Sky Island Loop

Ready to see Sedona from an entirely different perspective? This private guided hiking adventure circles the entire summit of Doe Mountain, revealing an extraordinary panorama of Red Rock Country from high above the surrounding landscape. With expansive views unfolding in nearly every direction, the experience offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the remarkable scale and diversity of Sedona’s geology from a single scenic loop.

Covering approximately 3.6 miles with 615 feet of elevation gain, this moderate hike combines a purposeful climb with an immersive journey around the broad summit of Doe Mountain. The route is designed to keep the scenery evolving, with each section of trail revealing another angle of the red rock landscape and another reason to stop and take it all in.

A Panoramic Journey Above Sedona

The defining feature of this experience is perspective. As the trail climbs toward Doe Mountain and begins to circle its summit, the landscape opens dramatically below. Layer upon layer of sandstone formations, mesas, buttes, mountains, and desert valleys stretches toward the horizon, creating the feeling of standing above an immense island above the desert floor below.

Rather than viewing Sedona from a single overlook, you’ll experience the landscape from multiple elevated perspectives as the trail progresses. The changing angles create a remarkable sense of movement, with familiar formations appearing in entirely new ways as you make your way around the mesa.

From this elevated position, you can appreciate the incredible variety of geological formations that define Red Rock Country. The broad panorama provides a visual reminder that Sedona is much more than a collection of individual landmarks — but rather an interconnected landscape shaped by millions of years of geological history.

Walk the Edge of the Sky Island

The summit loop provides an especially memorable way to experience Doe Mountain. As the trail follows the elevated terrain and escarpment, the surrounding landscape seems to keep no secrets, leaving you immersed in deeply layered sweeping desert views.

There is something uniquely satisfying about walking along an elevated rim while watching the scenery change around you. One direction reveals distant mountains; another opens toward layered sandstone formations; elsewhere, the landscape stretches into the four wilderness areas surrounding Sedona.

For photographers, this variety creates exceptional possibilities. The elevated setting provides broad compositions as well as opportunities to capture individual formations against the expansive Arizona sky. Sunrise and sunset can make the experience even more striking, with warm light gradually illuminating the sandstone below.

A Perfect Vantage Point for Sedona’s Vortices

The elevated position also provides views toward all four of Sedona’s renowned vortex areas. Whether you are interested in the spiritual traditions associated with these locations or simply fascinated by the landscape in which they are found, seeing these areas from above adds another dimension to the experience. Rather than visiting a single vortex site, you gain a broader understanding of how these celebrated locations fit into the larger geography of Sedona.

A Private Guided Sedona Hiking Experience

The private format allows your group to explore with a dedicated guide and experience the route at a comfortable pace. Along the way, your guide can provide insight into the surrounding geology and landscape while allowing time to stop at viewpoints, photograph the scenery, or simply enjoy the remarkable stillness of the summit.

The moderate difficulty makes this an appealing option for active travelers who want a meaningful climb without committing to a more extreme hiking experience.

Experience Sedona from Above

If you’re searching for a moderate Sedona hiking tour, a scenic summit loop, or an experience with truly expansive red rock views, the Sky Island Loop offers a remarkable way to see the region. This is a hike defined not by a single viewpoint, but by the journey around an entire elevated landscape. With every turn, another panorama emerges. With every step, Sedona reveals a little more of its extraordinary geological character.

Come climb above Red Rock Country, walk the edge of Doe Mountain, and experience the sweeping panorama of Sedona from a perspective that feels almost limitless.

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: 3.6 Miles
• Elevation Change: 615ft
• Capacity: 1 - 14 Hikers
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Transport: 1 Vehicle
• Sites Visited: 1 Site
• Map of Hike: View Map of Three Hour: Sky Island Loop
• Hike Type: Scenic Loop, Summit Hike, Sunrise/Sunset Hike
• Trails Used: Doe Mountain Trail & Doe Mountain Loop Trail   
• Best Season: All Year
• Start Times: 5AM, 5:30AM, 6AM, 6:30AM, 7AM, 7:30AM, 8AM, 2:30PM
• Upcoming Availabilities: Sky Island 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