Sunrise in Sedona – 19 Best Spots For Your Bucket list

Watching a glorious sunrise in Sedona is one of the best things to experience when you plan a trip to this desert town.

Packed with gorgeous geological wonders, including vortexes and red rocks, you have plenty of spots to watch the golden, bright orange and yellow sunshine colours transform the panoramas into beautiful scapes.

In addition to Sedona Sunsets, add watching the sunrise to your itinerary, especially if you love early mornings.

The distinct landmarks make these early dawn hours special, surreal views you will remember for a long time.

No wonder photographers from all around the world flock to capture the phenomenal spectacle every day.

If you are visiting Phoenix, check these guides for the best Phoenix Sunrise spots and the best places to watch a stunning sunset in Phoenix.

BEST PLACES TO WATCH SUNRISE IN SEDONA

DEVIL’S BRIDGE

• Difficulty – Moderate
• Distance – 6 miles round trip (out and back)
• Duration – About an hour
• Parking – Limited parking available from Monday to Wednesday

One of the popular spots for watching a calming sunrise in Sedona is Devil’s Bridge, which can be accessed via the Chuck Wagon trail.

It is a 2-mile trail one way that is primarily flat and takes about an hour. But wear proper hiking shoes as the path has many rocks.

You have the parking at the Chuck Wagon Trailhead lot off Boynton Pass Road.

If you want a shorter trail, you can drive a 4×4 vehicle directly to Devil’s Bridge Trail.

You will arrive at the Devil’s Bridge Trail junction that opens to stunning panoramas of the bridge gleaming with different shades of colours, making it a fantastic Sedona sunrise hiking trail.

DRY CREEK VISTA

One of the easily accessible places to enjoy a fantastic sunrise is Sedona Dry Creek Vista, a dry river bed famous for its splendid views of rock formations.

It is one of the routes you can add if you are hiking the Devil’s Bridge as not only does this trail lead there, but the vista is also popular among bikers.

You can park your vehicle in the lot after you drive along Dry Creek Road for a short distance.

Follow the trail close to the lot that will take you on a 2.3-mile-long journey opening to stunning vistas.

This route is also used by high-clearance vehicles frequently, so take care hiking here.

SOLDIER PASS TRAIL

• Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
• Distance – 2.6 miles out and back
• Duration – 30 minutes
• Parking – Available at Jordan Road parking lot

Sedona’s most accessible trail for witnessing a sunrise is the Soldier Pass trail, which passes through different caves, pools, and even sinkholes.

Recommended – A Complete Guide To Hiking The Soldier’s Pass Trail, Sedona

You can access the Soldier Pass trail via Cibola Pass Trail, with a mile total hike length. For parking, you can use the Jordan Road parking lot.

This is a popular trail as it covers two famous landmarks in Sedona, the famous Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools, before arriving at the Soldier Pass Cave.

This trail, open throughout the year, is very popular for mountain biking, running, and trekking.

The best time to do this hike is after rainy months as the pools will be full.

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SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN

• Difficulty – Moderate
• Distance – 1.6 miles out and back
• Duration – One hour
• Parking – Limited parking available

One of the trails you can enjoy to watch a sunset as well as a sunrise in Sedona is Sugarloaf Mountain, which you can access using the Teacup Trail from the parking lot towards the Sugar Loaf Loop Trail. 

Since Sugarloaf Mountain towers over a valley of large Sedona red rock formations, it is the ideal viewpoint for watching a sunrise in Sedona.

After parking in the Sugarloaf Trailhead parking area, you can hike on the Teacup Trail, a short walk on a flat path that will take you to Sugarloaf Loop Trail.

To reach the top, you’ll climb 250 feet summit, which, although steep, is not very long.

The early morning hot air balloons sail off in the distance as a beautiful sunrise greets you in Sedona and spectacular 360-degree views of the city.

