Fall in Sedona transforms its iconic red rocks into a magical landscape where vibrant autumn colors contrast beautifully against the rusty cliffs. As temperatures cool down, it’s the perfect time for families to explore Sedona’s incredible trails without the summer heat. I’ve rounded up the most picture-perfect hikes that combine easy terrain for little legs with jaw-dropping scenery worthy of filling your Instagram feed!
1. Bell Rock Pathway: Nature’s Perfect Frame
My kids went absolutely wild the first time we rounded the corner and spotted Bell Rock’s distinctive shape rising from the desert floor! This gentle 1.5-mile trail offers constant views of one of Sedona’s most recognizable formations, making it impossible to take a bad photo.
The path is mostly flat with some minor elevation changes, perfect for families with children of all ages. Fall brings golden cottonwoods that create stunning natural frames for your Bell Rock snapshots.
Bonus: If you time your hike for late afternoon, the setting sun bathes the entire formation in a warm glow that’ll make your Instagram followers think you’ve applied the perfect filter – when it’s actually just Sedona’s natural magic!
2. Cathedral Rock via Easy Access Trail: Iconic Red Rock Majesty
Though the main Cathedral Rock trail can be challenging, few families know about the easier access point near Back O’ Beyond Road that offers frame-worthy views without the difficult climb! We discovered this gem during our third Sedona trip, and it’s been our go-to ever since.
From this vantage point, you’ll capture Cathedral Rock’s spires against a backdrop of fall’s changing colors. The reflection of this magnificent formation in Oak Creek creates a mirror image that seems designed specifically for social media glory.
While some minor scrambling might be required, most school-aged kids handle it easily. My 7-year-old proudly led the way last October, stopping every few minutes to pose dramatically against the towering rocks!
3. West Fork Trail: Creek-Side Color Explosion
If you’re chasing those classic fall foliage shots, West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon will make your heart skip a beat! Unlike the red rock trails, this 3-mile path (6 miles round trip, but you can turn around anytime) follows a creek through a canyon bursting with maples, oaks, and sycamores.
My family counts the 13 creek crossings like a treasure hunt, hopping across stepping stones while giggling at our reflections in the crystal-clear water. The canyon walls create a natural corridor that frames your photos perfectly.
Arrive early to beat crowds and catch the morning light filtering through colorful leaves. My daughter collected fallen maple leaves in every shade from crimson to gold during our last visit – they made for an adorable impromptu photo prop!
4. Airport Mesa Loop: Sunrise Spectacle for Early Birds
Whoever wakes up my teenagers before dawn deserves a medal, but Airport Mesa’s sunrise views are worth the effort! This 3.5-mile loop offers 360-degree panoramas of Sedona’s most famous formations bathed in that magical morning light photographers dream about.
The trail itself isn’t particularly difficult, though there are some exposed sections where you’ll want to keep little ones close. Fall mornings often bring a slight mist that hovers between the rocks, creating an ethereal quality in photos that no filter can replicate.
After completing half the loop, we found a perfect breakfast picnic spot overlooking Coffee Pot Rock. Something about munching apple slices while gazing at rock formations named after household items sent my kids into fits of giggles – and made for wonderfully candid Instagram moments!
5. Fay Canyon: Secret Fall Wonderland
How have more people not discovered Fay Canyon? This hidden gem offers a shaded 2.4-mile round trip hike through a box canyon with walls that seem to change color throughout the day. Unlike more popular trails, we’ve rarely encountered crowds here, giving us plenty of time to set up those perfect family shots.
The trail gradually reveals more dramatic scenery as you progress, with the payoff being a natural arch about halfway through (though it requires a short unmarked side trail to reach). Fall transforms the canyon floor with splashes of yellow and orange from cottonwoods and oaks.
My 10-year-old son declared this his favorite hike after spotting a family of mule deer grazing peacefully among fallen leaves. The gentle terrain makes this accessible for even your youngest hikers while still delivering those wow-worthy backdrops.
6. Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trail: The Ultimate Photo Op
Though Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s most photographed natural arch, most families don’t realize there’s an easier route! Instead of the main trailhead, we park at Mescal and take the less crowded path that offers gorgeous scenery the entire way.
The final approach requires a moderate climb up natural rock stairs, but the payoff is worth every step. The iconic arch creates the perfect frame for family photos, with fall’s golden light making the red rocks positively glow. Just be prepared to wait your turn for that signature shot on the bridge!
My normally cautious daughter surprised us by confidently walking out onto the bridge for her photo. Though it looks precarious, the bridge is wider than it appears in photos – still, hold little hands and stay well back from edges. The surrounding valley sprinkled with autumn colors creates a stunning backdrop from every angle.
7. Broken Arrow Trail: Jeep-Free Adventure
While Jeep tours rumble along parts of this trail, the first mile of Broken Arrow offers family-friendly hiking with scenery that rivals any in Sedona. We stumbled upon this gem when our original hiking plans fell through, and now it’s a must-visit every fall trip!
The trail meanders through juniper trees and past massive red rock formations like Submarine Rock and Chicken Point. In autumn, the contrast between the rusty rocks, evergreen junipers, and patches of golden grasses creates a photographer’s paradise. My kids love scrambling on the smaller rock formations that line the trail.
If you’re feeling adventurous, a short spur trail leads to the “Devil’s Dining Room” sinkhole – safely fenced but still impressive. Just be aware that you’ll share portions of the trail with Pink Jeep Tours, which actually adds a fun element as drivers often wave and share interesting facts as they pass by.
8. Red Rock Crossing: Creekside Magic at Oak Creek
Though technically not a hike, the short walk from the parking area at Red Rock Crossing to Oak Creek provides possibly the most iconic view in all of Sedona, Arizona. Cathedral Rock reflected in the calm waters of Oak Creek has graced countless magazine covers, and fall adds an extra dimension of magic.
Bring water shoes! My kids spent hours building tiny stone dams in the creek while I snapped photos of Cathedral Rock framed by golden cottonwoods. The shallow creek areas are perfect for splashing, even in autumn when temperatures remain mild during daytime.
After capturing the classic reflection shot, wander along the creek to find your own private spot. We discovered a perfect picnic rock last October where fallen leaves floated by like tiny boats. The combination of running water, fall colors, and towering red rocks creates a sensory experience that’s as memorable as the photos you’ll take.
9. Courthouse Butte Loop: Circle of Wonder
While everyone crowds around Bell Rock, few continue on to complete the 4-mile Courthouse Butte Loop – their loss is your Instagram gain! This moderately challenging trail circles completely around one of Sedona’s most impressive formations, offering constantly changing perspectives that keep even the most screen-obsessed teens engaged.
The back side of the loop feels wonderfully remote, with fewer hikers and plenty of natural platforms for family photos. Fall brings a special quality to the light here, especially in late afternoon when the slanting sun makes the rocks appear to glow from within.
My family plays “shape spotters” along this trail, finding faces and animals in the rock formations. Last year my youngest spotted what perfectly resembled a sleeping dragon on the eastern face of Courthouse Butte, complete with scales created by the striations in the rock. These playful moments often make for the most authentic and joyful Instagram captures.
10. Soldier Pass Trail: Seven Sacred Pools Spectacle
If your family loves a treasure hunt, Soldier Pass delivers natural wonders at every turn! The trail features not one but three Instagram-worthy highlights: Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and if you’re ambitious, the hidden Soldier Pass Cave.
The Seven Sacred Pools, a series of natural rock basins that fill with water, create perfect reflecting pools after rainfall. In fall, these pools mirror the changing colors of surrounding trees and the brilliant blue Arizona sky. Though the 4.5-mile round trip might be long for very young children, the main attractions appear within the first mile.
My 8-year-old became an impromptu tour guide during our visit, proudly explaining to other hikers how the pools were formed. The morning light catching the water droplets as they cascade from one pool to the next created magical rainbow effects that had us all reaching for our phones simultaneously!
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