Doe Mountain hike Sedona: Summit red rocks

From the top of Doe Mountain, you see every red rock in Sedona at once.

A private guided hike to the summit of Doe Mountain in Sedona takes roughly three hours and puts you above the Upper Sonoran Desert with views of all four vortex sites, thirteen named rock formations, and three wilderness areas. The trail climbs steeply along the north side of the mesa to an isolated summit built for photography and panoramic sightlines. A private guide, hiking gear, snacks and water are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Doe Mountain summit

• Start hike at Doe Mountain trailhead
• Ascend rapidly north side of Doe Mountain
• Reach summit of Doe Mountain
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sedona red rocks
• View Sedona's four vortex sites from summit
• Take photos of surrounding wilderness areas
• Descend back down Doe Mountain trail

The experience

The hike works for a quick sunrise or sunset push, or a midday workout with family or colleagues. You start on the north side of Doe Mountain and ascend rapidly to the summit, where the payoff is immediate: from that single vantage point, you can identify Bear Mountain, Fay Canyon, Boynton Canyon, Thunder Mountain, Wilson Mountain, Mescal Mountain, Secret Mountain, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Chimney Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Sacred Kachina Woman. The three wilderness areas visible from the top (Secret Mountain, Munds Mountain, and Sycamore Canyon) frame the scale of what you're standing in.

Your guide handles the route and the pacing. You bring moderate fitness and a willingness to move fast. The trail is aggressive but short, and the summit itself is excellent for photography or simply standing still and taking in the scope. Gear is provided: Osprey backpack, trekking poles, headlamps, and rain ponchos for weather shifts. Snacks include granola, fruit leather, nuts, beef jerky, and almond butter (substitutions made for dietary needs) plus bottled water and LaCroix. Warm-weather extras (50UPF hoodies, sunscreen, cooling spray, insect repellant) and cold-weather gear (beanies, gloves, neck gaiters, micro spikes) come with the booking depending on the season.

Private transportation to the trailhead is included, and the Red Rock Pass parking fee is covered. After the hike, your guide can provide free maps for self-guided exploration of other trails in the area if you want to keep moving.

What’s included

• Your private guide leads the hike in English.
• private transportation to the trailhead and Red Rock Pass parking fee are covered.
• hiking gear includes an Osprey backpack, trekking poles, headlamps, and rain ponchos.
• warm-weather extras include 50UPF hoodies, 30SPF sunscreen, cooling spray, and insect repellant.
• cold-weather gear includes beanies, gloves, neck gaiters, and micro spikes.
• trail snacks include granola bar, fruit leather, fruit bar, almond butter, trail cookies, applesauce, mixed nuts, and beef jerky with substitutions for dietary needs.
• bottled water and LaCroix sparkling water for all hikers.
• free self-guided hike maps provided after your tour.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 05:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to2d before

AgesUp to age 75

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Trail Lovers Excursions

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see all four Sedona vortex sites and the full panorama of red rocks from one summit, rather than multiple shorter hikes around different viewpoints.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I do this hike at sunrise or sunset?

Yes. The trail is designed for a quick sunrise or sunset push, and the summit is excellent for photography at either end of the day. Headlamps are included in your gear.

What are the four vortex sites in Sedona, and can I really see them all from Doe Mountain?

Sedona's four vortex sites are Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa. From the Doe Mountain summit, all four are visible in the panorama around you.

How steep is the trail, and what fitness level do I need?

The trail ascends rapidly along the north side of Doe Mountain and is described as aggressive, though the total distance is covered in roughly three hours. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to manage the pace and elevation gain.

What's included in the snacks, and can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Trail snacks include a granola bar, fruit leather, fruit bar, almond butter, trail cookies, applesauce, mixed nuts, and beef jerky. Substitutions are made for dietary restrictions. Let your guide know when you book.

Do I need to bring my own water or hiking gear?

No. Bottled water and LaCroix are provided for all hikers. Hiking gear included with your booking covers an Osprey backpack, trekking poles, headlamps, rain ponchos, and seasonal extras like hoodies, sunscreen, and micro spikes depending on weather.

What can I see from the summit besides the red rocks?

From Doe Mountain's summit you can see three major wilderness areas: Secret Mountain Wilderness, Munds Mountain Wilderness, and Sycamore Canyon Wilderness, along with thirteen named rock formations and all four of Sedona's vortex sites.