Sedona, Arizona, is home to some of the most stunning red rock cliffs in the Southwest. The town is completely surrounded by these dramatic, towering formations, making it a dream destination for outdoor lovers. With its endless scenic trails and breathtaking views, it’s no surprise that Sedona is always buzzing with visitors eager to explore the landscape. Another great perk? Sedona is incredibly dog-friendly! Many of the hiking trails welcome pups, which can be hard to find in other destinations. It’s the perfect spot for adventurers who love bringing their furry friends along for the journey—and trust me, the trails have some absolutely breathtaking views.
I spent the weekend exploring Sedona and had so much fun soaking in everything this stunning desert town has to offer. This trip was actually my very first solo camping adventure—and I’m happy to say I felt completely safe, both out on the trails and sleeping in my car, which is where I stayed. I brought my dog along too, which definitely added an extra sense of security (and made the hikes even more fun!). Whether you have a full week, a weekend, or even just a single day, there are endless trails and places to explore in Sedona. Each one offers its own unique beauty and, of course, more of those awe-inspiring views.
Where to Stay
Sedona has something for everyone, whether you prefer an Airbnb, a hotel, an RV site, or a campsite. For this trip, I chose to car camp at the Manzanita Campground, about a 10-minute drive from town, nestled up in the canyon. I really liked my stay there. The bathrooms were clean and didn’t have that typical campground smell, which was a nice surprise.
That said, the campsites are pretty close together, so it can feel a bit cramped, like you’re packed in there with everyone else. But since I was only there to sleep and spent most of my time out exploring, it didn’t bother me at all. If you’re planning on hanging out at your campsite for a while, though, it might be something to consider. The campground is right alongside the river, which is a peaceful touch. And the best part? The stars. Since the campground is up in the canyon with little light pollution, the night sky was incredible. Stargazing was definitely one of my favorite parts of this campground.
To book this campground (and others in the area), you’ll use Recreation.gov. Most of the time, you need to book pretty far in advance—but I actually snagged my site just three days before the trip by keeping an eye out for cancellations. If you’re flexible and persistent, last-minute openings definitely pop up. Life happens, and plans change!
Driving into Sedona each morning from the campground was a treat on its own. The red cliffs glowing in the early light made for the perfect start to the day. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend Manzanita Campground. At just $30 a night, it’s a budget-friendly and beautiful way to stay close to nature.
Hiking
While I was in Sedona for the weekend, I managed to fit in four incredible hikes:
Cathedral Rock Trail
This hike quickly became one of my favorites of the whole trip. The 360-degree views of Sedona and the surrounding red rocks were absolutely amazing. The trail is just under 1.5 miles out and back, but don’t let the distance fool you—it’s a tough one. The whole time, you’re climbing up sheer sandstone, which is steep and very slippery. Even though it’s a short hike, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. AllTrails ranks it as hard, with a 740-foot elevation gain.
Maybe because it was such a challenging hike, the views from the top were that much more rewarding. It’s recommended to do this hike either at sunrise or sunset, and I went for sunset. It was incredible. I had some friends do it a month ago for sunrise, and they said it wasn’t quite as good because the sun rises from the “wrong” side in the morning. So, if you can, I’d recommend going for sunset—it’s totally worth it.
It does get dark pretty fast after sunset, so make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp for the way down. And because it’s so steep, be extra careful on the descent—take it slow so you don’t slip or hurt yourself.
Doe Mountain Trail
This hike quickly became another favorite of mine. It’s about a mile and a half to the top of one of the cliffs, and the views are totally worth the effort. The trail winds through some beautiful scenery, with a mix of shaded areas and open stretches where you get incredible views of the surrounding red rocks and desert landscape.
What stood out to me most about this trail, though, was how much quieter it was compared to the other hikes I did over the weekend. Every other trail was packed with people, and you were constantly passing others or hiking in groups. But this one isn’t as well-known, so I only ran into about 6 or 7 small groups of people, which meant for most of the hike, it was just me and my dog. It felt so peaceful, and the solitude was such a nice change of pace.
