Sedona end of September
We will be going to Sedona az the end of sept and need recommendations on hikes for beginners that are moderate difficult .
We will arrive Thursday around 1 pm and leave Sunday am so we have half a day in Thursday , full day Friday and full day sat . I was thinking of doing airport loop or soldiers pass on Thursday afternoon . What do you think ?
Friday maybe do devils bridge and cathedral rock ?
Saturday maybe bell rock and courthouse butte loop trail ?
I might be thinking about this all wrong so I would love someone with experience to help please ! I hear so many of these get busy.
We plan on doing dinner at mariposa, elote and maybe the Hudson .
Thanks to anyone that has thoughts! Thanks
Late September is a beautiful time to visit Sedona—warm but not hot, clear mornings, and cooler evenings. It’s also a very popular time, so planning your hikes around crowds and heat will make your experience much smoother. Your ideas are good, but the order and timing could be adjusted to make the most of your energy, the lighting, and trail traffic.
Below is a suggested plan based on your schedule, fitness level (beginner looking for moderate difficulty), and the crowd patterns of major Sedona trails.
Thursday afternoon (arrival around 1 PM)
You’ll have a half-day, so this is a perfect time for a scenic but not overly strenuous introduction hike. Afternoon crowds are lighter compared to mornings at the popular spots.
- Airport Loop – A great first-day option. It’s moderately challenging, about 3.2 miles, and has beautiful panoramic views without steep scrambling. It can be hot with limited shade, but late September afternoons are manageable. Parking is limited—if the small lot fills, you can park at the Airport Scenic Overlook (paid) and walk down.
- Alternative: Soldier Pass (to the Seven Sacred Pools only) – The full trail is busy and long for a travel day, but the out-and-back to the pools makes a perfect short but rewarding afternoon hike. The trailhead parking is restricted, so you would likely need to use the free shuttle (Thurs–Sun).
Recommendation: Airport Loop fits very well for Thursday. If you prefer something shorter, do part of Soldier Pass.
Friday (full day)
This is your best day for the most popular hikes—start early to avoid the worst crowds. Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock both get packed, so doing both on the same day is possible but requires strategic timing.
- Devil’s Bridge (early morning) – Start as early as you can. The parking fills up by sunrise, so park at Dry Creek Road trailhead or use the shuttle if available. The hike is around 4 miles round-trip (more if starting from the main paved lot) and moderate until the final climb. It’s very doable for beginners willing to pace themselves.
- Cathedral Rock (late afternoon / sunset) – Do NOT attempt this midday. It is steep and involves scrambling. If you are a true beginner, only do it if you are comfortable using your hands and climbing confidently. The payoff is phenomenal at sunset, and temperatures are good. Use the shuttle if running—parking is extremely limited.
Recommendation: Devil’s Bridge in the morning, and Cathedral Rock only if you feel comfortable with scrambling. If you want an easier second hike, switch Cathedral Rock to Crescent Moon Ranch Trail, which gives amazing views of Cathedral Rock without climbing.
Saturday (full day)
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop make an excellent pair for your last full day. They are moderate, scenic, and easier to navigate than Cathedral Rock.
- Bell Rock – You can hike around its base or go partway up the rock for views. This is very beginner-friendly with optional challenges if you want to climb higher.
- Courthouse Butte Loop – About 4.2 miles, a solid moderate hike with amazing views, less crowded than the big-name hikes. Combine with Bell Rock since they share an area.
Recommendation: Do Bell Rock early, then Courthouse Butte after. Or reverse if you want the easier hike (Bell Rock) later in the day.
Your dinner choices—Mariposa, Elote Café, and The Hudson—are spot-on and among Sedona’s best. Make reservations early, especially for Elote and Mariposa.
- Mariposa – Best for sunset views. Book well in advance.
- Elote Café – Extremely popular; try for a reservation as soon as your day opens.
- The Hudson – Excellent food and a more relaxed vibe; great option for your arrival or departure day.
To avoid crowds, aim to start your hikes by sunrise or just after. Sedona is busiest mid-morning through late afternoon, especially at Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Use trailhead shuttles when possible—parking is one of Sedona’s biggest challenges.
You’ve picked great trails and restaurants. With just a bit of timing adjustment, you’ll have a smooth and scenic long weekend filled with classic Sedona views.
