HIKING IN SEDONA

If you are new to Arizona or here visiting, you’ve still probably heard good things about this beautiful place called Sedona. Perhaps you’ve heard about the many trails there, or the picture perfect red rock formations. Maybe you’ve heard about the cool crystal clear creek that runs through it, or that the locals seem to be very spiritual people. If you’ve heard any of these things, well, they are correct. There’s so much to see if you do decide to make the trip there, and I think you’ll find that it was very much worth the drive. Some trails are harder than others, but if you’re new to hiking, here are a few easy ones to get you started. If you want to try some of the more challenging ones, I’m going to post about those as well.

1. AMITABHA STUPA

When you’re in Sedona, the easiest sight to visit is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. This isn’t a trail, although you do walk a short trail to get to it. It is an outdoor venue just off the 89A, designed as a place for meditation and refuge for people of all beliefs. You’ll find a 36-foot tall structure called the Amitabha Stupa, as well as a statue of Buddha, a Native American medicine wheel, as well as some smaller trails that begin at this site. This park is picture perfect, though drones are not allowed. It’s an easy stop, and one I recommend before you hit your first real trail.

2. SOLDIER PASS TRAIL

One trail I highly recommend along the 89A is called Soldier Pass Trailhead. This trail offers three attractions along the way that any nature enthusiast would want to see. You should try to arrive early because parking is limited, and it can get quite hot mid-day. Once you’re on the trail, just follow the signs, and what looks like the most obvious path. The signs do tend to get more sparse as you progress. The first site you should come to is an enormous sinkhole called the Devil’s Kitchen. Don’t get too close – it’s a big fall! Look around, you get a pretty nice view of Sedona from right here. This particular sinkhole is Sedona’s most active and is approximately 50 feet deep!

If you decide to keep going (and you should!) the next landmark you’ll come to is the historical Seven Sacred Pools. The Apache and Yavapai tribes consider these to be sacred. You shouldn’t attempt to swim in them – they tend to be murky anyway. These pools are perfect for pictures though, complete with an extraordinary red rock backdrop. Here’s where the trail stops being easy – for the simple reason that there is no shade. The next sight you’ll come to, the cave, is a few miles ahead, to the right at the fork, and not well marked. Whether you choose to continue on to this dwelling or head back to your vehicle, ensure you bring along plenty of water. The Devil’s Kitchen and the Sacred Pools are worth the walk and just enough for the casual hiker.

3. WEST FORK TRAIL

If you continue north on the 89A, one of the last trails you’ll see signs for is West Fork Trail. This one is very easy to hike, and maybe the best one to do in warmer temperatures. It is mostly forest you’ll be trekking through, which means plenty of shade. West Fork Trail zig-zags back and forth over Oak Creek, so if you own a dog, this is the most canine-friendly trail I’ve come across. You’ll see plenty of other wildlife along the way. Enormous crows hop around , and you might spot a deer or two. You’ll see canyons, and cliffs, and plethora of vibrant colors on this path. There’s really no incline or decline, so turning around is very easy for the amateur hiker. If you do the whole hike roundtrip, you’re looking at approximately 6.5 miles.

All of these trails are wonderful.  Even though they are fairly easy, always been sure to have a lot of water with you.  Hydration is essential when hiking, especially in Arizona.  If you’re ready to move on to the more difficult trails and hikes, click HERE.