Have you been dreaming of a multi-generational vacation? Don’t leave your bouncing bundle of joy at home. Nana and Poppa deserve an amazing vacation too! Sedona is a warm and friendly destination for travelers of all ages.
Our Official Visitor Center on 331 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona often receives questions about short easy hikes that are friendly for strollers, walkers or wheelchairs. We used The Hike House ‘Trail Rating System’ to develop a list of trails that rank as easy, with little elevation gains and that are accessible for almost everybody:
Bell Rock Pathway:
This is one of the most iconic trails in Sedona, and due to its popularity, it has been smoothed and widened to accommodate more hikers, bikers and horses. The distance is 3.5 miles round trip with only 200 feet of elevation change, meaning the trail is flat and mostly red dirt and sandstone. There is a long section that follows State Route 179 which is flat enough for a stroller or wheelchair. This portion is not paved but smooth and connects to several other routes, so stay on the trail. A Red Rock Pass or National Park Pass is required to park at both Bell Rock Pathway and Vista and Courthouse Vista Trailheads.
Mystic Trail from Chapel Road:
This half mile trail, which gains 200 feet of elevation, lies between the Bell Rock Pathway and Broken Arrow trail, just down the hill from the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. Combine this trail with a visit to the Chapel for an inspiring experience for all ages and denominations. Views from this trail include the Twin Buttes and Wilson Mountain. Connect to Twin Buttes trail to expand your adventure! The small trailhead is just north of Chapel Road at the intersection of Antelope Drive. No parking pass required.
Carruth Loop:
This one-mile round trip wide trail connects Posse Ground Road to Soldiers Pass Road and is as close to paved as any trail can be. There is also a protective barrier between Carruth Road and the trail that parallels it. The elevation change is only 100 feet and is optimal for a wheelchair or stroller. The Community Dog Park is at the bottom of the trail and is ADA Accessible in case you bring your pupper. No parking pass required.
Centennial Trail:
This short one-mile paved trail is the beginning of the new Western Gateway trail expansion project, next to Girdner Trail. It twists and turns, only gaining 200 feet of elevation, ending a scenic 270-degree overlook, with opportunities to segway onto different trails extensions. This area is a hidden gem and offers two picnic tables, available on a first come, first served basis. Centennial trail is also featured on the Sedona Secret 7 site under epic sunrise/sunset locations. No parking pass required.
Dawa Trail:
This trail is more of a gentle nature walk than a hike. It is super flat and traverses across fine red sand. This out and back trail is 2.5 miles but has the capability to connect to other scenic trails such as Cockscomb and the Arizona Cypress Trail. A small parking lot on the side of Boynton Pass Road can be seen at the trail head across the street, no parking pass required.
Javelina Trail - House of Apache Fire:
Located within Red Rock State Park are several trails, both paved and dirt, perfect for a multigenerational family seeking to learn, explore and have fun together. This red dirt loop is only a half mile and gains 100 feet of elevation up to the House of Apache Fire, built by Jack and Helen Frye. Expect to be hiking for an hour as the trail crosses the gorgeous Kingfisher Bridge and passes the Wedding Tree. The Park entrance fee is $7 for adults, $4 for youth ages 7-13, and free for kids ages 0-6. Plan to stay a half day to explore the entire protected park. Red Rock State Park is an environmental education facility; therefore, dogs are not allowed in the park.
Fay Canyon Trail:
This popular leisurely trail gains 192 feet in elevation during the 2.4 miles, out and back. Fay Canyon is one of seven canyons located in the Western Canyon area, west of Sedona down Dry Creek Road to Boynton Pass Road. The parking lot is on the left of Boynton Pass Road and the trail is on the right. There are some small steps which wouldn’t be ideal for a stroller or wheelchair, but there is a way to navigate around them. This is a great trail for toddlers and young children who are working on their motor skills. For those seeking a true hiking challenge, take on Bear Mountain which has jaw-dropping views of Fay Canyon. Cover yourself in a blanket of stars by parking your car and looking upwards at the illuminated starry dark sky. No pass is required at the Fay Canyon parking lot; however, a Red Rock Pass or National Park pass is required at the Doe Mountain/Bear Mountain parking lot.
Honanki and Palatki Heritage Sites:
Take a giant leap back in time to see how the Sinagua Native Americans lived from approximately 900 – 1300 AD. These well-preserved and protected heritage sites are a shining example of Sedona’s unique past, perfect for culture vultures wanting to discover and explore. Honanki (meaning Bear House) trail is only .8 miles with 50 feet elevation gain and Palatki (meaning Red House) trail is a 1.8-mile loop with 223 feet of elevation gain. Both trails lead to epic cliff dwellings and have small sets of rocky stairs, not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Before you visit, please call for a reservation at 928.282.3854. A Red Rock Pass or National Park Pass is required for both sites.
Crescent Moon Ranch/Red Rock Crossing Day Use Site:
Much of Red Rock Crossing is wheelchair accessible within the paved walkway section of this beautiful day use site. Where paved walkways end, hard-packed dirt trail takes over giving most visitors an opportunity to view Oak Creek in its natural setting. Photo opts abound in this idyllic area. Dogs are allowed in the park on a leash. The park entrance fee is $11 per vehicle, up to 5 people. Walk-ins or additional passengers (non-commercial vehicles) $2 per person. The National Park 4th Grader pass, and the National Park Access pass are accepted at this location.
Any hike can be shortened to accommodate needs. Remember to respect trail etiquette rights of way: bikers yield to hikers and horseback riders; hikers yield to horseback riders. Be prepared with plenty of water for each hiker, both two-footed and four-footed. Always keep dogs on a leash when recreating on the National Forest
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