Sedona, Arizona
Sedona Red Rocks Backpacking Loop
Carry everything you need and sleep where the crowds don't.
Hard
Difficulty
26 mi
Distance
4,200 ft
Elevation
2 h
Drive time
Mar – May, Sep – Nov
Best season
Trail map
Trail to take
Sedona Red Rocks Backpacking Loop — 26 mi · Hard
No coordinates for this one yet — open it on Trailforks by name.
Overview
Sedona Red Rocks Backpacking Loop is built around Sedona Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona. Best window is Mar – May, Sep – Nov, with about 2 hours of driving each way from Phoenix. Confirm trail and road status with the managing agency before you commit — conditions here change fast.
Permits: Overnight permits are often required — check the managing agency before you go.
Where to get your permit
- Search Recreation.gov
Most federal permits and campsites are sold here.
Fees, lottery dates and quotas change every season — confirm on the agency page before you plan around them.
Where to camp or stay
- Find campgrounds on Recreation.gov
Federal campgrounds and cabins near the route.
Popular sites open on a booking window months ahead and sell out fast.
Highlights
Main viewpoint at Sedona Red Rocks
Deserts scenery most of the route
A quiet camp away from the parking area
A nearby town for food on the way home
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Drive in and settle
Roughly 2 hours of driving, then set up and walk a short warm-up trail.
Day 2
Main day out
Full day exploring Sedona Red Rocks — pace it, carry water, and be back before dark.
Day 3
Main day out
Full day exploring Sedona Red Rocks — pace it, carry water, and be back before dark.
Day 4
Slow morning, head home
Coffee, pack up, one last overlook on the way out.
Packing list
Checked against your gear closet — 7 items to sort out.
- Daypack
- 2–3L water
- Sun hoodie and hat
- Trail shoes
- Rain shell
- Headlamp
- First aid kit
Add gear for this trip
Suggestions shift with the trip length, activities and the forecast above.
3.5 L
Per person, per day
2 L
Heaviest carry
4.4 lb
Water weight (2.2 lb/L)
4.4 lb
Gear 0.0 lb + water
- Sources unconfirmed — this assumes one mid-day refill. Check conditions before you go.
Food plan
- Breakfast: oats and coffee
- Lunch: tortillas, cheese, salami
- Dinner: one-pot meal at camp
- Snacks: 300 cal per hour
Weather & conditions
Trail conditions
We don't have a trailhead pinned for this route yet.
Nearby camping
Gear recommendations
Know before you go. Routes, distances, elevation and conditions shown here are estimates and may be inaccurate or out of date. Trail conditions change, and closures happen. Check with the managing land agency, carry a topographic map and compass or GPS, tell someone your plans, and know your limits — you're responsible for your own safety in the outdoors.