What Are The Best Hikes Sedona With Waterfalls? Know The Gorgeous Trails
BY Sibashree Sep 22, 2025
Sedona has red rock formations caused by the deposition of limestone and sandstone since ancient times. These rocks have the signature red and orange colors because of the trapped hematite or iron oxide in the rock layers. When this iron oxide comes in contact with water or air, it acquires the bright colors. Furthermore, the unique formations of these rocks come from the rampage of air and other weather elements over the years. These rock formations further trap rainwater, which flows as waterfalls through the creeks and canyons. You will especially notice more waterfall formations after the storms. Now, with so many waterfalls in Sedona, many beautiful hiking tracks lead to these cascades of water. The Seven Sacred Pools and Munds Wagon Trail are some of the most prominent examples of the best hikes Sedona with waterfalls. In this Tour and Travel Blog, we will explore those beautiful trails with water and other pretty trails for the ultimate adventure. Table of contentsWhat Are The Best Hikes Sedona With Waterfalls? Don’t Miss These Beautiful Trails1. Slide Rock2. Seven Sacred Pools3. West Fork Of Oak Creek Trail4. Grasshopper Point Trek Through Allens Bend TrailOther Best Hikes Sedona For The Perfect Adventure And Photo Op1. Cathedral Rock Trail2. Airport Mesa Loop Trail3. Devil’s Bridge4. Fay Canyon Trail5. Soldier’s Pass TrailBest Hikes Sedona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Are The Best Hikes Sedona With Waterfalls? Don’t Miss These Beautiful Trails Waterfalls in Sedona are ephemeral in nature, and the power and water volume of these waterfalls depend on seasonal rainfall or snowfall on the higher altitudes. The autumn season, from September to November, or the spring season from March to May, is the best time to visit the waterfalls in full glory. So, if you are planning to explore the best hikes Sedona with waterfalls, schedule your trip right. 1. Slide Rock Elevation Gain: 104 Feet Length: 0.3 Miles Difficulty: Moderate Starting Point: State Park in Arizona Ending Point: State Park in Arizona Starting near the apple barn, the Slide Rock trek route offers a wonderful view of the State Park in Arizona. At the end of the trek, have all the fun at the natural water slide. 2. Seven Sacred Pools Elevation Gain: 100 Feet Length: 1.1 Mile Difficulty: Easy Starting Point: Soldier Pass Trailhead Ending Point: The Pools The seven sacred pools are formed by rainfall getting trapped in the red rock formations of Sedona. These pools are essential for the local ecosystem as a source of water for the local wildlife. In fact, the “Sacred” part in the name of these pools came from the Yavapai and Apache people here, who considered these pools holy as water resources for the local human and animal tribes. Hard-packed rocks mostly form the trail, and people with all levels of hiking skills can explore these routes. However, you cannot swim in these holes. On the way, you will also come across the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole. It is a big natural sinkhole. 3. West Fork Of Oak Creek Trail Elevation Gain: 5,316 to 5,325 feet Length: 3 Miles (One Way) Difficulty: Easy Starting Point: Call of the Canyon Day-Use Area Ending Point: The Canyon Walls With 13 water crossings, the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is one of the best hiking routes in Sedona. You can wet your feet and walk, and at the end of the trek, you will find a swimming hole. The trail is sandy, and the bright canyon walls will always accompany you. So, you will get multiple photo opportunities while exploring the trail. 4. Grasshopper Point Trek Through Allens Bend Trail Elevation Gain: 68 Feet Length: 1.1 Miles Difficulty: Easy Starting Point: Grasshopper Point Picnic Area, On the Southwest of the Parking Lot Ending Point: Casner Canyon Trailhead View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jamie Young | Travel w/ Teens (@justsimplywander) This is one of the most relaxing trek routes in Sedona. You start walking through the Allens Bend Trail and follow the Oak Creek Trail to end your trek at Casner Canyon Trailhead. Furthermore, Grasshopper Point has a beautiful swimming hole and picnic tables. So, it is an ideal place to rejuvenate and enjoy a great start to the trek route. Other Best Hikes Sedona For The Perfect Adventure And Photo Op Do you want to explore some more exciting hiking trails in Sedona? Check out the following options. 