Best Trails For Hiking With Kids In Sedona
The red sandstone formations and breathtaking landscape of Sedona attracts visitors from all over the world. For families interested in hiking with kids, Sedona is ideal. Offering an assortment of canyons, grasslands, juniper forests, this Arizona desert town is a favorite destination for families looking to get out on the trails. Here are some great trails for hiking with kids in Sedona, AZ.
The Sedona View Trail at Airport Mesa Viewpoint
The Sedona View Trail in West Sedona can be accessed from the Airport Mesa Viewpoint parking lot. It is a short 1.7 mile hike over lava rocks and through prickly pear cactus plants. For visitors arriving to town late in the day, consider heading to Airport Mesa Viewpoint right before sunset and getting in a hike on the Sedona View Trail. Later watch the sun descend amidst the backdrop of Coffee Pot Rock. Take in the sweeping views of Capital Butte, also known as Thunder Mountain and see how it compares to Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World. Sedona is said to be where Walt Disney got his inspiration for the attraction. If you need of some positive energy with cranky, sweaty kids in tow, the Airport Mesa Vortex can also be accessed from the Sedona View Trail. Parking is free to access all parts of this viewpoint and hike.
Take the Kids Hiking Near an Ancient Volcano
Schuerman Mountain Vista Trail is an out and back, 2-mile trail that is relatively untraveled. The easy uphill trail brings hikers to a flat viewpoint that was once a volcano. Now extinct, this basaltic mound looks out over the Village of Oak Creek. Cathedral Rock can be seen from Schuerman Mountain Vista and with its many wildflowers and plant life its an ideal path for a Spring nature walk with kids. Easily accessible, the parking for this trail is located behind Sedona Red Rock High School.
Slide Rock State Park for Hiking and Swimming
A trip to Sedona with kids wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Slide Rock State Park. While the main attraction at Slide Rock is in fact the sliding rock water feature, there are two hiking trails and a nature path at the state park. Pendley Trail is paved trail and just a quarter of a mile in length with views of Oak Creek Canyon. The Clifftop Nature trail is also a quarter of a mile long and meanders through pinewood forest with views of the Slide Rock swimming area. Slide Rock is a naturally formed water slide best enjoyed during warmer weather. The water moves visitors along with the natural current and they stay moving by way of slippery algae. The slide ends in a natural swimming pool where visitors can play and splash to their hearts content. Slide Rock State Park is one of the more expensive hiking options in the Sedona area. Entrance fees range between $10 and $20 depending on season. 
Fay Canyon Trail Near the Enchantment Resort
Ideal for young children, Fay Canyon Trail is a short hike surrounded by trees and woodlands. Located just minutes from the Adventures by Disney property, Enchantment Resort, Fay Canyon leads to a red rock canyon and natural stone arch. It is a great hike for families in warmer months because the tree cover does offer some shade from the blazing Arizona sun. A great, well-marked 2-mile hike with plenty of wildlife to see, makes Fay Canyon great for families that may be new to hiking.
Take Baldwin Trail to the Banks of Oak Creek
Baldwin Trail offers the perfect view of majestic Cathedral Rock. The two mile trail leads to nearby Oak Creek so kids have the added benefit of splashing in the water. The trail loops around a mesa at which point more adventurous hikers can trek to the base of Cathedral Rock. This trailhead begins just near Verde Valley School Road which is also the meeting spot for the Evening Sky Tour. Families interested in astronomy and learning about the night skies guided by astronomers may enjoy this activity. Consider making a day of it hiking and playing near the trail and spending an evening looking at the stars. 
When you first arriving in Sedona, a great way to get your bearings is by hopping on the Sedona Trolley. Located in Uptown Sedona the hour-long narrated, open-air sightseeing tour will familiarize riders with all this desert town has to offer. The guide will allow riders to get off, take pictures and take in the amazing views while offering suggestions and tidbits of Sedona history, lore and information. Parking is at a premium in the area so consider purchasing a Red Rock Daily Pass for $5 or an America the Beautiful Pass. Parking passes are required at many of the trailheads in Sedona.
Sedona is like no other place on earth and is a beautiful location to spend time with your family. Enjoy the views and being in touch with nature. Who else can’t wait to hit the trails?
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