Things to Do in Northern Arizona
Sedona

September 1, 2026

Sedona Red Rock Trails: Hiking Cathedral Rock Country

Sedona's red rock country is a year-round playground of trails, viewpoints, and buttes, with Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock among its most famous landmarks.

By Mike Konefal | 4 min read
A desert hiking trail near Sedona winding toward Cathedral Rock glowing in golden evening light

Sedona sits about 30 miles south of Flagstaff, and its red rock landscape is unlike anywhere else in Arizona. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the clustered buttes of the high desert draw hikers, photographers, and road-trippers year-round.

What to Know

  • Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock anchor the red rock landscape
  • Hundreds of miles of trails ranging from short walks to full-day hikes
  • Oak Creek and its canyon add water and shade to the scenery

The area offers hundreds of miles of trails spanning everything from short scenic walks to full-day hikes, with red rock views around nearly every bend. Oak Creek and its canyon add water, shade, and some of the most photographed scenery in the state.

Because the trails sit at lower elevation than Flagstaff, Sedona is often the warm-weather choice for a winter hike while the Peaks hold snow, and the drive between the two towns on Highway 89A is a scenic classic in its own right.

Mike Konefal, real estate agent and local guide for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona

Mike Konefal

Broker Associate · Coldwell Banker Northland Realty

A Northern Arizona local for more than 26 years, Mike writes this guide to help visitors and future residents discover the best of Flagstaff, Williams, and the surrounding region.

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