Sedona has some of the most rewarding easy hikes in the country. You do not need to be a serious hiker to stand beneath towering red rock formations, the best views here are often flat, short, and close to the parking lot. These are the best easy hikes in Sedona, picked for big scenery and gentle effort, with notes on what works well with kids.
Bell Rock Pathway
Distance: 2.8 miles out and back (turn around anytime). Difficulty: Easy, wide and mostly flat.
This is the gentlest, most jaw-dropping intro to Sedona. The wide path runs right below the giant red bell of Bell Rock and the spires of Courthouse Butte. The first stretch is stroller-friendly, and kids can scramble the lower red slabs safely. Turn around whenever little legs are done. A Red Rock Pass is needed to park.
Fay Canyon Trail
Distance: About 2 miles round trip. Difficulty: Easy, flat.
A short, flat walk into a box canyon with big red walls on both sides. Plenty of shade, an easy turnaround for tired kids, and far fewer crowds than the famous trails. Red Rock Pass to park.
Red Rock State Park Trails
Distance: Several short loops, 1 to 2 miles. Difficulty: Easy, shaded.
This is the most family-friendly spot in the area: flat, shaded nature trails along Oak Creek and a visitor center with hands-on exhibits. Kids ages 6 to 12 can earn a free Junior Ranger badge. It charges its own entry fee (no Red Rock Pass needed here).
Cathedral Rock Viewpoint
Distance: Drive-up viewpoint, or a short steep trail for older kids. Difficulty: Easy for the view; strenuous for the summit.
Drive Back O' Beyond Road to the Cathedral Rock viewpoint for the iconic photo with no hiking needed. The full Cathedral Rock Trail is short but steep and exposed, save the climb for older kids and confident hikers, and enjoy the view with little ones.
Oak Creek Canyon
Difficulty: Easy, scenic drive with short stops.
The drive up Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is half the fun, a winding ribbon of red walls and green trees with photo pullouts along the way. Combine it with a stop at Slide Rock State Park for a perfect easy day.
Tips for Hiking Sedona With Kids
Start early to beat the heat and the crowds, popular trailheads fill by 8 to 9am. Pack more water than you think you need; there is little shade on most trails. Right-size the hikes: stick to flat, short routes and skip steep, exposed climbs like the Cathedral Rock summit and Devil's Bridge with under-10s. Build in pool and snack breaks so nobody melts down.
Put It All Together
These easy hikes pair perfectly with Slide Rock, a family jeep tour, and a Sedona sunset. For a complete, day-by-day plan that strings the best trails together with where to stay and a drag-and-drop planner, see our things to do in Sedona with kids itinerary. For the bigger picture, browse all the things to do in Sedona, Arizona.
Best Easy Hikes in Sedona (Family-Friendly Red Rock Trails) FAQs
Bell Rock Pathway is the easiest big-view hike, wide, mostly flat, and stroller-friendly at the start. The trails at Red Rock State Park are also flat and shaded, making them great for young kids.
Many are excellent for kids. Bell Rock Pathway, Fay Canyon, and the Red Rock State Park loops are short and flat with easy turnarounds. Skip steep, exposed routes like the Cathedral Rock summit and Devil's Bridge with young children.
Most red-rock trailheads require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $15/week), available online or at the visitor center. State parks like Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock charge their own entry fee instead.
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures. In summer, hike early in the morning to beat the heat, there is very little shade on most red-rock trails. Always carry plenty of water.
