1 day in Sedona: 2 Hikes w/ a lunch break
If you have just 1 day to spend in Sedona, AZ and think it’s not enough time, think again!
While many people will hope to spend more than 1 day in this beautiful vortex-filled city,
1 day is totally doable and 110% worth it.
From Scottsdale, hop in a car, drive 2 hours North and find yourself in absolute awe.
A quick drive and we had made it.
You’ll know when you’ve made it because the Red Rocks jump out and hit you in the face like a sore thumb.
They are HUGE and just so stunning I cant even put it into words.
So let me just show you instead what I mean.
Welcome to Sedona!
Cathedral Rock
Length: 1.4 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Highest Point: 4040 feet
Location: Sedona, AZ –> Back of Beyond Road
Parking Pass: $5-$10 day pass
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Did you just read this and say “1.4 miles, that’s it?!” Yeah, I did the same thing. 1.4 miles sounds like a piece of cake.
But let me warn you, this is a steep
We had SO much fun scrambling up to the top, between rocky crevices and over flat slabs of rock but that doesn’t mean it was easy.
Honestly, it was pretty tough but doable; just take your time.
If I could give you one tip, it would be to follow the cairns.
These Cairns are man made bundles of rocks that are held together by wire, to resemble posts.
Follow the cairns to help you navigate the easiest and quickest way to the top.
Think of them as trail markers, keeping you on the correct path.
If the weather report calls for rain, please don’t attempt Cathedral Rock, because you will be slipping and sliding your way into a dangerous situation.
Do it on a sunny day, with water and wear layers.
We went during winter, it was about 35 degrees, partly cloudy and absolutely stellar.
If you can find a clear, sunny day then take full advantage of it here.
Do make your way all the way to the top.
It is so so so worth it.
Making it to The Saddle was so incredibly rewarding and I would highly recommend getting out there to see it.
Now here are a million photos to show how magnificent Cathedral Rock really is.
After hiking Cathedral Rock, you should be hungry
Please do yourself a favor and head into town to grab a bite at The Hudson.
They were pretty busy but we decided to sit at the bar for some quick service and it was perfect.
What to order?
-Chicken Sandwich
-Turkey Melt
Both are extremely delicious!
A beer and a sandwich later, and we were ready for our afternoon trek.
Devils Bridge
Length: 3.6 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 564 feet
Highest Point: 4040 feet
Location: Sedona, AZ –> Dry Creek Vista Parking Lot
Parking Pass: N/A, it’s free!
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Devil’s Bridge is kind of a choose your own adventure hike.
There are a lot of options for where you want to park and which trail you want to take.
We decided to park at the Dry
Why did we choose to walk the extra 1 mile?
Because unless you have a jeep or incredibly high clearance vehicle, there is no possible way you are making it to the Devil’s Creek Trailhead by car.
The road is REALLY crazy and not worth trying to get through without a high clearance vehicle.
Seriously, trust me on this one.
The first mile along Vultee Trail is a road that you may be sharing with
From the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, up to the actual bridge itself, the hike is only 1.6 miles out and back
Surely I’m not selling this option too hard right now, but seriously, this route option was not bad at all and thoroughly enjoyable.
Other trail options?
- Park at the same Dry Creek Vista Parking lot, but take the Chuck Wagon Trail. This will add on an extra 2 miles, but I’ve heard that the views are worth it. Because we were pressed for time, we chose the shorter trail.
- Park at the Mescal Trailhead parking lot, which is on the side of a dirt road. From here you’ll hike the Mescal Trail until you reach the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead and continue your hike up from there. This hike is 4 miles roundtrip, if you’re looking for another option to hike 2 different trails.
If you chose a different route and enjoyed it, I’d love to hear about it!
This hike is SO easy. You can do it with your kids, your grandparents, your whoever. It is super chill, super pretty and super worth it.
A quick word about the bridge… Be Careful.
There are no guard rails, no safety nets, no nothing. You are in the middle of nature.
Tread lightly and watch where you’re walking if you decide to go out onto the bridge.
Just be smart guys. Please.
Have SO much fun exploring Sedona!!
