Hiking in Sedona without a car

Question

Hi, is it possible to hike the trails in Sedona without a car or cycle? We will stay in West Sedona for 5 days and want to hike the main trails with a minimum budget (Cathedral Rock, Red Rock, Bell Rock, Amitabha Stupa, Airport Mesa, 7 sacred pools). What are our options other than renting a car? Is there any shuttle that takes us near or to the trails during the week and weekend days (I saw something about a Sedona shuttle but only for Thursday to Sunday)? Any advice on this topic is much appreciated. Thank you!

Answer

Hiking in Sedona without a car is definitely possible, but it requires some planning since many of the trailheads are spread out and public transportation options are limited.

The primary options for reaching trails from West Sedona without driving or cycling include shuttles, rideshares, and organized tours. While the Sedona Shuttle operates only Thursday through Sunday, there are ways to make the most of it and other alternatives for weekdays.

Sedona Shuttle (Red Rock Shuttle): This shuttle serves popular trailheads including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, and more. Even though it runs Thursday through Sunday, you can use it to access the main trails during these days. It is convenient, budget-friendly, and allows you to hike without worrying about parking.
Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and Lyft operate in Sedona and can take you to trailheads during weekdays when the shuttle isn’t running. While more expensive than the shuttle, it provides flexibility for mornings or evenings and can get you to trails like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Airport Mesa.
Guided Hiking Tours: Some local companies offer guided hikes and pickup from Sedona hotels. This is a slightly higher-cost option but combines transportation and expertise, especially helpful for visiting spots like Amitabha Stupa or 7 Sacred Pools.
Public Bus (Cottonwood/Central Sedona Routes): There is a limited Verde Valley public transit system, but it does not reach all trailheads directly. It may help for certain locations near West Sedona or Slide Rock State Park.

Tips to maximize your hiking without a car:

Plan your main hikes on Thursday through Sunday to coincide with the Sedona Shuttle service.
Combine hikes that are close together in one day, such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, to minimize rideshare costs.
Consider staying as close as possible to trailheads in West Sedona for walking access to Airport Mesa and the Amitabha Stupa.
Check shuttle schedules ahead of time and confirm stops, as some require reservations or have limited service during early morning and late afternoon hours.

With careful planning, you can enjoy most of Sedona’s iconic trails without renting a car. Shuttles cover the busiest trails on peak days, and rideshares or guided tours fill the weekday gaps.

Hiking in Sedona without a car

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