If you ask for Sedona trail recommendations to a local, you can expect to get the same answers every time. They will most likely direct you to Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Boynton Canyon. While those famous energy vortex sites are stunning, they also come with packed parking lots, bumper-to-bumper trail traffic, and long waits just to snap a photo at a scenic overlook.
If you want to skip the commercial crowds, leave the tour buses behind, and experience the red rock wilderness the way actual residents do, you need to head off the beaten path. Here are seven incredible Sedona-area hikes that locals actually loveโoffering dramatic red rock vistas, hidden swimming holes, and so much more.
1. Fay Canyon Trail
Located next to the heavily congested Boynton Canyon, Fay Canyon is a peaceful, tree-covered sanctuary that feeling of worlds away from the touristy areas The flat trail winds through a lush box canyon beneath towering red sandstone walls. While the official trail ends at a rock fall, local secret: keep an eye out for a side trail about half a mile in that branches right and leads you directly up to the hidden Fay Canyon Arch. Locals are known to enjoy it because of the beautiful canyon fuse with minimal effort and plenty of shade.
What Travelers Say About Fay Canyon Trail: โOne of my favorite Sedona hikes!! Gorgeous views especially when you go up past the end of trail and up at the arch. The main trail is quite easy. The hike up past the โendโ and the off shoot to the arch takes some effort but it is amazing once you get to the tops!โ – Via Alltrails.com
2. Hangloop to Broken Arrow (Outlaw Trail Loop)
While the famous Broken Arrow trail is heavily used by pink Jeep tours, linking it with much quieter local connectors like the Hangloop Trail or Highline gives you front-row seats to Submarine Rock and Chicken Point without walking alongside motorized traffic. You will get the best of the best 360-degree views of Sedonaโs most iconic rock formations, fresh desert air, and quiet stretches where you can actually hear the breeze through the junipers. Locals also love it because of the Panoramic red rock amphitheaters.
What Travelers Say About Hangloop to Broken Arrow: โBeautiful hike with switchbacks that lead up the mountain. The Outlaw Trail is well-marked with yellow reflectors. We were greeted by three friendly horses along the way. I would say this is a moderate trail based on the incline. Beautiful hikeโ. – Via Alltrails.com
3. Sterling Pass to Vultee Arch
If you are looking for a workout and total quiet, Sterling Pass is a local favorite situated inside Oak Creek Canyon. The trail climbs right through a thick pine forest before dropping down into a remote canyon that leads to Vultee Archโa huge natural sandstone arch built deep in the wilderness. Locals are known to love it because of the deep forest solitude..
What Travelers Say About Sterling Pass to Vultee Arch: โGreat hike! Never done this one. First you hike a few miles to the saddle, then down and up to the arch. First up part is a few thousand feet in elevation gain so be ready for that. Very few people, gorgeous views. Parking is limited. There are a few over flow spots up and down the highwayโ. Via Alltrails.com
4. Woods Canyon Trail
Located just past the Village of Oak Creek, Woods Canyon is often completely overlooked by first-time visitors. People donโt really notice itโs value right away! The trail follows an old dirt path alongside dry creek beds, meandering through cottonwood trees and open red rock pastures. It is a fantastic option for a long, meditative morning walk or trail run where you can take in the desert landscape without constantly stepping aside for other groups. Locals mainly love it because of the peaceful canyon walk along a seasonal creek bed.
What Travelers Say About Woods Canyon Trail: โWonderful mid day hike . Nice breeze , lots of beautiful flowers. We hiked 3 1/2 miles to very pretty views, red rock and stone water beds, then hiked back 3 1/2 miles. Lots of grasshoppers, butterflies, Bugs weren’t bad because of the breeze. Great hike, some rocky up and downsโ. Via Alltrails.com
5. Secret Canyon Trail
The name says it all. Reached via a dirt forest service road west of town, Secret Canyon drops you right into the heart of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. The trail follows a canyon floor framed by dramatic 1,000-foot red rock cliffs. In late autumn, the gambel oaks and maples along the trail turn brilliant shades of orange and red, making it one of the absolute best hidden spots for fall foliage in Red Rock Country. Locals love it because of the true back country wilderness vibes surrounded by Canyon walls you wonโt be able to stop staring at.
What Travelers Say About Secret Canyon Trail: โThis is one of my favorite Red Rock canyons -remote and stunning Since that I donโt have a high clearance vehicle, I had to add six more miles to this hiking route by parking at the Long Canyon trailhead but it was worth itโ. Via Alltrails.com
Another comment to be mindful of: โUnfortunately it was reported that this stunning trail was just burned by the pocket fire yesterday. A portion of the canyon in the red rock secret wilderness has unfortunately succumbed to the fire. Lord, please heal our landโ. Via Alltrails.com
6. Chuckwagon to Mescal Loop
Instead of waiting in an hour-long line just to take a photo on Devilโs Bridge, locals hit the surrounding Chuckwagon and Mescal trail system. This loop curves along wide slickrock ledges, offering absolutely breathtaking, stunning views across the entire Dry Creek Basin. It is smoothly graded, visually stunning, and gives you that iconic open-desert feeling without feeling like youโre congested. Locals mainly love it because of the amazing views of devils Bridge from afar.
What Travelers Say About Chuckwagon to Mescal Loop: โThis is a fun loop that has everything from slick rock to forest sections, it definitely has some black and hike-a-bike sections regardless of which way you go. I went clock -wise. Kind of crowded on the section that connects you to devils bridge trail head but otherwise not too bad. I would do this again. Reminds me of riding in Moab. There is a little detour around the creek on the devils bridge sideโ. Via Alltrails.com
7. Huckaby Trail (Oak Creek Crossing)
Starting near Schnebly Hill Road, Huckaby Trail leads you down across the red dirt ridges straight to the banks of Oak Creek. It offers fantastic views of Lucyโs Tower and Steamboat Rock, plus quiet access to private swimming holes and flat rocks perfect for an afternoon picnic. It is the ultimate trail for warm days when you want to combine red rock hiking with a refreshing dip in the creek. Locals love it because of the gorgeous red rock views paired with flowing water access along Oak Creek.
What Travelers Say About Huckaby Trail (Oak Creek Crossing): โThe trail was moderate but we werenโt able to go past the creek as this time of year the water was super fast and even with water shoes on it would be dangerous given how deep it was. But the rest of the trail was relatively quiet, pretty views (could see a lot of the road sometimes so wasnโt totally secluded)โ. Via Alltrails.com
Local Tips for Hiking in Sedona
- Get a Red Rock Pass: Most trailheads require a day or week pass (or an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass) displayed on your vehicle dash.
- Start Early: Even the quieter trails get warm quickly once the desert sun hits. Hitting the trail at sunrise guarantees easy parking and pristine morning lighting for photos.
- Leave No Trace: Sedona’s high desert cryptobiotic soil takes decades to form. Always stay on the marked dirt or slickrock trails to preserve the delicate ecosystem!
Have you ever explored the quieter side of Sedona, or do you have a favorite hidden trail in the Southwest? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow along us for more off-the-beaten-path travel guides!