3 Best Winter Hikes in Sedona

Sedona in winter is elite. Cooler temps, clearer air, fewer people trying to summit a rock in flip-flops… it’s basically Sedona with the volume turned down.

These are my top 3 winter hikes when you want big red-rock energy without committing to an all-day suffer-fest.

Quick notes before you lace up

• Start time: Winter mornings can be spicy cold. Late morning = warmer, better light, happier you.

• Daylight: It gets dark earlier—bring a headlamp just in case, especially when hiking on any trail that says "Canyon" in the name.

• Ice happens: After storms, shaded sections can hold ice. If it’s been snowy/icy, consider traction (microspikes) and take it slow.

• Parking & passes: Many trailheads require a Red Rock Pass (or an America the Beautiful pass).

• Shuttle option (crowd-proofing): Sedona’s trailhead shuttles run year-round Thursday–Sunday with no reservations.

• Layer Up: The high desert is known to get cold at night while keep you sweating during the day. I love wearing wool and other natural fibers as well as layers, layers, layers!

1) Courthouse Butte Loop (with Bell Rock views the entire time)

If you only do one “classic” winter hike, make it this one. It’s scenic basically the whole way, and winter light makes Bell Rock look like it’s posing for a Romanticism painting

Trail stats

• Distance: ~3.8 miles round trip

• Elevation change: ~297 ft

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Time: ~2.5 hours

Why it’s perfect in winter

• Mostly cruisy grades (aka “I can still go to dinner after this”).

• Tons of sun exposure for warmer feels.

• Great for visitors who want the Sedona views without a steep scramble.

Local-ish tips

• Go counterclockwise if you want a gentler start (save the “hills” for later).

• Sunrise here is gorgeous, but late morning is warmer and still photogenic.

Parking / pass

• Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required at the trailhead.

2) Doe Mountain (short hike, huge payoff)

This one is my “I want a summit moment but I also want my afternoon back” pick. You climb up to a mesa-top and then stroll around the rim with panoramic views.

Trail stats

• Up to the top: 0.7 miles (one way)

• Rim walk: ~1.3 miles around the edge

• Elevation gain: ~542 ft

• Time: ~1.5 hours

Why it’s perfect in winter

• Quick climb warms you up fast.

• 360° views without a massive mileage commitment.

• Sunset up top can be unreal (just don’t get caught without a light).

Safety + etiquette

• It can be windy and the edges are real edges—keep a respectful distance.

• Stay on the established route to protect fragile desert soil and plants.

Parking / pass

• Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required at the trailhead.

3) Fay Canyon (easy, shady, and wildly pretty)

Fay Canyon is the “I want to be surrounded by red rock walls, but I’m not trying to earn it” hike. It’s mostly flat, super scenic, and great for mixed ability groups.

Trail stats (typical for the main trail)

• Distance: ~2.1–2.2 miles round trip

• Elevation gain: ~150 ft

• Route: Out-and-back

Why it’s perfect in winter

• Gorgeous even when it’s chilly.

• The canyon walls + trees make it feel cozy (Sedona’s version of a winter hug).

Important note

• This area is within/near wilderness—stick to the main, established trail and don’t follow random social paths that damage the landscape.

Bonus: The “Parking Headache” workaround (worth knowing)

If trailhead parking is packed, Sedona’s shuttle system can save your day. Trailhead shuttles run Thursday–Sunday year-round and don’t require reservations. Also: the shuttle route serving Little Horse Trailhead connects to the Bell Rock Pathway, which can help on busy days.

What pass do you need?

Most popular Sedona trailheads require a Red Rock Pass, sold as:

• $5 daily

• $15 weekly

• $20 annual

(And yes, an America the Beautiful pass works in many spots—always check signage at the trailhead.)

Leave No Trace (Sedona edition)

• Stay on trail (cryptobiotic soil is alive and not a trampoline).

• Don’t carve, stack rocks, or “improve” the trail.

• Pack out everything—including orange peels (they do not belong here, sorry).

• Keep dogs leashed and pick up after them.

• Don’t touch or climb on any cultural/archaeological features if you encounter them.

Happy hiking! Looking for a great spot to refresh after a winter hike? Check out my favorite local pizza spots. You can't go wrong with a hot slice after a cool hike!