Hiking in Sedona Arizona

Having hiked the Rockies, the Urals and the Andes, I’ve long wondered if my preference for Sedona’s routes is some kind of local bias. By day hike, I’m not talking about cross-country treks, but the kind of walk you can go out and do, yet be back in time for dinner. These are pleasurable adventures that gives us photos full of awesome views, but not feet full of blisters. So I’ve decided to list the factors that make hiking in Sedona Arizona stand out.

To begin with, the weather’s great. I’d say Sedona has 355 days of hiking a year. You see, even the occasional summer rain is predictable (it comes in the late afternoon), making it easy to get a good morning hike in during July and August. With dry air the rest of the time, Sedona is never buggy on the trails. To me, fewer bugs means better hiking.

As for the scenery, well, it’s spectacular. Deep blue skies back orangey-red rocks, with more lush greenery than most people would expect to find in high desert. So here, a little effort yields great rewards. On countless trails, you’ll be amazed that just a few minutes of trekking gets you to world-class views. Such sharp colors and amazing panoramas make Sedona great place for outdoor photography.

Unlike other great destinations in the West, the trails are nearby. You can reach almost any trailhead in a matter of minutes. “More hiking, less commuting,” that’s my motto.

Trails are both accessible and numerous. Unlike other great destinations in the West, the trails are nearby. You can reach almost any trailhead in a matter of minutes. “More hiking, less commuting,” that’s my motto. Meanwhile, with approximately 110 of them, there’s a trail for every pace, from gentle to vigorous. Sedona is especially strong in the moderate range, which suits most people just fine.

Sedona is a safe place to walk. There’s nothing in nature looking for a fight, although you’ll have to watch your step around the prickly pear cactus. You’ll walk on rocks geologists call, “Schnebly Hill Formation.” Besides being beautiful, it will give you a good grip. While hiking shoes are best, people that come in good sneakers usually do fine. Relatively soft, this layer is easy on the joints. While it’s not hard to get lost, fortunately it is hard to stay lost. The majority of trees are stout, rather than tall. Even if you’ve lost the trail, the surrounding formations can re-orient you.

With high desert, tall forest and riparian zones, you can explore terrains in one day that are normally time zones apart. That means you’ll find wide varieties of birds year-round, and many kinds of wildflowers in the spring. To this natural display, add the color of sunsets, when our red rocks glow fiery orange.

But let’s talk, apres-hiking. Can Sedona compare? Well, it’s hard to find a place this small (only about 15,000 residents) with food this good. Not all categories and price ranges are covered equally, but we’ve pretty much got one of everything. So carnivores will be as happy as vegans, and vegetarians as pleased as raw foodies. Sedona is chock full of great performers, meaning something’s going on somewhere tonight! When you’re done, there’s no lack of accommodations. From budget spots to ultra-luxe, Sedona is stocked.

Last but not least, Sedona has energy. Whatever you call it, however you experience it, where else can you hike a sacred site so enjoyably? In Sedona many people get a special feeling that makes walking here not just unique, but spiritual.

All in all, Sedona really is a great place to hike. Maybe even, the greatest place of all in the U.S.A.

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