When I reached the top, I was able to take in the full cliffside views all to myself. The panoramic views of Sedona and the surrounding area were breathtaking—well worth the climb. My dog, however, wasn’t a huge fan of being so close to the edge. She kept looking around nervously, but I guess that’s just the price you pay for views like that!
Devils Bridge
This hike takes you to a large arch—one that you can actually walk across. The trail is about 4 miles from the closest parking lot, but I ended up hiking around 6 miles because of where I parked. There are a few parking lots that lead into the Devil’s Bridge Trail, so just keep in mind that the distance might be a little longer than the 4 miles listed.
The arch itself is absolutely breathtaking, and the views of the red rock scenery behind it are stunning. The majority of the hike is fairly easy, with some moderate uphill sections, but the last mile gets pretty steep and definitely becomes a good workout. The trail is very clearly marked, and there are stone stairs in a few places to help make the steep sections a bit easier.
Once you reach the arch, be prepared to wait in line. Most people want a picture on the arch, so if you’re planning to walk across it, you’ll need to wait your turn. When I was there, the wait was about an hour. Since I wasn’t sure when I’d get the chance to do this hike again, I decided it was worth the wait for a photo.
Seven Sacred Pools and Soldiers Pass Cave Trail
Parking for Soldiers Pass Trail is a bit tricky since it gets crowded quickly. There’s a shuttle from the parking lot to the trailhead, but it’s a small shuttle, so many people, including myself, choose to walk the extra mile to the start of the trail. The path to the trailhead is clearly marked, and while it adds a bit to your hike, it’s not too bad. In total, I ended up hiking just over 7 miles.
The first part of the hike is relatively easy, leading you to the Seven Sacred Pools about a mile and a half in. When I visited in late March, the pools were dried up, so they were a bit underwhelming. They’d probably be more impressive after a good rain, but even so, the desert setting around them is stunning. After you’ve checked out the pools, you can either turn around or continue on Soldier Pass Trail, which takes you another 2.5 miles toward Soldier Pass Cave.
As you continue, the trail starts to get steeper, but the views are definitely worth it. The hike to the cave involves some boulder hopping, but it’s an adventure, and you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley below. Even though this section gets a little more challenging, it’s manageable for most hikers, and the views make the climb worthwhile.
Tips for Hiking in Sedona
Be Flexible
I had my hikes planned out, but after hiking close to 15 miles on day one, my body was exhausted. I had planned another long hike for day two, but ended up switching to a shorter 2-mile hike instead. It was still a great experience! Sometimes it’s best to listen to your body and adjust your plans accordingly.
Bring Plenty of Water
There is no water at the trailheads, so it’s crucial to pack enough with you. Don’t underestimate how much you’ll need, especially in Sedona’s warm climate. Hydration is key to enjoying your hike and staying safe.
Sunscreen is a Must
I learned this the hard way—I got burned pretty badly on my trip. Make sure to slather on that sunscreen, even if it feels like the sun’s not too intense. Reapply throughout the day to avoid the painful consequences later.
Wear Shoes with Traction
Sedona’s trails can be steep, rocky, and slippery. It’s worth investing in a good pair of hiking shoes with solid traction to keep you safe and comfortable as you navigate the terrain. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for the grip when you’re tackling some of those more challenging parts of the hike.
Shopping
Sedona is definitely a tourist-friendly town with plenty of shopping and dining options. While I packed my own food for most of the trip, I did treat myself to dinner at Chipotle one night. If you’re craving something sweet, I highly recommend Rocky Road Ice Cream. They make all their ice cream in-house, and it’s absolutely delicious. I tried the Coyote Tracks on a waffle cone, and it was hands down some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had! Afterward, I strolled through a few shops, where you can find lots of fun souvenirs to remember your trip.
Sedona is a breathtaking destination with a variety of trails, stunning landscapes, and a welcoming vibe. Whether you’re into challenging hikes or just want to soak in the beauty, there’s something here for everyone. From hiking to exploring the town’s shops and food spots, every part of this weekend adventure was unforgettable. I’m already looking forward to my next trip back—there’s so much more to discover!