Opinions?

Question

This is my list of hikes I plan to do. I’ll do five so if you had to throw 2 out what would they be?

Boynton canyon trail

Broken arrow trail

Cow pies

Doe mountain trail

Fay canyon trail

Long canyon trail

West fork trail

Answer

It looks like you have a solid list of Sedona hikes, and you’re aiming to pick five out of seven. Here’s a breakdown of your options with some thoughts to help you decide which two to skip.

Overview of your hikes:

Boynton Canyon Trail: A moderately easy to moderate hike with beautiful canyon views and some red rock formations. Also offers some spiritual/vortex energy sites if you’re interested.
Broken Arrow Trail: Popular for both hiking and off-road vehicles; offers incredible views, including the famous Submarine Rock and Chicken Point. Moderate difficulty.
Cow Pies Trail: This is less well-known and is more of a short, easy trail. It can be scenic but is not as iconic as some of the others.
Doe Mountain Trail: A short, moderately steep hike leading to a flat mesa with panoramic views. Great for a rewarding summit experience in a relatively short hike.
Fay Canyon Trail: An easy, scenic hike with a small natural arch at the end. Popular and family-friendly, less strenuous than others.
Long Canyon Trail: A longer, less-trafficked trail with excellent scenery, but more remote and less dramatic than the red rock highlights.
West Fork Trail: One of the most famous hikes in Sedona, about 6–7 miles round-trip along a creek, with towering canyon walls and lots of shade. Moderate difficulty.

Suggestions on which two to skip:

Cow Pies Trail: While charming, it’s the least iconic and shortest trail on your list. If you’re prioritizing red rock vistas and unique scenery, this could be skipped.
Long Canyon Trail: Although scenic, it’s longer and less striking compared to Boynton, Broken Arrow, Doe Mountain, or West Fork. If you want to maximize dramatic landscapes, this might be the one to skip.

Recommended five hikes to keep:

Boynton Canyon Trail
Broken Arrow Trail
Doe Mountain Trail
Fay Canyon Trail
West Fork Trail

This selection gives you a mix of moderate hikes, iconic red rock scenery, mesa summits, creek-side hiking, and some shorter, easy options. You’ll get a well-rounded Sedona experience without feeling rushed.