DOE MOUNTAIN

• Difficulty – Easy
• Distance – 1.7 miles out and back
• Duration – 20 to 30 minutes
• Parking – Limited Parking

Whether it is a Sedona sunset or a sunrise, Doe Mountain is one of the famous places, thanks to its gorgeous 360-degree views at over 500 feet, which you can watch from the flat point.

Doe Mountain trail is one of the most accessible hikes for watching a beautiful sunrise in Sedona if you are looking for a short trail that will take you about 450 feet.

You will witness a spectacular display of colours above downtown Sedona. You can see Capitol Butte and Verde Valley from here.

The trail begins at the Doe Mountain parking area, and you will pass through the Aerie Trail junction. Continue further on the path, which has a slight incline to reach the top of Doe Mountain in about 30 or 45 minutes.

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BOYNTON CANYON TRAIL

• Difficulty – Moderate
• Distance – 6 miles out and back
• Duration – 2 hours
• Parking – Limited Parking

Also known as Bandito Spire, one of the beautiful landmarks in Arizona is Boynton Canyon, which is also a fantastic spot to watch a colourful sunrise in Sedona.

It’s about 6 miles round trip from the Boynton Canyon trailhead and parking lot, easy and ideal for everyone.

You will pass through another landmark Kachina Woman, an 80-foot weird tall mushroom-like tower towering over the entrance to Boynton Canyon.

You will also reach Subway Cave, another spot worth stopping by for its unique formations. 

It is not a popular place for sunrise, unlike the other sunset spots in Sedona on this list, which makes Boynton Canyon trail a perfect spot for a secluded morning hike.

CATHEDRAL ROCK TRAIL

• Difficulty – Moderate to Difficult
• Distance – 1.4 miles out and back(3+ miles including the spire) 
• Duration – About an hour
• Parking – Limited parking available Monday through Wednesday

Cathedral Rock sunrise is one of the best in Arizona, and it is no surprise, given the gorgeous views you will encounter.

One of the best things about choosing this spot for watching a sunrise in Sedona from this place is that you will witness beautiful panoramas throughout your hike, not just at the Cathedral Rock itself.

Although it is a challenging hike, you will pass through many beautiful points where you can rest and enjoy the views. 

You will arrive at the base of the rock in about some time, opening to stunning views. 

You can continue climbing further after you have admired the views here. 

To the left of the viewpoint, there is another smaller trail leading upwards to the Cathedral spire, which feels slightly more challenging than the journey so far, but soon you will notice that it’s only the rocks.

Recommended – A Complete Guide To Hiking The Cathedral Rock, Sedona

On your way down, be cautious and take care of your steps as they can get slippery. 

If you do both the hikes, it may take about 2 hours and a little more time if you include the time to watch the sunrise and photograph the same.

HIKES FOR A SUNRISE IN SEDONA

FAY CANYON

• Difficulty – Moderate to Difficult
• Distance – 2.5 miles out and back
• Duration – About an hour
• Parking – Limited parking available Monday through Wednesday

Although the views may not be as famous or spectacular as the others, the Fay Canyon trail offers pretty views of the sunrise in Sedona.

At the end of the hike along a rocky path slightly uphill, you will witness a significant rock spire rise in front of you. 

Recommended – A Complete Guide To Hiking The Fay Canyon Trail In Sedona

Unlike the arid landscapes familiar on the other trails in Sedona, you can notice the lush green panoramas, which add to the mystic sunrise views. 

BEAR MOUNTAIN

• Difficulty – Difficult
• Distance – 5 miles out and back
• Duration – About 2 hours
• Parking – Limited Parking

One of the challenging hikes in Arizona is Bear Mountain Trail, which is ideal if you are up for an early morning adventure. 

An easy start that gradually becomes tough as the incline seeps in, it is a perfect trail if you love hiking adventures.

The parking is available at the Doe Mountain parking lot, and the Bear Mountain Trailhead is close. 

