While the restaurants, shops and activities are in no shortage in Sedona, in comparison, there are more than 200 hiking trails covering over 400 miles that exemplify Sedona’s beauty. With rising temperatures in the midst of another summer in the Sedona heat, hiking can be limited.

Famous trails like the Airport Mesa and Cathedral Rock can simply feel too hot to climb or hike during most of the season because of limited shade, however, there are a couple of iconic Sedona hikes that are more than doable even on the hottest of days. Just come prepared with plenty of water and a hat to cool you down, because it can still heat up on these trails.

Boynton Canyon

Located on the aptly named and easily accessible Boynton Canyon Road, the Boynton Canyon hike is a relatively flat and moderate 6.3-mile out-and-back trot up to some of Sedona’s most iconic sights. The trek is perfect for the summer weather as trees provide shade throughout, in addition to overhangs and large rocks to rest under.

As with most Sedona hikes in 2022, the parking lot is limited and usually fills up by the morning. A Red Rock parking pass is required.

Boynton Canyon begins with an impressive overlook of Enchantment Resort, as hikers climb a small incline up a red rock path. After Enchantment, hikers traverse down a canyon where they spend the majority of the hike. Even in the scorching summer months, shade is provided by trees for much of the trail. It’ll still be hot, of course, so bring plenty of water, but the shading provides plenty of great spots to take a break to cool down.

As if the beautiful backcountry red rock views weren’t enough for Boynton, one of Sedona’s most popular photo spots is just a short detour away. About midway through Boynton’s 6.3-mile out-and-back lies a 0.4 mile trip up an incline to the Subway Cave, also known as the Boynton Cave. Please note that the turn to the Subway Cave trail is unmarked, so it’s best to use a map like one provided on All Trails, a smartphone app.

Subway Cave is a unique climb and is tougher to reach than the rest of the Boynton Canyon hike, so please note that it might be inaccessible for some. A steep climb up to the cave offers a fun photo opportunity and interesting hiking experience.

Hikers can, of course, skip the detour and finish off the rest of the scenic Boynton Canyon experience, or turn around after the Subway Cave.

West Fork Trail

West Fork Trail is an old summertime favorite for tourists and Sedona locals alike, and it’s for good reason. The vast majority of the 6.2 total miles of this out-and-back trail are shaded by trees or mountain overhangs, so this hike is perfect for the Arizona heat.

West Fork is located on 89A, in Oak Creek Canyon heading toward Flagstaff about 9.5 miles from Uptown Sedona. Again, the main issue with West Fork is parking. The lot usually fills up shortly after its 8 a.m. opening on most days, and especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a parking space and there is an $11 fee per vehicle. The Grand Annual Red Rock Pass is accepted here for entry as well.

The current construction on 89A certainly doesn’t help with traffic delays and congestion but if you can weather the inconvenience, you are quickly rewarded with one of the most beautiful hikes in the Verde Valley.

One of the first sights on the trail are what’s left of Mayhew Lodge, the old home of Flagstaff legend Jesse Jefferson “Bear” Howard, a late-19th century pioneer who vowed to slay every bear in the Oak Creek Canyon [thankfully, his pursuit of vengeance was unsuccessful].

Along the West Fork trail, there are 13 stream crossings which provide the biggest challenge on the relatively accessible trail. Hikers traverse these flowing streams by hopping rocks or logs strategically placed throughout. The chance for a slip up into the shallow stream is high, so wear water-proof hiking shoes and a change of clothes — sealed in waterproof bags for this one.

There are plenty of spots for a cooling break throughout the hike if the heat becomes a factor, and the streams make this easily one of the top summer hiking spots in Sedona.