THE HIKE
HOUSE
Your Guided & Self-Guided Hiking Headquarters
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TOP TRAILS
The “Most Popular” hiking trails in Sedona encompass the trails that showcase the best Sedona has to offer. These trails are made up of easy, moderate and difficult trails. The traits that each of these trails share is their unrivaled beauty and intimacy with the Red Rocks. Preparation is paramount to hiking the trails in Sedona. Your checklist for the trail should include hiking shoes/boots with decent lug depth, socks that do not contain cotton (wool blend or Coolmax), a good topographical map or book, consider the use of a hiking stick or trekking poles to add additional “confidence and stability” to your trek, adequate water (1 liter per hour) and a signaling device (whistle, mirror, fire).
This is it…the most iconic trail in the Sedona Red Rock Country. This trail captures unimaginable beauty, towering cliffs, perennial water that you cross 13 times and Old West history. Ruins of Mayhew Cabin mark the initial part of the trail, which was built by “Bear” Howard in the 1870’s. “Bear” earned his name by supposedly killing 4 bears with only a knife. In 1880, the Thomas family moved into the area and made Bear’s cabin into a lodge called Mayhew Lodge. Decades later (1924) the famous great American western novelist, Zane Grey, stayed at Mayhew Lodge and wrote the book Call of the Canyon which was later made into a movie. The lodge operated until 1968 and hosted many of Hollywood’s elite including James Stewart, Clark Gable and Walt Disney. The Forest Service took over the Lodge in 1968 and later (1976) burned to the ground. West Fork Trail will always hold a special place in my heart.
Here is how I know this is a great trail: A young man in love one day comes into the store and asks where is a great place to propose to his girlfriend. I told him of this trail down by Oak Creek that is truly beautiful. He took his girlfriend to this place and she said “YES!” So that means this is a great trail.
Cathedral/Templeton Trail is a romantic adventure. The majesty of Cathedral coupled with the beauty of Oak Creek and the cool canopied forest leading down to the creek make this a great hike for couples in love and families looking for a moderate adventure where the kids can jump around in the water. The is my wife’s favorite hike in the area and I completely understand why.
Soldiers Pass Trail is a moderate trail that offers a back country feel yet is almost located in the middle of town. Sandwiched between Brins Ridge and Capitol Butte (a.k.a. Thunder Mountain), this trail offers everything you would expect from a great trail. The trail rolls through a number of arroyos, past the area’s largest sinkhole (Devils Kitchen), along the “Seven Sacred Pools,” then up 509 feet atop Brins Mesa. The highlight of the trail (according to my children) is the impressive sinkhole which was reported as a major collapse event in the 1880’s (retold by Albert E. Thompson in 1968) and then a secondary event in 1989 increased the size of the sinkhole by 1/3 (large block on the northern wall).
Boynton Canyon Trail is a stunning hike through a picturesque canyon that moves you through a varied landscape. Make no mistake the real gem of this trail is found in the final 1/3 of the hike as you enter a high forest with large pines, oaks and even alligator junipers. The first 2/3 of the trail are really just a “means to the end” as you make your way through low growth scrub forest and along the east side of Enchantment Resort. As you hike this trail you will notice a stark contrast in temperatures as you leave the low growth, open red rocks in the first 2/3 and enter “the forest” and rise in elevation. The trail ends in grand fashion as it rises up and crescendos onto a quasi-plateau above tree tops.
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EASY HIKING TRAILS
“Easy Hiking Trails” are trails that are relatively flat, easy to navigate and under 2 hour to hike. These trails are generally good for all members of the family. Even though these trails are considered easy, we still encourage all of guests to prepare properly with the aforementioned gear listed in the previous section (Most Popular Trails). While these “easy hikes” are a little more than a casual walk, you should have a “closed toe” shoe. We often see casual hikers in flip-flops/sandals which unnecessarily exposes them to the sharp, ruggedness of the Southwest….some of our cactus are unforgiving.
This is it…the most iconic trail in the Sedona Red Rock Country. This trail captures unimaginable beauty, towering cliffs, perennial water that you cross 13 times and Old West history. Ruins of Mayhew Cabin mark the initial part of the trail, which was built by “Bear” Howard in the 1870’s. “Bear” earned his name by supposedly killing 4 bears with only a knife. In 1880, the Thomas family moved into the area and made Bear’s cabin into a lodge called Mayhew Lodge. Decades later (1924) the famous great American western novelist, Zane Grey, stayed at Mayhew Lodge and wrote the book Call of the Canyon which was later made into a movie. The lodge operated until 1968 and hosted many of Hollywood’s elite including James Stewart, Clark Gable and Walt Disney. The Forest Service took over the Lodge in 1968 and later (1976) burned to the ground. West Fork Trail will always hold a special place in my heart.
