Rating 11 hikes in Sedona - Which one is the best?

Rating 11 hikes in Sedona - Which one is the best?

Alright, for those of you who like spoilers, here are the hikes I rate. They aren't in order of best to worst, or vice versa. I'll include links to videos I have dedicated to each hike as well;

Vultee Arch Trail - An amazing trail to a secluded arch just north of Sedona, Arizona. Difficulty of the hike depends on if you come in off Dry Creek Road on the Vultee Arch Trail or take Sterling Pass for better views and more challenge.

Cathedral Rock Trail - A popular trail in Sedona proper with great views and a bit of a challenge. Just beware those Sedona crowds while hiking. And be prepared for slick rock.

Wilson Mountain - I actually have two videos of this. I recommend watching both since they show just how diverse the desert can be. One is in a complete white out, the other we thought we would die from the heat and humidity. Oh, and a third where I rappelled down the south face, because why not?

Backpacking trip:

Snowstorm trip:

Canyoneering trip:

Devil's Bridge - Ah, that iconic shot on Devil's Bridge. Just be ready to stand in line for it.

The Hangover Trail - Amazing views and more of an adventure than a hike. Again, multiple videos on this one. First one is a guide if you want to hike it. The second we went back and found some amazing secrets just off the trail.

Hangover trail guide:

Hangover trail revisited off trail:

Robbers Roost Trail - A lesser traveled trail - if you want to call it that - to some ruins with a unique, round, natural rock window. Also called the Shaman's Cave:

Bear Mountain Trail - A summit bagging trail with a ton of challenge and a cruel false summit. This can be combined with Doe Mountain Trail for two peaks in a single outing.

Secret Canyon - This is one of our go-to backpacking destinations when we want solitude in Sedona. We still have a lot to explore in Secret Canyon. Secret Canyon has a waterfall, stream, arch and more. (Water is seasonal, so go prepared.)

Soldier Pass - Soldier Pass has the infamous cave. To be completely honest, we have a lot more to learn at Soldier Pass. Because it's in town and has limited parking (and is very popular), we've mostly stayed away. But one of these days, I need to find that elusive Soldier Pass cave.

AB Young Trail - The AB Young Trail takes you from the 89A up to the Edge of the World. I've only tried it once, for a canyoneering trip through Vultee's Ladder. I'll be back to bag some more canyoneering routes that are accessed only from AB Young. This video isn't really dedicated to the AB Young Trail, but it was quite an adventure.

West Fork - Ah, West Fork. The Call of the Canyon. A very popular and well known hike in Sedona. But if you know the secret, you can have the best partk of the West Fork Trail all to yourself. I have a couple videos, because we do this almost every year.

Hope you enjoy. Sedona, Arizona is an amazing place. Despite going there multiple times over many years, we have only just started to scratch the surface.

[zogzog]

Love this video! I especially appreciate the realistic aspects of your ratings with respect to approach roads (with and without 4WD), crowds, and parking. Far too many videos and photos of these hikes feature the money shot without the context that might detract from the experience. Many thanks!

[papajon]

Wow, great medley of hikes in Sedona! Love your compare/contrast served up with your usual humor! I will definitely pick something from here when we visit.

[amywi]

Couldn't agree more with number one and two. I used West Fork as a training hike for doing the Narrows Top-Down, and Hangover is a fun trail with the best views.

[wingmank]

Excellent video, info, trail route, experience, offroad details (given the quick summary). I agree with 90+% of your assessments.

[bmtrueblood]

Great list. I rank Bear Mountain a bit higher. The Bear + Doe combo makes for a solid day of hiking. That is my recommendation for people who have limited time or only one day

[fincity]

great video, thanks for making. My wife and I are doing Sedona in a couple of weeks.

[morphamorpha]

One nice thing about living in Flagstaff was the year-round access to great hiking. If it's too hot, go up to hike. Too cold, go down. The Sedona area was my go to place for winter hiking.

[dandolo]

Very Helpful! Thanks so much. I've lived in Sedona for 8 months so far and haven't done any of these hikes yet, so this video is great for me!

[mikemcgrath]

Jerry - your videos, style, humor, and choreography are great! Very enjoyable to watch. Your #1 hike is nice for people who are new to Arizona, I guess, but way below average for Sedona. Also, vultee arch deserves better - it's gorgeous and unique, with stunning views throughout. Finally, Bear Mountain is 5 miles round trip, not 10. The false summit is only 1.5 miles in, so it's not that horrible. Your shots of the snow are spectacular!

[rvtech]

Agree with pretty much all of your choices. Absolute favorite is West Fork. Backpacking is the best way to go and we’ve camped in the same spot ( giants chairs!). Do however disagree with Soldiers Pass. You need to revisit that one, it’s a solid number two. I notice a few other favorites are missing, Birthing Cave and Keyhole. Both somewhat crowded but worth it. My absolute most difficult was not on anyone’s radar. It was a two day trip, we got dumped off at the “ Scenic Overlook “ and dropped down into the canyon. Followed it into town. It was shadowy, sketchy, rocky and filled with wildlife. Overall, great list and I enjoyed the video. Happy Hiking.

[naomi_travels]

Just hiked West Fork and Cathedral Rock! I really appreciate your candor and recommendations.

[heidiw]

Leaving tomorrow for phoenix, Grand Canyon then Sedona for 2 nights then Vegas. Already regretting not having more time!!!
Thank you for the very helpful video! I’m worried about crowds but I guess it is what it is. I just hope we don’t end up spending all day waiting for a spot in our rental.
Working on a plan with alternate plans just in case.

[garyives]

I waited in suspense until the end equally wanting and not wanting West Fork to be #1. In six years living in AZ I still hadn't done that hike, and I was so looking forward to time I would. End of June I loaded up my motorcycle to camp out that way and headed out from Phoenix at 3am into the dark (which I don't like), and eventual cold (which isn't fun to ride in) only to get there dim and early to find Coconino National Forest had just been closed due to Still haven't got back out there (my own fault though). Thanks again for great vids. Great to see channel really taking off!

[TheRealTomWendel]

Enjoyed the list. Long Canyon to Deadman’s Pass and Mezcal is a personal favorite. Nice slickrock with amazing views on the Mezcal side!

[travismolly]

Thanks I've done the Munds wagon to the Hanger twice 👌outstanding views

[Fell]

Thanks Jerry. Always good information.

[TimmyCramer]

Another kickass video! I'm ready for the Xmas party but never got my invitation in the mail? 😉 Timmy C Arizona

[cathymoore]

Nice reviews Jerry! Robber's Roost and Bear Mountain spike my curiosity most. With Bear Mtn being a peakbag are there any USGS Benchmarks to be found? Wait!! Shhhh... I'll research!! Lol. Thanks again for a great video!

[Zaitz]

great list! just knocked out devil's bridge couple weeks ago and got the picture. I doubt i will be back to it. Hangover is next on my list! I did see the AB Young Trail but after researching.. it was a total F that! Thanks for being our trail guide and hopefully there will be another 'why do we hike' video coming soon! Thanks Jerry!

[bobdurna]

Great video..love seeing the clips of Sedona in the snow. Your videos of West Fork inspired me to hike it the first of June.... enjoyed it so much I went back in October hoping to catch the fall colors. Missed them by about it week but still such a beautiful hike. Thanks again for the video.