Check out my 3-day itinerary below!
Best Time to Visit
The spring and fall are the most popular times of the year, due mainly to Sedona’s ideal weather conditions of blue skies and daily high temperatures in the mid-60s to low 80s (degrees Fahrenheit). However, there is no bad time to visit Sedona, and in fact, coming to Sedona in lower seasons such as late summer and winter, or Sunday through Thursday year-round, is a great time to find better hotel prices and fewer crowds.
My husband and I visited in late October and the temps were in the mid-high 70s during the day and in the 50s in the morning and late at night. It was gorgeous! In addition, we planned our trip for Sunday through Thursday.
How to Pack
I’m a die-hard athleisure queen and a notorious over-packer. I brought five sets of leggings, four sports tops, two pairs of jeans, a puffy vest, and a couple of cozy hoodies. I also brought two nicer outfits for some planned dinners.
Other items:
- hat
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- hiking boots/socks
- backpack
- extra water bottles
My suggestion is to layer up! It was typically chilly in the mornings and then got warmer in the afternoon. Check out my hiking staples list here.
Getting There
My husband and I currently live in Bullhead City, AZ, so we only had a 3-hour drive to our Airbnb. We decided to stop in Flagstaff on the way to visit Aspen Corner, which is said to be beautiful this time of year. If you flew in, the closest airport would be Pheonix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), which is a little over a 2-hour drive. The second closest airport is Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS).
Accommodations
photo taken from Airbnb host page
We arrived at our Airbnb around 5 p.m. on Sunday evening. One of the reasons we chose this home was because it was dog-friendly. There was a unit being rented out below us but we were on the top.
Day 1
Mescal & Fay Canyon Trail
We started out our day hiking the Mescal Trail. Most of the reviews I read said that it’s best to get to the trail [really, any trail] early in the morning for a better chance at a parking spot. David and I got up around 6 am. Our Airbnb was about a 20-minute drive to the trailhead so we grabbed some coffee (Cuptown Coffee – amazing!) and got to the parking lot around 7:30 am.
The Mescal trail is accessible from the newly constructed U.S Forest Service Mescal Day Use Area (DUA) located on Long Canyon Road just northeast of Boynton Pass Rd.
A common trend we saw throughout Sedona was the small parking lots at the trailheads. They typically fill up by 9 am so I would get there early. We brought our dog on this trail and only ended up doing about a mile before heading over to Fay Canyon trail.
This was a 2.4 mile out-and-back trail. It was mostly easy, with a steep portion at the end where you’re scrambling up some rocks but our dog did it easily. It was definitely worth the views!
Pink Jeep Tour
We had to book the iconic Pink Jeep Tour! There are different options you can book on their website, which range from 1.5 hours to 4 hours. David and I chose the 3-hour Broken Arrow/Scenic Rim Combo.
We did Scenic Rim first and it was suuuper rocky. Our guide funnily called it “the cobblestone trail from hell.” It was still really fun! If you have neck or back problems, this may not be the trail for you. We were bobbing back and forth most of the way LOL
Broken Arrow was my favorite trail! This is where you’re really climbing over rocks and putting the Jeep to the test. We definitely had some “oh sh*t” moments but our guide was really knowledgeable and highly trained. He got us through safely!
If you have the time, I recommend adding this tour to your itinerary.
Book the tour here.
Day 2 – Devil’s Bridge & Cathedral Rock
On the top of our list: Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
The Devil’s Bridge trailhead is about a mile walk from the Mescal trail parking lot. At the beginning of the hike, you’ll be asking yourself “Why is this rated as moderate?” But don’t let that fool you. You’ll be sweating by the end of it.
We brought our dog, Asher, along for the journey and he loved it! We saw kids on the trail too, so it’s definitely doable for most people. And if you’re lucky, you might even get some compliments on your dog’s climbing skills. ????
*Side note: we did not take our dog on the bridge. David sacrificed getting his picture taken and stayed behind to hold him.
If you go during busier times, expect a wait at the top of the trail if you want your picture taken on the bridge. We waited for about 15 minutes. The views are totally worth it!
The whole trek took us about 3 hours. Afterward, we dropped Asher back off at the Airbnb and headed out to Cathedral Rock Trail.
This is a short, 1.2-mile trail but don’t be fooled – it’s a tough one! To reach the top, you will need to scramble up a variety of rocks. I’d recommend hiking boots or shoes with good grip. Technically, dogs are welcome on this trail, but unless you have an athletic beast, I think it would be pretty challenging for most pups.
Once you get to the top, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Cathedral Rock is also one of the famous vortex locations. Sedona actually has seven vortexes. This is a spot where the subtle energy that exists at these locations interacts with the subtle body energy belonging to each visitor.
Cathedral Rock is said to have more feminine energy. Visitors often frequent this spot for meditation, self-exploration, healing, etc.
Day 3 – West Fork & Soldier Pass Trail
On our last day, we woke up early and hiked the West Fork Trail. This trail is rated as moderately challenging. This is a great hike to bring your dog on. I recommend getting there early in the morning or later in the day, as the trail gets very busy with dogs and people.
Dog owners, rejoice! Soldier Pass is an easy hike with a side of adventure and a dash of scrambling. We stopped once we got to the Brin Mesa trailhead but the views didn’t disappoint!
Final Thoughts
You know that feeling of magic when you find something so good that you can’t believe it’s real? That’s exactly what it’s like exploring the trails in Sedona! There’s no such thing as a bad trail. Dive in and let the adventure take you!
Sedona is a hiking paradise, surrounded by stunning red rock formations and beautiful desert landscapes. The trails in Sedona offer something for every level of hiker, from easy strolls to challenging treks. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking views, and unique rock formations.
But hiking in Sedona is more than just a physical activity, it’s a spiritual experience. The Native American tribes who have lived in the area for centuries believe that Sedona is a sacred place, full of healing energy. Many hikers come to Sedona not just for the physical challenge but also to connect with the land and seek spiritual renewal.
So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Sedona’s trails offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling energized, inspired, and connected to nature. So what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and hit the trails!
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