Little Horse Trail: An Enjoyable Sedona Workout with Fantastic Views!

I have been hiking a lot since moving to Sedona’s gorgeous neighbor, Flagstaff. My first hike in the area was to the largest sandstone arch on Devil’s Bridge and I haven’t stopped since. The red rocks are so mesmerizing and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. Seriously, hiking these trails never gets old. I could hike here for the rest of my life and never get bored. Little Horse Trail, one of the numerous hiking options within the Coconino National Forest, is a moderate trek which is suitable for hikers of all skill levels.

Despite the short distance, this trail provides an amazing look into the majestic red rock landscapes. If you are new to the area, this is one of my recommendations for a relatively easy and scenic hike. It can get a bit crowded with tourists, but it’s really beautiful and not as hard as some others. It’s also quite short, so if you are limited on time, it’s one of my top picks. You will see a lot of beauty in a short time period.

Due to the wonderful views, excellent markings (many trails in the area are a bit confusing), and short distance, I definitely recommend this one for new visitors. It’s not the easiest, nor most difficult hike in the region, although you will get in a great workout, all while taking in amazing views. The 3 mile round-trip journey does not feel so long when you are surrounded by such wonderful views. I visit Sedona often (pretty much every weekend) and this is one of the trails I come back to time and time again.

Views of the most iconic red rock formations

This trail provides one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Courthouse Butte, a unique looking formation with an elevation of 5440 feet. Along the route, you will also take in fabulous views of Bell Rock and 2 Nuns (pictured below).  The Madonna and Child formation is just to the left of the 2 Nuns. The peculiar shape of each rock has lent it a nickname. Mike and I have had a great time trying to guess each rock’s name.

On this trek, there are a few minor uphill and downhill sections, yet nothing too challenging. Let’s say that I have hiked a lot harder trails. To me, this hike is really beautiful for the moderate effort you have to put in. There are some really fantastic viewpoints along the way like the amazing rock in my pic. On a side note, the greenery surrounding the rocks really pops out and creates such a mesmerizing setting. I was honestly surprised with the amount of greenery on some of these desert hikes.

Chicken Point overlook

At the end of the trail, you will reach Chicken Point which really makes all the walking worth it. From here you will be treated to some pretty amazing wide open red rock vistas in every direction. This is one of my favorite overlooks in the area. The same overlook can be accessed the Broken Arrow hike, but personally I prefer this hike overall. If you have to choose between the 2, the choice is easy. If you have extra time, I recommend both!

And here’s 2 more great viewpoints. Really, this is such a stunning place. I can’t get enough of the scenery on this one!

Mysterious spiritual energy: a common trend in this region

As you can see in this picture, there is a bright orange globe seemingly floating. I have had a lot of these (of different colors) show up in pics since moving to this area. Strangely, I’ve never seen them anywhere else. I have been reading up on a lot of New Age stuff since relocating to this energy intense region.

Orange is said to represent spirit guide presence, positivity, or creativity. So I’ll take this as a good sign as orange is the color I see most frequently. In case you are wondering, I have also seen these same orbs most recently on the Soldier’s Pass trail and also Tumamoc Hill in Tucson. You can read more about the different color meanings on this site.

Alternative modes to the summit

For those unable to hike for any reason, you can sign up for one of the famous Pink Jeep tours. It’s nice that there are options for everyone to enjoy the scenery here. If you are in the city long enough, you will become familiar with the famous pink jeeps – you can’t miss them.

Same viewpoint – just without the hike. I recommend this rewarding hike if you are able to do so – it’s a free alternative to the rather pricey tour.

A well marked trail that is easy to follow

Convenient trail markers are located along the route (much more so than many of the other hikes I have completed). Look out for cairns (a stack of stones used as a helpful trail marker) to help guide you along the way. As you can see in this pic, it’s basically a basket of rocks. On my first few hikes, I had absolutely no idea what these meant.

If you choose to lengthen your hike beyond Chicken Point, you will enter the Wilderness area and continue along the Jim Bryant trail. I would say most new visitors will likely be satisfied sticking to Little Horse. If you choose to continue, bring plenty of water and salty snacks.

Super popular, yet super peaceful

As this hike is popular with both mountain bikers and hikers, you can expect crowds all throughout the year. I sure see a lot of mountain bikes on each hike. Honestly, I don’t know how they bike though such rocky terrian especially with so many scary drop offs! Despite the (at times) hefty traffic, most of the trail can still be enjoyed in peace.

Every so often you will come across a few hikers or a large group of bikers, although typically you will not see a single person again for quite some time. At times you will feel like you are completely alone, lost in the red rock wilderness – definitely not a bad thing! I prefer hiking most of the time during the cooler fall and winter months. I find that most of the tourists congregate in the summer, so this is the time of the year I can get back to nature and truly appreciate the landscapes.

Best time to hike

Unlike many other areas of the country, winter is actually a pretty great time to hike here. Crowds are practically non existent, the temperatures are much more comfortable, and if you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of snow on a cactus or a light dusting atop the red rocks. Because there is not much shade on this trail, you will tire out much more quickly during the hot summer season. This is one of the hikes I prefer during the winter months unlike Boynton Canyon which is super shady and too cold (often with snow) this time of year.

Temperatures are much more ideal for hiking in the winter with average daytime highs ranging between 40-60 degrees, thus enabling you to enjoy the views more, take more photos, and stroll at your own leisure without worrying about overheating. Despite the cooler temperatures, always bring extra water! You always want to stay properly hydrated, especially in the dry, higher elevated climate.

Overall, I would say this trail is the perfect first timer’s hike as you get to enjoy an energizing workout along with amazing views. You can’t ask for much more than that. I am confident that newbies will be impressed with the wonderful views, relative peace and quiet, and beautiful natural setting.

Update: And after your hike, there is plenty more to do in and around Sedona. After living in the region for several years, I wrote a full visitor guide so you don’t miss out on the best attractions, restaurants, and hikes.

Hiking details

Round trip, this trail should only take about 2 hours or so, leaving you plenty of time to explore other attractions. Other great hikes to consider during your first trip to the region include: Devil’s Bridge, Soldier’s Pass, and Fay Canyon.

Tip: If traveling from Flagstaff, be sure to take scenic Oak Creek Canyon Drive. The 14 mile drive along 89a (between Flagstaff and Sedona) is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever driven. Although it’s gorgeous anytime of the year, you can’t beat seeing a dusting of snow atop the red rocks after a winter storm! If you are hiking this trail in winter, you may just get to see a little rare red rock snow!

Directions: At the junction of 89a and 179 in Sedona, you will drive 3.6 miles south on 179 until you reach a paved turnout at milepost 309.8. This will be 0.2 miles south of the United Methodist Church. Or just enter the following GPS coordinates: 34°49’07.0″N 111°46’16.9″W.

Parking is $5 unless you have a Red Rock Pass or annual America the beautiful pass. Pricing current as of 2025.