Secret Summits Loop

Ready to leave the crowds behind and discover one of Sedona’s best-kept hiking secrets? This private guided adventure leads into a remarkably quiet corner of Red Rock Country, where exceptionally low trail usage creates a genuine sense of solitude that can be difficult to find in Sedona — especially during the busiest times of year.

Covering approximately 4.5 miles with 445 feet of elevation gain, this moderate scenic loop offers an ideal balance of physical challenge and extraordinary scenery. The route winds through a constantly changing landscape of switchbacks, summits, drainages, and natural viewpoints, revealing new perspectives with every turn. Rather than following a crowded path to a single overlook, the experience unfolds gradually, creating a true sense of exploration and discovery.

A True Local Gem

The appeal begins with the feeling of finding somewhere most visitors never see. While Sedona is celebrated for its iconic trails and popular viewpoints, this area receives remarkably little use, allowing you to experience Red Rock Country with a level of peace and privacy that is increasingly rare. The serpentine route moves naturally through the terrain, alternating between gentle stretches and more purposeful climbs as it makes its way toward the surrounding summits. Along the way, the landscape continually changes — from secluded drainages and rugged slopes to open ridgelines where the views suddenly expand across the horizon.

Panoramic Views of Secret Mountain Wilderness

The elevated viewpoints are the defining feature of this hidden gem. From the high points along the route, sweeping panoramas extend across the expansive Secret Mountain Wilderness and toward some of Sedona’s most distinctive formations.

Look across the landscape toward Mescal Mountain, Capitol Butte, Bear Mountain, and Maroon Mountain, each contributing its own dramatic shape and character to the horizon. Together, these formations create a remarkable natural panorama that showcases the scale, variety, and rugged beauty of Sedona’s red rock landscape.

For photographers, the elevated perspectives offer an opportunity to capture something beyond the typical Sedona postcard. Rather than focusing on a single formation, the broad views allow you to photograph the relationships between mountains, mesas, wilderness, and desert valleys stretching into the distance.

A Scenic Sedona Sunrise or Sunset Hike

The solitude of the area makes it especially appealing at sunrise and sunset. In the early morning, the first rays of sunlight gradually illuminate the surrounding peaks and sandstone formations, creating a peaceful beginning to the day. As evening approaches, the changing light brings out the rich colors, textures, and shadows of the red rocks.

The experience is equally suited to photographers, couples seeking a memorable adventure, and travelers who simply want to experience Sedona without the crowds. During the busiest seasons, when many of the area’s better-known trails can feel particularly active, this quiet alternative offers a welcome opportunity to reconnect with the landscape.

Explore the Quieter Side of Sedona

With its moderate terrain, scenic loop orientation, remarkably low trail usage, and expansive wilderness views, this guided hiking experience is ideal for travelers looking for something beyond Sedona’s traditional sightseeing destinations. As a private adventure, your group can explore at a comfortable pace, spend time at the viewpoints that capture your attention, and enjoy the freedom to experience the landscape without being surrounded by large groups. If you’re searching for a secluded Sedona hike, a moderate scenic loop, or a lesser-known summit adventure with exceptional panoramic views, this hidden local gem delivers an unforgettable combination of solitude and scenery.

Come step beyond the familiar, leave the crowds behind, and discover a quieter side of Red Rock Country — where the views are expansive, the trails are peaceful, and Secret Mountain Wilderness stretches across the horizon.

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: 2 Hours of Hiking & 1 Hour of Logistics
• Distance: 4.5 Miles
• Elevation Change: 445ft
• Capacity: 1 - 14 Hikers
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Transport: 1 Vehicle
• Sites Visited: 1 Site
• Map of Hike: View Map of Two Hour: Secret Summits Loop
• Trails Used: Girdner Trail, Anaconda Trail, Arizona Cypress Trail (Scenic Loop Hike)
• Hike Type: Summit Hike, Scenic Loop Hike, Sunrise/Sunset
• Best Season: All Year
• Start Times: 5:30AM, 6AM, 6:30AM, 7AM, 7:30AM, 8AM, 2:30PM
• Upcoming Availability: Secret Summits Loop Calendar
• Cost: $160 + Tax/Hiker (Private Group) & $295 + 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