Sedona

Looking for a winter hiking getaway? Look no further than the red rock paradise of Sedona. Many of the outings will feel less like hiking trails and more like fun rock scrambles leading to deep canyons, flat-topped mesas, and expansive overlooks. Keep your eyes peeled to follow the cairns on hikes without defined trails, and be sure to bring plenty of water. This desert landscape is surprisingly lush, but you don’t want to get caught out of the shade without adequate hydration.

Where to find the best hiking in Sedona

Fay Canyon and Bell Rock are both rewarding hikes appropriate for families and hikers of all abilities. If these trailheads look too crowded for your liking, there are plenty more area trails that will get you out and back in five miles or less.

This incredibly beautiful area will stun new visitors with the stark contrast of red rock against blue sky, making it a place you want to visit again and again. Trail access around Sedona is concentrated in small areas and easy to find. It’s possible to get up early for a short hike to an incredible natural feature, head back into town for lunch, then pop back onto the trails in the evening for another excursion. Many trails lead out to unique natural features in just a few miles with minimal elevation gain.