Top Shaded Hikes in Sedona: Sedona Summer Hikes

Sedona is one of the most amazing places to hike and enjoy the beautiful nature. Unfortunately, in the summer it can get hot with temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s. If you don’t make it out hiking early enough on these days, the sun and the heat can be very rough. This is a good time to check out this list of the best shaded hikes in Sedona, so you can still hike when it is hotter. Note that on many of these trails there is still a portion that isn’t shaded, so make sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. Continue hiking in Sedona in the summer by choosing from these top shaded hikes in Sedona.

How to Get to Sedona

Sedona is located 2 hours north of Phoenix, Arizona and about 1 hour south of Flagstaff, Arizona. The best way to get to Sedona is to fly into PHX and get a rental car to drive to and around Sedona. Book your rental car in advance on Discover Cars where you can compare rates across rental car companies and find the best fit for you.

What to Bring on Your Sedona Hike

Hiking Shoes: Hiking shoes are always preferred in Sedona due to the rocky terrain. Hiking shoes help with traction so you are less likely to slip and fall. If you are searching for new hiking boots, access Backcountry to find many great deals.
Reusable Water Bottle: Bring plenty of water, especially if you are hiking during the summer. The combination of the sun, heat and how dry it is can dehydrate you quickly. This Water Bottle will keep your water cold for the day.
Camera: Make sure to bring your camera to document the memories from your hike.
Hiking Bag: Bring a comfortable daypack to carry everything you need for the day. This Gregory daypack is one of my favorite hiking bags.
Sunscreen: Sometimes when you aren’t at the beach or pool you don’t even think about putting sunscreen on. However, the sun is STRONG in Sedona, especially in the summer. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on and bring extra with you.

FREE Sedona Google Maps List with 30+ Destinations

Explore Sedona with this Google Maps list of 30+ destinations including hikes, viewpoints, and restaurants. Additional notes are included for off-the-beaten-path hiking trails. Subscribe below to get the link!

Top Things to Do in Sedona During the Summer

Get an incredible aerial view of the red rocks on a helicopter tour over Sedona.
Stay at the Enchantment Resort and relax in the pool surrounded by beautiful red rock views.
Do a scenic Kayak tour in the Verde River in nearby Cottonwood.
Go wine tasting near Sedona with wine tour.
Eat at a restaurant with a view: The Hudson, View 180, Hideaway House, or Mesa Grill.
Go shopping in uptown Sedona at the crystal shops, boutiques, and galleries.
Explore Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village and visit to the galleries and shops.
Check out Jerome Ghost Town, 40 minutes from Sedona. Plan your trip to Jerome with our guide for a day trip to Jerome.

Fay Canyon

Description: Fay Canyon is a nice short shaded hike through a canyon. This trail is one of the best summer hikes in Sedona as it isn’t too long and there is shade the whole way. At the end of the trail I recommend climbing up the rocks as far up as you can safely climb to get a nice view of the canyon.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 380 feet
Trailhead: Fay Canyon Trailhead
Parking: There is a parking lot located across the street from the Fay Canyon Trailhead.

West Fork Trail at Oak Creek Canyon

Description: West Fork Trail is a unique trail in Sedona that takes you in a red rock canyon along a creek. This shaded hike is one of the best summer hies in Sedona as the creek and shade can keep you cool. There are some creek crossings but usually the water level is low and there are rocks you can step on so you shouldn’t get too wet. This is one of the best summer hikes in Sedona since it is shaded and along a cree
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 820 feet
Parking: Parking at the trailhead costs $10 and is very limited. Later in the day a line of cars form and they only let cars into the parking lot as cars come out. The road near the trailhead is very windy and there aren’t many safe spots to park along the road. Also, walking along this road is dangerous as there isn’t much of a shoulder to walk on. I recommend getting here very early to get parking, or you will need to wait a long time in the line for parking. If you do park along the road there is still a $2 per person walk in fee.

For more hike suggestions check out our Best Hikes in Sedona article and Sedona Off the Beaten Path. If you are planning a weekend getaway to Sedona, start planning your weekend with our Sedona Weekend Itinerary.

Boynton Canyon

Description: Boynton Canyon takes you deep into a canyon with high canyon walls. You will hike about 1 mile next to the Enchantment Resort with not too many trees and then the amount of tree coverage will increase as you continue walking. In the last mile the forest becomes more dense and it is more shaded. If it is not too hot, towards the beginning of the hike you could take the turn to the right which takes you to Boynton Vortex via Boynton Vista trail which is 0.2 miles out of the way each way. This is a nice viewpoint but it is not shaded.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 810 feet
Parking: There is a large parking lot next to the trailhead that requires a red rock pass. You can purchase a red rock pass at the kiosk next to the trailhead for $5 for the day or $15 for the week. There is also an option for a Red Rock Annual Pass for $20 but you would need to purchase that at a visitor center. If you have an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass you can display that on your dashboard instead of purchasing a red rock pass.

Long Canyon

Description: Long Canyon is one of the top shaded hikes in Sedona as it takes you through a variety of landscapes. The trail starts with no shade on a very sandy path. After about a mile the trees will start to increase and at about 2.5 miles into the hike the landscape and foliage completely changes. You will then be walking through a forest in the canyon, with lots of trees and flowers. This part of the trail is a lot cooler since it is in the canyon. If you want to hike more, towards the beginning of the trail there is a turn to the Birthing Cave. You will see some logs on the ground to the left and a trail behind it, but this part is not shaded.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 820 feet
Parking: There is a little bit of parking right next to the trailhead and a lot of options to park along the side of the road.

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