It is best to start your hike early, maybe around 2 hours before, with good hiking shoes and a headlamp, as you may need a longer time than usual.

At Bear Mountain Summit, you can witness the magnificent panoramas encompassing the red and orange sandstone cliffs, kissed by the glow of morning light.

If you have timed your visit right, you can even witness the colourful hot air balloons floating in the sky, making Bear Mountain one of the best Sedona sunrise hikes!

BIRTHING CAVE

• Difficulty – Easy
• Distance – 1.5 miles round trip
• Duration – Within 30 minutes
• Parking – Limited parking available

More popular among the locals than the tourists, one of the underrated spots for watching a sunrise in Sedona is Birthing Cave, which gets its name from the sacred powers and teardrop shape.

The best part is that watching a fabulous Sedona sunrise is an easy hike. 

You can start from Long Canyon Trailhead No. 122, a flat trail running for about half a mile, after which you will arrive at the red cliffs.

The cave is close to the cliffs, which you can access manoeuvring through the bush.

Recommended – A complete guide to hiking the Sedona Birthing Cave

At the centre of the cave, nicknamed the belly button, you will notice the best sunrise views and its distinct teardrop shape.

BELL ROCK

• Difficulty – Moderate
• Distance – 3.5 miles out and back
• Duration – About 2 hours
• Parking – Available

One of the stunning landmarks in Sedona, Bell Rock, is one of the first red rock formations that you will notice in the city.

Due to its more accessible trail and gorgeous formations, the Bell Rock Loop Trail is a popular spot among locals and visitors.

Although it is a short trail, the uphill climbing will make it overall a 30-minute journey to get to the base section of Bell Rock from the parking area.

A vast viewing platform offers splendid views of the sunrise in Sedona. 

For more adventure, you can climb further to reach the upper portions of the rock. Also, check out Courthouse Butte in the early morning sunlight.

AIRPORT LOOP TRAIL

On the Sedona view trail, turning left will lead you to the Airport Loop Trail, one of the trails on the Airport Mesa to watch a stunning sunrise in Sedona.

It is a short hike amidst a rocky path opening to magnificent landscape views different from the summit.

Make sure you carry a headlamp on this hike as the area is dark.

MESCAL TRAIL

Among the shortest sunrise hikes in Sedona is the Mescal trail at only a half-mile long one way.

Do not judge by the short route as this easy route is packed with stunning views of red rock formations everywhere.

Continuing on this trail further will go to the famous Devil’s Bridge, so you can combine these to make a half-day trip easily.

RED ROCK CROSSING

Located in Coconino National Forest, one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona is Red Rock Crossing.

You can visit the Red Rock on a day trip, extending your time after watching surreal Sedona sunrise views by cooling off in the river or enjoying a picnic lunch.

No matter which route you take, the Red Rock Crossing hike isn’t long, with all routes being relatively flat and taking only about 20 minutes one way, making it one of the best easy hikes in Sedona.

After parking at the area near Verde Valley Road, go across the street to the right, where you will find the Baldwin trailhead, which is well-marked. 

The trail begins beautifully amidst the junipers and pines as you pass through iconic buttes towering around.

The area opens into a big grassy field, widening further, leading to a sandy stretch to Oak Creek.

The trail begins beautifully amidst the junipers and pines as you pass through iconic buttes towering around.

The area opens into a big grassy field, widening further, leading to a sandy stretch to Oak Creek.

However, if the water levels are low and you are up for fun, you can cross Oak Creek at the end of Verde Valley Road. 

After crossing the creek, you’ll reach the Crescent Moon Day Use Site. 

From here, if you go right, you will reach Buddha Beach. It is only recommended when the water levels are low, and watch out for slippery rocks in the creek. 

MERRY GO ROUND ROCK 

If you are looking for a moderately challenging route to explore the outdoors in the city in the morning, Munds Wagon Trail to Merry Go Round Rock is an excellent choice.

