Known for its dramatic landscapes, this 43,950-acre outdoor region has trails for hikers & horses.
Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness is a 43,950-acre swath of Coconino National Forest just outside Sedona, and it's the kind of place that earns a 4.8 rating across 157 reviews without much effort — the red rock formations and canyon views here are the real deal. It's managed by the U.S. Forest Service rather than the Park Service, and it's open 24 hours every day, so there's no gate schedule to plan around.
This is hiking and horseback country, with trails ranging from easy strolls to longer backcountry routes that wind through canyons and up toward mountain summits. Reviewers point to the West Fork Oak Creek area's "Subway" cavern detour, the dog-friendly, well-kept paths near Sedona, and the payoff views into the valley — several call out how dramatically the light changes at sunrise and sunset, which is worth timing a visit around. Some visitors also explore by 4x4 on routes like Outlaw Trail.
It's not a quick roadside stop — most of the appeal is in getting out on a trail and letting the canyon walls do the work. Reviewers consistently describe it as a highlight of any Sedona-area visit.
157 reviews
8 years ago
The whole area is wonderful. You can buy a pass that lets you hike/park at all the main sites. The views are incredible. Something to plan for - the landscape transforms at sunrise and sunset. It's hard to explain, but it is worth the effort to visit right before sunset, so you can see the landscape transform before your eyes. Hikes are pretty easy. Some trails are long. Make sure you register if your going out all day. It's dry. Bring extra water.
4 years ago
11/2021 great to get out and enjoy some fresh air. Went 4x4 and had a blast on the Outlaw trail. Didn't see any trash, I know the local groups spend considerable time taking care of the area, so please "pack it out".
3 years ago
This wonderful trail has a parking lot at the beginning of the path. The trail begins in Sedona and leads into one of the local mountain summits in the Coconino National Forest. The path as the Forest are dog friendly and well kept. The views from the red rocks into the Sedona valley are breathtaking. When we went in fall the weather was perfect with the trees and sun most days.
3 years ago
Hiked the canyon trail but took a detour to the “subway” cavern. Unbeatable views but DEFINITELY go in the early morning to avoid extreme temps (at least during the summer). Also, don’t forget your bug spray.
7 years ago
In my opinion, this is Sedona's best wilderness area. The landscape is extremely dynamic, the trails allows one to see most of the wilderness area, and it offers great backpacking with year round water. If you get away from the touristy spots (Devil's Bridge, Sterling Pass via 89a, Boynton Canyon, Long Canyon, Fay Canyon, Mescal Loop) you'll be provided with unmatched solitude compared to other areas/parks hosting up to 5 million visitors a year. The micro-enviroments that exists within this wilderness area can leave one asking, "Where am I?" You can begin a hike in mesquite dotted grasslands and travel uphill through chaparral scrub, pinon-juniper forest, oak and Cypress groves, towering ponderosa pines, and end up in a north facing canyon cove providing a sanctuary for fir trees, hanging ferns, and a variety of wildflowers more commonly found on the slopes of a sub-alpine environment. If you're a social hiker Chuck Wagon to HS or Secret Canyons is a great hike. If you have a capable 4x4 the Dry Creek, Bear Sign, David Miller, Secret Canyon loop is unmatched. If you're a weekend warrior, take Loy Canyon to the end of Secret Mtn. for views into Boynton Canyon and the entire Dry Creek basin, the heart of Sedona's red rock country. This is a massive day hike or great 2-3 day backpacking trip. If you're an experienced off-trail hiker this area offers unlimited adventures. Hope this was helpful to you. Don't hesitate to give it a "like" if it provided value. Please learn about and practice Leave-No-Trace backcountry ethics. Thanks and have fun out there!