Monuments Loop

Ready to explore Sedona beneath a spectacular collection of towering red rock formations? This private guided hiking adventure follows a rugged scenic loop through the heart of Red Rock Country, revealing remarkable perspectives of the regions most iconic formations along the way.

Covering approximately 5 miles with 465 feet of elevation gain, this upper-moderate hike offers a rewarding combination of varied terrain, steady movement, and continually changing scenery. Rather than climbing toward a single destination, the route unfolds as a journey through some of Sedona’s most extraordinary geological landscapes, with new formations and viewpoints emerging around nearly every bend.

A Journey Beneath Sedona’s Most Famous Monuments

The character of this hike comes from its variety. The trail travels through a landscape shaped by enormous sandstone formations, rugged desert terrain, open vistas, vortex areas, and secluded stretches of trail. As you progress through the loop, the perspective continually evolves, allowing you to experience Sedona’s famous red rocks from angles that are difficult to appreciate from the road or a single overlook.

Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Twin Buttes, and Airport Mesa form some of the most recognizable features across the surrounding landscape, while the trail itself provides a more immersive way to experience their scale. Instead of simply stopping to admire these landmarks, you’ll move through the terrain beneath them, watching their shapes and proportions change as the trail carries you from one viewpoint to the next.

Explore Sedona’s Vortex Landscape

The route also passes through areas associated with Sedona’s renowned vortex energy. For visitors interested in the spiritual history and contemporary culture surrounding these locations, the hike offers an opportunity to experience the landscape in a more peaceful setting. Whether the vortex aspect is an important part of your visit or you’re simply drawn to the extraordinary geology and atmosphere of Sedona, the experience encourages you to slow down and appreciate the environment around you.

A Scenic Loop with Changing Perspectives

One of the advantages of a loop hike is that the scenery never feels static. Rather than returning along the same path, you continue forward into new terrain, creating a sense of progression and discovery throughout the outing.

The route incorporates Coconino, Slim Shady, Templeton, Easy Breezy, and Hermit Trails, each contributing something different to the overall experience. The combination creates a dynamic journey through Red Rock Country, with stretches of rugged trail giving way to open viewpoints and dramatic sandstone scenery.

For photographers, the constantly changing perspectives offer abundant opportunities to capture Sedona’s geology from different angles. Sunrise and sunset starts can add another layer of beauty, as the low desert light enkindles the sandstone formations and brings depth to the surrounding landscape.

Escape into Red Rock Country

Although the hike travels through one of Sedona’s most famous areas, its purpose is not simply to visit the busiest viewpoints. The loop provides an opportunity to move beyond the roadside perspective and experience the landscape on foot, where the surrounding formations feel larger, quieter, and more immersive.

With a private guide accompanying your group, you can explore at a comfortable pace while learning more about the geology, landscape, and distinctive features encountered along the way. Time can be taken for photography, scenic overlooks, and those moments when the best part of the hike is simply stopping to look around.

Experience Sedona’s Iconic Red Rocks

If you’re searching for a moderate Sedona hiking tour, a scenic loop hike, or an immersive way to experience the red rock formations surrounding Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa, this adventure offers an exceptional introduction to the monumental character of Red Rock Country. The scenery changes constantly. The terrain keeps you engaged. And the horizon seems to reveal another iconic formation with every turn.

Come leave the crowds behind, step into the landscape, and experience Sedona’s legendary sandstone monuments the way they were meant to be experienced — on foot, surrounded by the vast beauty of Red Rock Country.

Outing Includes

• Private Hiking Guide
• Red Rock Pass
• Sedona Resort/Airbnb/VRBO Transportation (Sedona, Village of Oak Creek, Oak Creek Canyon)
• Healthy Packaged Trail Snacks
• Bottled Water
• Ultima Electrolytes
• Osprey Daylite Hiking Backpack
• Trekking Poles (By Request)
• 500 Lumen Black Diamond Headlamp
• Gloves, Beanies, Neck Gaiters (During Winter Months)
• UPF 50 Sun Hoodies
• Disposable Rain Ponchos
• Micro Spikes for Snow (If Needed)
• Osprey Poco Plus Kids Carrying Pack (By Request)
• Kids Car Seats & Booster Seats (By Request)
• Full List of Supplies Included

Logistics

• Duration: 3 Hours of Hiking & 1 Hour of Logistics
• Distance: 5 Miles
• Elevation Change: 465ft
• Capacity: 1 - 14 Hikers
• Difficulty: Upper Moderate
• Transport: 1 Vehicle
• Sites Visited: 1 Site
• Map of Hike: View Map of Three Hour: Monuments Loop
• Hike Type: Scenic Loop, Vortex Hike, Sunrise/Sunset Hike
• Trails Used: Coconino Trail, Slim Shady Trail, Templeton Trail, Easy Breezy Trail, and Hermit Trail 
• Best Season: All Year
• Start Times: 5AM, 5:30AM, 6AM, 6:30AM, 7AM, 7:30AM, 8AM, 2:30PM
• Upcoming Availabilities: Monuments Loop Calendar
• Cost: $215 + Tax/Hiker (Private Group) & $425 + Tax (Private Solo Hiker)

*PRIVATE ONLY TOURS: TWO PERSON MINIMUM FOR PRIVATE GROUPS OR PLEASE REFER TO SOLO HIKER PRICING

**WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND CONSIDERING PEEK PROTECT COVERAGE AND REVIEWING OUR CANCELLATION POLICY BEFORE BOOKING YOUR RESERVATION

***WE REQUIRE ALL HIKERS/ATTENDEES TO HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE TO ATTEND ANY OF OUR OUTINGS OFFERED