This 6.5-mile out-and-back trail near Sedona, Arizona takes you through many caves, holes, ruins, and water streams on the way, including the views of Munds Mountain and the Teapot.

OTHER PLACES TO ENJOY BEAUTIFUL SEDONA SUNRISE

GO ON ONE OF THE JEEP TOURS

One of the fun things to do in Sedona loved by adventure seekers is the popular Jeep tour that takes you along the routes to discover unsee sections of the wilderness within the heart of the mountainous landscapes.

Since there are plenty of fantastic jeep tours, you can easily pick one to treat yourself to the beautiful sunrise views in Sedona.

Here are some of my recommendations for the best Jeep tours to enjoy Sedona sunrise:

Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure – A very popular 2-hours tour, check out more details here.

Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep – An amazing tour also cover Vortex. Find out more here.

Private Gambler Trail: Rugged 4×4 Hummer Tour in Sedona – Recommended if you are looking for a private tour. Check details here.

You can also rent a Polaris RZR 4-Seat for an entire day – I highly recommend this if you are in a group or a family. Saves money and time. Find more details here.

TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE

If you are looking for a unique, unforgettable experience on your trip, I highly recommend taking a hot air balloon ride over the city to admire the gorgeous morning views in Sedona.

CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS

One of the top attractions in Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is known for its architectural wonder. 

But its excellent location also offers beautiful Sedona sunrise views, and no hike is required to enjoy the spectacle.

WATCH SUNRISE IN SEDONA ON A SCENIC DRIVE

One of my favourite ways of soaking in the blissful views of a sunrise in Sedona is going on a drive.

Depending on how long and how far you want to go, there are plenty of options for road tripping around Sedona where you will be treated to fantastic views.

I have written a detailed guide covering all the routes in this post here, so check this one to pick your drive.

WHERE TO STAY?

APARTMENTS AND LUXURY HOTELS

A Sunset Chateau – This bed and breakfast features an outdoor pool and hot tub, A fully equipped kitchenette and stunning mountain views from select rooms. 

Hiking is possible in the nearby area. A Sunset Chateau is highly loved by families and couples. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Junipine Resort – Offering apartments with a full kitchen and a living room with a fireplace, this resort boasts rustic elegance.

Close to the creek and many attractions, it is one of the best places to indulge. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Enchantment Resort – If you want a luxurious experience, check out Enchantment Resort, known for its spectacular vistas of Boynton Canyon. 

Enjoy luxurious delicacies and outdoor activities, besides enjoying the comforts of suites and villas with private balconies. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Adobe Village Villa with Private Patio – Sunset Villa – Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a patio, Adobe Village Villa with Private Patio – Sunset villa offers access to a balcony and free private parking.

It is one of my favourite recommendations for its rich exteriors and comfortable villas. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Sky Ranch Lodge – Sky Ranch Lodge provides spacious accommodation with a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a bar. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

El Portal Sedona Hotel – El Portal Sedona Hotel is 20 20-minute drive from Red Rock State Park. You can also enjoy a spa bath, which is also featured in some rooms. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Matterhorn Inn – Matterhorn Inn provides excellent accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi throughout the property. The 4-star hotel has mountain views. Check here for the latest prices and deals.

If you are looking for a B&B, I recommend Whispering Creek Bed & Breakfast, which features accommodation with free WiFi, barbecue facilities, a shared lounge and free private parking. They have excellent reviews and great prices. Click here for more details. 

MID-RANGE HOTELS

Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit – Situated in the Sedona Plateau and offering stunning views of the Arizona desert, Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit features studios and one and 2-bedroom suites. Check out their reviews and prices here. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

Sugar Loaf Lodge – Offering a seasonal outdoor pool and a hot tub, Sugar Loaf Lodge is one of the top-rated hotels. Check out rooms and the latest prices here.

MAP OF PLACES FOR SUNRISE IN SEDONA