain, and somewhat shady. Sedona summer mornings temps typically range in the pleasant 60-70 degree range, but rise rapidly by mid-morning, so it’s best to hit the trails as early as possible!
1. Fay Canyon
Fay Canyon is my top hiking choice during the summer season. Not only is this hike super short and shady with barely any elevation gain, it’s also jam packed with gorgeous red rock views. You do not have to sacrifice the big views here. Despite the short distance, you will get to enjoy numerous unique rock formations, watch for wildlife (black bears have occasionally been sighted!), and explore the diverse plant life found throughout the Red Rock Secret Wilderness. This hike is located about 20 minutes outside of town, however, the drive over to the trailhead is absolutely gorgeous. It’s also one of my favorite quiet treks – the tourists usually skip this one.
If you are up for a bit of challenge and want to see a truly impressive sight, you can take a short side trail to a natural arch formation. This detour (unmarked) is located about 1/2 mile into the trail and is definitely worth the extra trek for the unique lookout.
Location: Boynton Pass Rd.
Parking: Red Rock Pass ($5)
Distance: 1.1 miles out-and-back
Dog friendly: Yes, must be leashed
Additional info & pics from the Fay Canyon trail
2. Templeton Trail
The Templeton Trail is another short, mostly flat trail which offers stunning vistas of Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s most powerful vortexes. Vortexes are areas of enhanced natural energy where thousands of people have reported a feeling of motivation or extra energy. Starting at the Cathedral Rock trailhead, you will simply follow the route of Templeton as opposed to following the tourists who will begin the intense climb up the rock formation. While Cathedral is one of the most stunning hikes, it’s quite challenging, completely devoid of shade, and thus, better suited for the cooler months.
On the contrary, the Templeton, is a quiet enjoyable trail which can be enjoyed any season. At just 2 miles round-trip, this trail is the perfect option for a quick stroll before the harsh heat of the afternoon sun hits. It’s also quite shady for more than half the route. This is one of the few trails where you will get to stroll along a portion of the beautiful creek. It is a very underused trail. And thus, one of the more peaceful hiking experiences you will find in Sedona.
Location: Back O’ Beyond Rd.
Parking: Red Rock Pass ($5)
Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
Dog friendly: Yes, must be leashed
Additional info & pics from the Templeton trail
3. West Fork trail
The West Fork is a gorgeous creekside hike located near the halfway point of the incredible Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive. This 14 mile drive, consists of jaw dropping scenery & drastic elevation changes, with everything from red rocks to ponderosa pines encompassing the stunning natural backdrop. You will see a lot of cars waiting to get into this trail, which is the most popular within the massive Coconino National Forest, a gigantic mass of land which stretches on for over a million acres between Flagstaff and Sedona. The West Fork sees most of its’ traffic during the summer (when Phoenix and Tucson locals flock up to enjoy the cooler temps) and again in the fall when the path is lined with bright shimmering shades of autumn.
This trail reminds me of the type of fall hikes I enjoyed back when I lived in Massachusetts so that makes it a plus for me. Besides being surrounded by gorgeous deciduous trees and magnificent red rock views, there are 13 fun and slightly challenging creek crossings. Due to the ample shade coverage, this is no doubt the coolest trail this time of year. It’s quite long at nearly 7 miles RT, however, it is very flat and the scenic natural surroundings make the time fly by. Regardless, if you would rather keep it short, you can simply go out-and-back to your comfort level.
Before your hike, I recommend breakfast at Indian Gardens. In addition to serving fabulous & healthy food, the coffee is great, and the garden patio is beautiful. Note: this place gets busy but it’s worth the wait!
Location: Mile marker 384 on Oak Creek Drive (State Rt 89a)
Parking: $15 per vehicle (up to 5 people)
Distance: 3.5 miles out-and-back
Dog friendly: Yes, must be leashed
Additional info & pics from the West Fork trail
4. Wilson Canyon
Wilson Canyon is a scenic 1.5 mile out-and-back trail which starts at the very popular Midgley Bridge overlook on Oak Creek Canyon drive. This is one trail you will want to arrive at extra early as parking is limited and fills up fast. Keep in mind that Midgley Bridge is one of the region’s most popular viewpoints. The short trek through Wilson Canyon is shady and cool, so fortunately you won’t have the sun beating down on you constantly.
I find this one of the more tolerable summer hikes and it’s really quiet too. Isolated wilderness awaits you as soon as you leave the congested bridge area. Plant life is diverse here and consists of live shrub oak, Arizona cypress, & various cacti species, and wildlife is also plentiful.
Wilson lacks some of the big red rock views common on others on this list (although the beginning does feature some outstanding vistas). Don’t let that deter you – this hike offers serene views of the Red Rock Secret Wilderness and ample shade coverage. Relax and take your time hiking this one and enjoy the lush natural surroundings.
Location: Hwy 89a (about 2 miles in from the north end of Oak Creek Canyon drive near Sedona)
Parking: Red Rock Pass ($5)
Distance: 1.5 miles out-and-back
Dog friendly: Yes, must be leashed
Additional info & pics from the Wilson Canyon trail
5. Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is one of the most interesting hikes in my personal experiences. Featuring diverse scenery changes, powerful vortex energy (this is one of 4 vortex hikes), and wide open views of towering red rock formations, it’s a must-hike while in town.
Fortunately, this trail is mostly shady, and therefore, a great summer choice. Although this trail is a bit longist at 3 miles each way, there is not much elevation gain. Despite the immense beauty, it remains pretty quiet and you should not see more than a handful of hikers around at any given time.
This trail is really unique in that you start off surrounded by big towering red rock formations and end up strolling through a shady canyon and pine forest. One time in the spring, we began the trail in the harsh sun and ended up putting on gloves as we trekked through some lingering snow in the forest! As far as uniqueness & diversity of scenery go, this is definitely one of my favorite hikes.
Location: Dry Creek Rd.
Parking: Red Rock Pass ($5)
Distance: 3 miles out-and-back
Dog friendly: Yes, must be leashed
Additional info on the Boynton Canyon trail
Summer Hiking Tips
*Hiking in the morning is definitely preferable to sunset hiking. Temps are considerably cooler in the mornings vs. when the hot sun is setting.
*Wear a camelbak to ensure you have a consistent supply of water. A few electrolyte containing snacks is also a good idea. Fill up at the wonderful free spring water tap along Oak Creek Canyon drive near mile marker 387. You will see a bunch of cars parked along the side of the road filling up.
*Carry a hiking stick (can be found at any gift shop in the Uptown area) and wear appropriate workout apparel and hiking shoes)
*Avoid weekends, if possible. Sedona is really busy most summer weekends and holidays. Visiting during the week will ensure a more peaceful trip, ease of finding parking, a shorter wait time at restaurants, etc.
*The best breakfast & coffee in town can be found at Indian Gardens. Other decent choices are Che-Ah-Chi at the Enchantment Resort and Red Rock Cafe.
*In terms of hotels, The Inn Above Oak Creek is a wonderful budget friendly choice with rooms overlooking the creek, a decent continental breakfast, 24/7 coffee, and a convenient central location.
*You will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass to park. You can check out this site for more details.
