Hiking Guide: Doe Mountain

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!

Max (the author) and Maia pose at the western edge of Doe Mountain

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

Max (the author) next to the Doe Mountain Trailhead sign

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.

Looking east from the top of Doe Mountain. High points from right to left: Chimney Rock, Capitol Butte, Soldier Heights

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.