5 Awesome Fall Hikes in Sedona

Experience the Fall colors with these Sedona hikes

No matter your skill or experience level, there are many great fall hikes in Sedona. From beginner to hiking expert, there is no place more accommodating and picturesque than Sedona Red Rock country. The Fall season is a perfect time to visit and offers a whole new hiking experience – one that features colorful changing leaves and cooler temperatures.

If you’re new to the Sedona trails, your first stop should be The Hike House. This is where you can go to discover all of the elements that bring the hiking experience to life. The expert staff at the Hike House will help you plan your trek based on your desires. You can also find out about guided adventures, hiking safety, proper footwear, and more.

Want to head straight to the trails? Dress in layers, lace up your shoes, grab your water and check out some of the best fall hikes in Sedona:

Kel Fox Trail

With a path that follows an old cattle trail and natural gas pipeline, this backcountry Sedona hike winds through cactus and small trees. This is a good hike for the cooler fall & winter months, as there isn’t a lot of shade. If you hike this trail on a warmer day, be sure to bring plenty of water. The Kel Fox Trail is about 2 miles each way.

Schuerman Mountain Trail

This is an excellent experience if you opt out of taking the more crowded Dow Mountain Trail. At the top after about a mile of hiking, the trail splits – a right turn leads to breathtaking Sedona views and the summit marker in about 0.5 miles. A left turn leads to a beautiful overlook of Cathedral Rock and other neighboring formations.

Doe Mountain Trail

Although this is a busy trail, it is a popular hike for a reason. The top of Doe Mountain boasts 360-degree views atop a mesa. This hike is best to do in the morning so you will be in the shade going both up and down the hill. This trail is 0.7 miles from the top with an elevation change of 400 feet. Once you reach the top, there is a trail to the opposite side which encircles the mesa – this trail will add about a mile to the hike.

Girdner Trail

With intimate forests accenting sandstone cliffs, the Girdner Trail truly shows off the best of Sedona hikes. The trail weaves through juniper groves with stunning views and a gentle descent to Dry Creek. During heavy rains, the creek will flow, so don’t attempt this hike after any big rainstorms. This trail is roughly 4.5 miles each way.

Cathedral Rock Trail

Although this is another more well-known hiking spot, this short, steep climb offers breathtaking Sedona views. Although the trail isn’t long (0.7 miles in length) this is a strenuous hike that quickly rises 608 feet in elevation. Parts of this trail do require climbing. To stay in the shade, start hiking in the afternoon. If you don’t have a fear of heights, there are gorgeous views from the top on a narrow plateau with several stones perfect for sitting and enjoying the views of the red rocks.

Looking for a place to retreat to after a long day on the trails? L’Auberge de Sedona is centrally located just minutes from dozens of great fall hikes in Sedona.

For more information about fall hikes and other things to do in Sedona or for reservation/booking information, click here.