Coconino National Forest Guide

Coconino National Forest Hiking Trails

Explore the diverse hiking trails in Coconino National Forest, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.

Easy Hikes for Beginners

• Bell Rock Pathway

  Distance: 3.6 miles

  Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Baldwin Trail

  Distance: 1.6 miles

  Difficulty: Easy

• Doe Mountain Trail No. 60

  Distance: 0.7 miles to the top of the mesa, 1.3 miles around the edge.

  Difficulty: Easy

Challenging Hiking Trails

• Wilson Mountain Trail

  Distance: Approx 11.62 miles

  Difficulty: Moderate

• Sterling Pass Trail

  Distance: Approx 4 miles

  Difficulty: Hard

Lakeside Trails

• Mormon Lakeview Trail

  Distance: Approx 3 miles

  Difficulty: Moderate

• Kachina Wetlands Trail

  Distance: Approx 1.6 miles

  Difficulty: Easy

• Waterfall Trail on Fossil Creek

  The Waterfall Trail on Fossil Creek is one of the most popular hikes in the Coconino National Forest. It runs along Fossil Creek, which has the Wild and Scenic designation, offering a look at a different side of Arizona. As you hike, you'll see a series of spectacular waterfalls that cascade into brilliant green pools. Swimming is possible away from the waterfalls in a number of stunning, calm pools. The hike is relatively easy, but if you're bringing kids, take care around the edges of the waterfalls.

  Length: 1 mile

  Intensity: Moderate

• Humphreys Trail

  If you're in the mood for a challenge, head straight to Humphreys Trail. Steep and strenuous, it takes you to the summit of Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona. On clear days, you can see across to the Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, and the Painted Desert. The journey is as beautiful as the destination; you'll see alpine forests, bristlecone pines, and rocky slopes.

  Length: 10 miles round-trip

  Intensity: Strenuous

• Soldier Pass Trail

  Soldier Pass Trail leads to one of the natural wonders of the Coconino National Forest: the Seven Sacred Pools. These natural depressions have formed in the sandstone, creating a miniature, photogenic oasis in the wilderness. During the rainy season, the pools fill with water — if you're lucky, you might even see a waterfall as the overflow cascades from pool to pool. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the trail is exposed and often hot.

  Length: 4.5 miles round-trip

  Intensity: Moderate

• Courthouse Butte Loop Trail

  Get up close and personal with the red rocks on the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. It winds around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, two beautiful formations that rise high off the desert floor. Every turn reveals different views of the red rock cliffs that extend in all directions. This is a great hike to do with kids; it's a popular route, but you can avoid the crowds by setting out early in the day.

  Length: 4.2 miles round-trip

  Intensity: Moderate

• Bear Mountain Trail #54

  Offering some of the most breathtaking views in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, Bear Mountain Trail #54 is a favorite among photographers. Leave early in the morning, and bring plenty of water; most of the trail is completely exposed, so you won't find much in the way of shade. Over 2.3 miles, the trail takes you to the top of Bear Mountain, where you can see Red Canyon and the San Francisco Peak. This route can be done any time of year, but it's best when there's no snow.

  Length: 4.6 miles round-trip

  Intensity: Strenuous

• West Fork of Oak Creek Trail

  The West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is one of the most frequently hiked trails in the entire Coconino National Forest, and it's easy to see why. The well-maintained path takes you under towering red-rock cliffs, through green forests, and next to a stream. The West Fork makes a great hike any time of year, but it's particularly lovely in the fall when the trees in the canyon blaze with colorful leaves. Depending on the time of year and the water level, you may need to walk through the stream. 

  Length: 3.2 miles one way

  Intensity: Moderate

• Airport Loop Trail

  If you're interested in walking through Sedona's legendary energy vortices, the Airport Loop Trail is the easiest way to do so. The trail runs around the top of Airport Mesa, which is famous as the home to an energy vortex; don't be surprised if you see hikers meditating or doing yoga on the red rocks. Even if you're not interested in the mystical properties of the region, this hike offers stunning panoramic views of Sedona, the red-rock cliffs, and the forest.

  Length: 4.3 miles round-trip

  Intensity: Moderate