Suggestions for easy to moderate Sedona hikes

Question

We are a couple in our mid-60s who enjoy easy to moderate hikes in the 2 to 3 mile range. We will be visiting Sedona briefly in late April on our way to the Grand Canyon. We will arrive in Sedona from Phoenix midday on a Thursday, spend one night in a West Sedona hotel, and resume travel to the Grand Canyon (East Entrance) on Friday.

I have driven in Sedona twice in the past, so I am aware that there are major traffic congestion issues in some areas and that finding parking at popular hiking trails can very difficult or impossible.

I would appreciate suggestions for one or two easy to moderate hikes for the Thursday afternoon we arrive (perhaps trails where parking is more generous or crowds will have thinned out; perhaps a sunset suggestion) and then one or two easy to moderate hikes we might attempt early Friday morning before we depart for the Grand Canyon. I’m hoping Friday morning we will have a better chance of getting parking near one of the more popular trails, perhaps one of the trails near Bell Rock.

I will note, in case this is relevant, that I am inclined to use US-17 for the Friday drive to Grand Canyon East Entrance, not 89A.

Answer

For a brief Sedona visit in late April, focusing on easy to moderate hikes (2–3 miles) and minimizing parking stress, here are some tailored suggestions based on your schedule and preferences.

Thursday Afternoon Arrival – West Sedona:

Since you’ll arrive midday, consider a hike that is relatively close to West Sedona and offers good sunset potential. Parking can still be challenging, so look for trails with larger lots or less popular trailheads.

Airport Mesa Loop: About 3 miles roundtrip, easy to moderate. The trail offers panoramic views of the Red Rocks and is ideal for sunset. Parking is moderate; since it’s later in the afternoon, crowds often start to thin.
Doe Mountain Trail: 2.5 miles roundtrip, moderate. The trail ascends a flat-topped mesa, providing excellent 360-degree views. Parking is reasonably sized, and the trail tends to be less crowded later in the day.
Soldier Pass Trail to Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole: About 2.5 miles roundtrip if you turn around at the sinkhole viewpoint. Moderate difficulty with some uneven terrain. Parking can fill quickly, so arriving mid-afternoon helps avoid the peak.

Friday Morning – Before Departing for Grand Canyon:

Early morning is a great time for popular Sedona trails near Bell Rock, as parking is usually easier and temperatures are cooler.

Bell Rock Pathway: 2–3 miles roundtrip if you loop or go up the base of Bell Rock. Easy to moderate with fantastic Red Rock views. Arriving early increases your chance of securing parking in the main lot.
Courthouse Butte Loop: About 3 miles roundtrip, moderate. Scenic views of both Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. The trailhead is near Bell Rock Pathway, so you can combine parking and explore both areas efficiently.
Cathedral Rock Trail (shorter route to the saddle): Approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip to the saddle viewpoint. Steeper in sections, but very rewarding. Start early to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability.

Parking Tips:

Arrive as early as possible on Friday for Bell Rock/Courthouse Butte area.
Consider trailheads slightly off the main roads to avoid congestion, such as Doe Mountain or Airport Mesa for Thursday.
Carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and keep an eye on late afternoon traffic if returning to your hotel from West Sedona.

Drive to Grand Canyon via US-17 will be slightly longer but avoids some of the congestion on 89A. You can depart mid-morning Friday after an early hike and still arrive at the East Entrance at a reasonable time.

Suggestions for easy to moderate Sedona hikes

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