Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness

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.

What to expect

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.

• Access: multiple trailheads with parking around Sedona; some sites require a day-use pass
• Good for: hikers, horseback riders, and anyone chasing red-rock photography at golden hour
• Plan ahead: it's dry, high-desert terrain — bring water, and register if you're heading out for a full day on longer trails

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.