1. Cathedral Rock Trail A 1.5-mile round trek of the Cathedral Rock Trail is the best thing to do if you want to capture the beauty of Arizona during Sunset. The trail officially comes with an “Easy” difficulty tag. However, some parts of the trail are very steep. 2. Airport Mesa Loop Trail The Airport Mesa Loop Trail is one of the easiest loop trails in Sedona. Also, it is quite an experience to find a 3-mile loop trail circling the airport. Furthermore, you will just have to walk for 5 minutes from the airport to reach the rocks, and then you can climb a small staircase to reach the top of the rock and enjoy the view of the surroundings. 3. Devil’s Bridge Devil’s Bridge is probably the most popular hiking trail in Sedona. This 4-mile trek route comes with an easy-to-moderate difficulty level. Furthermore, during the trek, you will find some of the biggest rock formations in Arizona. Also, this is a favorite stopover for roadtrippers traveling to Texas from California. 4. Fay Canyon Trail This 2.6-mile round trek along the canyon floor is one of the best hikes Sedona. Further, once you reach the trail's end, you will find a riverbed. After you cross the river bed, you can climb the rock standing before you. The trail has a medium difficulty level. However, once you reach the top of the rock, you will get excellent photo opportunities. 5. Soldier’s Pass Trail View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paul (@naturebypaul) The Soldier’s Pass trail has pools that literally become the secret pools in the dry season. As you hike through the trail, you may find many caves, arches, and a huge sinkhole. The 4.5-mile round trail comes with an easy-to-moderate challenge level. However, the route to the caves is a little confusing. So, follow the exact coordinates for an easy hike. Best Hikes Sedona: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best hikes in Sedona. 1. What Is The Most Beautiful Hike In Sedona? For me, the Cathedral Rock Trail and the Devil’s Bridge Trail are two of the most beautiful hiking trails in Sedona. The Cathedral Rock Trail stands out with its vortex energy, and it offers wonderful sunset views. On the other hand, Devil’s Bridge has all the popular viewpoints and arches. 2. Which One Is Better, Cathedral Rock Or Devil’s Bridge? It’s difficult to choose a favorite between the Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Now, Devil’s Bridge has its own glamor, and it houses some of the biggest rock formations in Arizona. It is also a popular stop during California to Texas road trips. On the other hand, Cathedral Rock is a steep hiking route, and it offers you the best opportunity to take wonderful sunset photos. 3. Are There Any Hikes With Swimming Holes In Sedona? Yes, Sedona has many hikes with swimming holes. The Crescent Moon Ranch at the Red Rock Crossings and The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek are some of the best examples of hikes with swimming holes in Sedona. You can also explore areas such as the Bootlegger Picnic Area or the Grasshopper Point to find swimming holes and water spots for relaxation. 4. What Are The Best Sedona Swimming Holes? The best Sedona swimming holes are the Crescent Moon Ranch, Grasshopper Point, and The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek. The Crescent Moon Ranch is amazing for the views of the red rock formations. You can enjoy jumping from cliffs into a waterhole at the Grasshopper Point. Moreover, the Crack at Wet Beaver Creek offers beautiful vistas and a relaxing swimming spot. 5. What Are The Easy Hikes In Sedona For The Elderly? The Sedona Main Street District is one of the easiest hikes in Sedona for elderly people. The road is paved, making it easier for them to hike through. The West Fork Trail is also suitable for elderly hikers and beginners. Read Also: What Are The Unique Things To Do In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic? Check the Best Warm Winter Destinations in USA! Top 11 Dark Tourism In USA Destinations