Contents
Overview
If you are looking for a short but steep hike near Sedona with great views, then Doe Mountain is the perfect option. The trail takes you to the top of a mesa with 400 feet of relief from the valley floor.
From the main overlook on the eastern side of the mesa, you will look out across a vast valley to Chimney Rock, Capitol Butte, and Soldier Heights. To the northeast, you will see the red and white cliffs that surround Boynton Canyon.
Be prepared to ascend 400 feet in 0.7 miles. This one will get your heart pumping but remember, it is over fast!
Quick Facts
- Distance: 1.6 miles
- Hike Time: 2 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 420 feet
- Fee: Free, but Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass are required to park
- Dogs: Yes
- Difficulty: Moderate
Hiking the Doe Mountain Trail
In December 2020, Kim, Maia, Arrow, and I hiked the Doe Mountain Trail.
Note: There is a pit toilet at the trailhead
We parked in the shared lot between Bear Mountain and Doe Mountain, off Boynton Canyon Road.
At 2:45 p.m. on a Friday, there were a few spaces available but the trail was somewhat busy.
Still, we had the main overlook area to ourselves for 30 minutes or so.
From the top, I noticed a hodgepodge of narrow paths all over the mesa, leading in every direction. Maia was in the mood to stay put and explore her immediate surroundings, so we did not explore these.
I think it would be fun to loop around the whole mesa and soak in views from every angle.
After a very pleasant break, we turned around and went back the way we came. On the way down, the sun sank low in the sky, the lighting softened, and the cliffs turned a coppery red.
Map
Location
From Highway 89A in Sedona, turn onto Dry Creek Road and follow it 2 miles, then turn left onto Boynton Pass Road.
Continue on Boynton Pass Road for 3.7 miles then turn left into the Doe Mountain and Bear Mountain shared parking lot.
Resources
Guidebooks
Topo Maps
- Sedona Trail Map
- Flagstaff, Sedona [Coconino and Kaibab National Forests] (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
Links
- Dani the Explorer – Doe Mountain Trail Is the Perfect Sedona Sunset Spot
- AZ Utopia – Doe Mountain Hiking Trail
Photos
Want to hike Sedona’s best trails? Check out our other Sedona Hiking Guides.