Deadman’s Pass is a splendid, easy hiking trail that provides excellent views as you pass between Boynton and Mescal Mountain. This trail also serves as an excellent “connector” trail between Boynton Canyon, Long Canyon and Mescal Trail. While most will begin the trail at the Boynton Canyon Road trailhead, there is an option of parking on Long Canyon Road and taking either the Long Canyon Trail to Deadman’s Pass or my preference is taking Mescal Trail to Deadman’s Pass. During the busy times of the year it can be difficult to find parking at Boynton since that trailhead is parking for multiple trails.
Honanki Heritage Site is an ancient Native American cliff dwelling and rock art site located west/northwest of Sedona. This ancient site was occupied by the Sinagua from 1150-1300 A.D.. You can imagine the Sinagua living, hunting, farming and raising their families in this setting. The Honanki Site is mainly characterized by pictographs set in two alcoves. While most pictographs are from the Sinagua era (1150-3000 A.D.), some pictographs were found to pre-date this era as far back as 2000 B.C. Honanki Heritage Site is open 7 days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) from 9:30am-5pm. No reservations are required but you will need a Red Rock Pass.
Palatki is one of the two largest cliff dwelling sites in the Red Rock Country belonging to the Sinagua. The Sinaguaare thought to be connected to the Hopi Indian Tribe who took advantage of the south facing cliffs when they built their shelters. (In the summer they a shaded for the sun overhead and in the winter are warmed by the sun low on the horizon) While there is much evidence of the Sinagua civilization (pottery, pictographs, farming) from 1150-1300 A.D., there is also evidence (abstract drawings and symbols) from Archaic cultures dating back 3000-6000 years earlier. Reservations and a Red Rock Pass are required for the site. The Palatki Heritage Site provides Ranger guided tours 7 days a week from 9:30am- 3pm. For reservations call 928-282-3854.
MODERATE HIKING TRAILS
“Moderate Hiking Trails” provide varying degrees of elevations and terrain. Trails will generally have between 400-1000 feet of elevation change. Moderate trails make up the majority of trails in the Sedona Red Rock Trail System. Some the best adventures you will experience here will be on these trails. With increased elevation comes the potential for “slips.” Your hiking shoes/boots with adequate “lug” depth and hiking stick (poles) will aid you greatly as you trek these trails.
DIFFICULT HIKING TRAILS
“Difficult Hiking Trails” are characterized by steep elevations, increasingly difficult terrain and longer distances. Experienced hikers should only attempt these trails. It would be a disservice if I “sugar coated” what I am about to say—there is potential to die and/or become seriously injured on these trails. Should you not prepare properly then you are increasing these odds. It is highly recommended that you speak with an experienced staff member at The Hike House before setting out on these trails. We share “best practices and tips” for a safe experience on these trails.
Welcome to The Big Hike!…Wilson takes you to the highest point in Sedona and provides the most dynamic panoramic views in the area. In order to get to this point you must put in the work. Wilson climbs over 2500 feet in just 4.5 miles (9 miles round-trip). This trail takes you through two distinctly different environments. The first part of the trail take you through a rough desert environment featuring low growth junipers, manzanita, prickly pear cactus and Parry Agave then past the “first bench” into a coniferous forest featuring a variety of large pines and oak trees. Don’t miss the views of San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff as you make your way up the side of Wilson after the “first bench.” San Francisco Peaks hold considerable religious significance to numerous American Indian Tribes in the area.
Majestic is the first word that comes to mind. When asked about my favorite trail in the Sedona Red Rocks…Cathedral Rock Trail is certainly in the top three. This trail is a short hike with every element that makes a trail a great hike. Elevation, difficulty, adventure and views dominate this great hike. Rise up and into the saddle of Cathedral and take in the grand views of Courthouse, Bell Rock, The Chapel, Munds Wilderness, Rabbit Ears and Munds Wilderness. Venture out onto the Cathedral “Catwalk” and look west into the heart of the Verde Valley and Mingus Mountain. If you only have one day and you are an experienced hiker then Cathedral Rock Trail is your destination.
Ready for a challenge? This is one of Sedona’s steep and difficult hikes. The trail is considered difficult due to its terrain, elevation and ability to navigate. Known for its difficulty, it is also known for its spectacular views that only get better the higher you ascend. If you are up for the challenge then you will be rewarded with incredible 360°views of Sedona and San Francisco Peaks in Flagstaff. From the trailhead this hike looks deceptively easy—however, you are only seeing 1/3 of the trail. The trail is made up of a series of plateaus that take you higher and further than what meets the eye. Note: This is a difficult hike and not meant for novice hikers. Proper gear, footwear and hydration is highly recommended.
431 State Route 179
Sedona, AZ 86336
928-282-5820
Hours of Operation
Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm