5 Easy Hikes in Sedona

There are some places in the world so beautiful that a simple outdoor walk can elevate your spirit and soothe your mind. We’re lucky to live in one of those places! Sedona is rich with breathtaking natural vistas, native history and spiritual energy. If you’re visiting the area, we can’t think of a better way to truly experience the magic of Sedona than by enjoying a hike outdoors. Here are five hikes we recommend for beginners.

Chuck Wagon

Image by Anita Ritenour

At just about five miles one way, Chuck Wagon Trail is a perfect day hike for beginners. The trail actually has two different loops; the one to the left is a little longer but has more impressive views of the scarlet buttes and crimson cliffs. There are also picnic areas nestled among gardens of juniper, prickly pear and manzanita. Take advantage of one these natural rest stops–it’s a common mistake for beginning hikers to underestimate the heat and overestimate their endurance.

Boynton Canyon

Image by Norton Gusky

This gorgeous box canyon is accessible on paved roads from nearby towns and is an easy walk on the canyon floor. While enjoying the beauty of the crimson rock landscape and abundant desert flora that make Arizona’s Red Rock Country so unique, you may also feel a calming energy. That’s because Boynton Canyon is a vortex. Sedona has over fifteen vortexes–places where either masculine or feminine energies of the land are strong. Boynton Canyon is unique in that it is a balanced vortex, where both the masculine and the feminine properties affect the earth.

Fay Canyon Trail

Image by Akos Kokai

We rate this trail as easy to moderate, so if you have some hiking experience already this may be the path for you. Fay Canyon also rewards the adventurous–a little off the main path you can see a natural stone arch formation. And if you scale the boulders which seem to block the path, you’ll find yourself in a tranquil oak forest surrounded by towering canyon walls. We recommend coming in the spring, when the canyon is colorfully painted in wildflower blooms. Fay Canyon is another spiritual vortex; the land emanates feelings of serenity and peace, making it a perfect meditation spot.

Baldwin Trail

Photo by Dan Costin

Cathedral Rock is a must-see for Sedona visitors, and Baldwin Trail circles a mesa near the base of this awesome structure. You should know that you’ll share your day, and the path, with mountain bike riders, but there’s room enough for everyone. The trail is largely unshaded and can get hot in the summer; we recommend packing for a swim break. Follow one of the many side trails to Oak Creek swimming spots.

Palatki Heritage Site

Photo by Ken Bosma

The Hopi word palataki means “red house,” and while the Hopi did not name this park, it’s easy to see how Palatki Heritage Site got its name. This archeological site is home to the largest cliff dwellings of Red Rock Country. There are three trails here, and they are all worth exploring. Follow one for a view of the cliff dwellings, then follow a path back in time and actually step into the cliff dwellings themselves. The third trail leads to the painted alcoves, featuring pictographs and symbols from all the peoples who previously lived here. Truly, this is a sacred area and so it is important to honor the backpacker’s ethos, “Take only pictures, leave only footprints.”  

A day spent in the visibly beautiful and spiritually powerful Red Rock Country may leave your body tired, but your soul will be recharged. Just remember to hike safely. That means hiking with a partner or telling someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back, packing enough water for your trip, and investing in a trail guide book. Happy adventures, and enjoy hiking in Sedona!