Sedona Dark Sky Night Hike: Thermal imaging & sunset

Thermal imaging monoculars let you see animals in the dark that your eyes can't reach.

A three-hour private guided night hike in Sedona combines sunset viewing with stargazing under the Dark Sky, led by a guide who chooses the trail based on your fitness level. The hike includes thermal and night vision monoculars with 4K cameras, headlamps, trail snacks, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and parking. Private transportation picks you up and brings you back. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.

The experience

Three hours takes you from dusk into full darkness across a custom trail in Red Rock Country. Your private guide picks the route based on your fitness and interests (the difficulty ranges from easy to hard), so the hike fits what you can handle. You start at sunset, watching the sky shift through colors while your guide shows you places most visitors never reach. Once the light goes, the headlamps come on and the real night begins.

The thermal imaging monoculars are the difference here. They pick up heat signatures from animals over 1,500 feet away, letting you spot wildlife moving through the dark that would otherwise stay invisible. The 4K cameras built into them mean you can actually capture what you see instead of just remembering it. A black light and echolocation detector round out the gear, tuned to the creatures that come alive after sunset. Along the way, your guide points out edible and medicinal plants, geological features, and the desert life adapted to this landscape.

Inclusions cover the practical side: Red Rock Pass parking, private transportation both ways, a private hiking guide, headlamps and night vision gear, trail snacks (granola bar, fruit leather, nuts, jerky, and more), bottled water, LaCroix sparkling water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and weather gear like hoodies or beanies depending on the season. Dietary restrictions are accommodated with snack substitutions. After the hike, the team provides free maps if you want to plan self-guided hikes on your own.

What’s included

• Red Rock Pass parking fees.
• private transportation to and from your location.
• a private hiking guide who customizes the trail to your fitness level.
• thermal and night vision monoculars with 4K cameras, headlamps, a black light, and an echolocation detector.
• packaged trail snacks and bottled water.
• 50UPF hoodies, 30SPF sunscreen, cooling spray, and insect repellent.
• cold weather gear including beanies, gloves, and neck gaiters.
• LaCroix sparkling water.
• and free self-guided hike maps after your experience.

Information

Lasts 3h, runs every day at 16:30 and 17:00, from US$ 225 per person, with a live guide in English, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Saturday: 16:30 and 17:00Saturday: 16:30Another time? ›

GroupPrivate2 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to2d before

AgesUp to age 85

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Trail Lovers Excursions

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want thermal imaging to spot nocturnal animals and a private guide who adjusts the trail difficulty to your fitness level, so you can focus on sunset photography and stargazing rather than route-finding.

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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.

What animals might I see on the Sedona night hike?

The hike exposes you to highly adapted desert creatures active at night, and the thermal imaging monoculars let you spot wildlife from over 1,500 feet away: the specific animals depend on the season and the trail your guide chooses based on current activity in the area.

How difficult is the hiking trail?

The difficulty ranges from easy to hard, and your private guide customizes the route based on your fitness level and interests, so you hike at a pace that works for you.

What happens if the weather is cold?

Cold weather extras are included: beanies, gloves, neck gaiters, and micro spikes if needed, so you stay warm and safe on the trail.

Can I take photos during the night hike?

The thermal imaging monoculars come equipped with 4K HD cameras, so you can capture animal sightings and other moments from the hike. The guide also points out photography opportunities throughout the experience.

What's included in the trail snacks?

The packaged snacks include a granola bar, fruit leather, fruit bar, almond butter, trail cookies, applesauce, mixed nuts, and beef jerky. Dietary restrictions are accommodated with substitutions.