Hiking in Sedona- 2 half days???

Question

Hello,

We are planning to go to Grand Canyon in March. After 3 nights in Grand South Rim, thinking to go to Sedona for 1 night( maybe 2). We need to drive back to Vegas for a late evening flight home. If we leave GC early and make it to Sedona before 10:30am, Boynton Canyon and Subway Cave is on my top list. Do you think I could find a parking spot at that time? Would you recommend a short hike( less than 4 miles) but has great views? We could hike that short trail the next day before heading back to Vegas. I have seen some mentioned about the hiker’s shuttle while scrolling the thread. Do you think that I need to use the shuttle to the trailhead? Thank you in advance.

Answer

Your plan to visit Sedona after the Grand Canyon is realistic, but given that you only have 1–2 nights, careful selection of hikes and timing will maximize your experience. Sedona’s trailheads, especially popular ones like Boynton Canyon, can fill up quickly, even in March.

Parking and Shuttle Considerations

Arriving at Boynton Canyon Trailhead before 10:30 AM is a smart strategy. Early morning (before 9:30–10:00 AM) is usually best for parking, especially on weekends. By 10:30 AM, parking may start to become limited, but it’s still possible to find a spot if you arrive early.
The Hiker Shuttle (if available seasonally) can be a convenient option, particularly for West Sedona trailheads that fill quickly. However, for Boynton Canyon, a car is usually sufficient if you get there early.
Subway Cave (also called Subway Cave/Devil’s Bridge area) has limited parking. If you want to do this hike, consider going early or later in the afternoon when crowds thin.

Recommended Short Hikes (<4 miles) with Great Views

Boynton Canyon Trail (partial): Hike to the first viewpoint or to the Box for about 2–3 miles round trip. Offers iconic red rock canyon views and is less crowded than the full canyon.
Cathedral Rock Trail: About 1.5 miles round trip to the saddle. Short but steep, with one of Sedona’s most famous panoramic viewpoints.
Bell Rock Trail: 2–3 miles round trip on a moderate trail with excellent views of both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Very accessible and scenic.
Devil’s Bridge (from Dry Creek or Mescal trailhead): 4 miles round trip from Dry Creek trailhead, moderate difficulty, iconic natural arch. Start early to avoid parking issues.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Sedona early (before 10:30 AM). Park at Boynton Canyon, hike partial trail for a few hours, then explore a short secondary trail such as Bell Rock.
Day 2 (morning): Check out from your lodging, hike Cathedral Rock or complete a short section of Devil’s Bridge trail if time permits. Leave Sedona by late morning to reach Vegas for your late evening flight.

Additional Tips

Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layered clothing — March mornings can be chilly but afternoons warm quickly.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, especially for trails with rocky or steep sections.
Parking is limited at popular trailheads, so arriving early is key. Weekday mornings are ideal; weekends are more crowded.
Check local shuttle schedules if you prefer not to risk parking, particularly for Devil’s Bridge or West Sedona trailheads.

Overall, with careful timing, you can accomplish Boynton Canyon and a secondary short trail on your first day, and squeeze in one more half-day hike the next morning before heading back to Las Vegas. The trails listed will give you classic Sedona red rock views without overexertion or long drives.

Hiking in Sedona- 2 half days???

More Sedona Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions