The Airport View Trail is one of Sedona’s best short scenic walks, offering nonstop panoramas without the effort of a longer hike. Stretching along the spine of Airport Mesa, the trail links two of the area’s most popular viewpoints — the Airport Mesa Viewpoint and the Sedona Airport Overlook — giving you a front-row seat to Sedona’s major landmarks. In just a few minutes of walking, you’ll experience classic Sedona geology, open slickrock shelves, and wide, unobstructed horizons in every direction. Whether you’re looking for an easy add-on after visiting the overlooks or a low-effort hike with maximum views, the Airport View Trail delivers one of northern Arizona‘s most rewarding short experiences.
Airport View/Mesa Highlights – At a Glance
Sedona’s best low-effort panorama trail – Few short walks in Sedona deliver this much scenery for so little effort. The Airport View Trail runs along the rim of Airport Mesa, offering wide-open vistas almost every step of the way.
Nonstop red rock views – The trail connects two major viewpoints — the Airport Mesa Vortex Site and the Sedona Airport Overlook — with sweeping sights of Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Thunder Mountain, and the surrounding mesas and valleys.
Classic slickrock and open mesa terrain – Expect stretches of bare sandstone, small ledges, and gently sloping slickrock shelves. The trail feels exposed and airy, with outstanding visibility in every direction and incredible lighting at golden hour.
Perfect quick addition to any Sedona itinerary – Whether you’re already visiting the Airport Overlook or looking for a short, high-reward walk between longer hikes, the Airport View Trail is an easy, photogenic option. It’s one of Sedona’s simplest ways to enjoy big scenery without committing to a full hike.
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Airport View Trail & Sedona: Location and Map
The Airport View Trail is located atop Airport Mesa in central Sedona, Arizona, just south of downtown and directly beside the small Sedona Airport.
How to Get to the Airport View Trail in Sedona
The Airport View Trail is easily reached by car. There is no public transportation or shuttle service to this trailhead, so driving is the only practical option.
Driving times to Sedona, AZ
- Phoenix, AZ: 190 km / 120 mi – about 2 hours
- Flagstaff, AZ: 50 km / 30 mi – about 1 hour
- Grand Canyon (South Rim): 180 km / 110 mi – about 2.5 hours
- Prescott, AZ: 95 km / 60 mi – about 1.5 hours
- Page, AZ: 250 km / 160 mi – about 3 hours
- Las Vegas, NV: 475 km / 300 mi – about 5 hours
These times assume good weather and minimal stops.
If you need to book a rental vehicle for your hiking excursion, we highly recommend using Discover Cars to get the best rates on your rental in Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
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Airport View Trail Access, Fees, and Parking
Trailhead location: The Airport View Trail begins near the Airport Mesa Viewpoint parking area on Airport Road (link to Google Maps), perched atop the broad mesa just beside Sedona’s small airport. It’s only a 5–7 minute drive from downtown Sedona and extremely easy to access.
Parking lots: The eastern parking lot (Airport Mesa Viewpoint) has limited space and fills quickly every day — sunrise and sunset are especially busy since this is one of Sedona’s most popular viewpoints. The lot is paved and only holds about 10–12 cars. There is some quick turnover, however, as many just come for the viewpoint and not the trail. Parking here is free (as of 2025).
The western lot (Sedona Airport Lookout) is significantly larger and can hold at least 40 vehicles. However, there typically is a small fee to park here ($3). Payment is made at the on-site kiosk.
Facilities: As of 2025, there are no restrooms at the Airport View Trailhead. The nearest public restrooms are at the Sedona Airport terminal (a short drive up the hill).
Trail opening Hours: Open daily 24/7.
Airport View Trail Entrance Fees
No hiking permits or Red Rock Passes are required to access the Airport View Trail. The only cost you may encounter is parking, which varies depending on where you find a spot.
Airport View Trail Details and Map
Distance: 1.4 miles (2.3 km)
Route Type: Out & Back
Elevation change: 196 ft / 60 m (difference between trail high and low point)
Elevation gain: 216 ft / 66 m (cumulative elevation gain)
AllTrails rating (2025): 4.6, 4682 ratings
Duration: Most people complete the full trail in 30-45 minutes
Not an AllTrails member yet? We highly recommend signing up for either their free or paid membership plans. The free plan allows you to find new trails and plan routes but it can only be used while hiking if you have access to mobile data. The paid membership plan (AllTrails+) allows you to download trail maps for offline use and provides live progress updates and off-route notifications.
If you are still uncertain – you should know that the All Trails mobile application was voted the 2023 iPhone App of the Year by Apple.
We find that AllTrails is a great tool to have when hiking, particularly for assisting with navigation when the trail is hard to locate and to help monitor your progress along the trail, which helps estimate how much time you’ll need to complete the trail.
Additional Trail Details
Canine companions: Dogs are allowed on the Airport View Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Trail environment – The Airport View Trail traverses the eastern slopes of Airport Mesa, offering wide-open panoramas almost from the first steps. The landscape alternates between desert scrub, pockets of juniper and prickly pear, and broad sections of tilted slickrock. Shade is minimal throughout the trail, particularly midday.
Route signage – The trail is straightforward and well-signed at both ends, with clear markers indicating the route toward either the Airport Mesa Viewpoint or the Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook. Navigation is generally simple, but pay attention to junctions near the viewpoint parking area and road crossings.
Trail surface / Technical aspects – Although non-technical, the trail includes a mix of packed dirt, uneven rock, and gently sloped slickrock benches. Some areas require careful footing, particularly after rain when the polished rock becomes slippery. A few short sections run close to the edge of the mesa, but these are manageable for most hikers. Sturdy footwear with good traction is recommended, especially for the steeper or angled slickrock segments.
Slope grade: The average slope grade is approximately 6%, which is considered a mild grade, with several easy ups and downs as the trail contours along the side of the mesa. Most of the elevation gain is gradual. If starting from the east car park and viewpoint, the outgoing leg will mostly be uphill and vice versa.
Trail difficulty level assessment (based on our personal assessment, taking into account the trail length, slope grade and trail surface) :
Very Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderately Challenging | Challenging
Overall, the Airport View Trail is rated Very Easy. The distance is short, elevation changes are mild, and no technical scrambling is required. While the walking surface is occasionally uneven, this shouldn’t represent a challenge for the vast majority of hikers. This was the easiest trail of all those we hiked in Sedona.
Airport View Trail Description and Summary
The Airport View Trail is a short but scenic hike that links the Airport Mesa Viewpoint with the Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook, offering expansive views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations along the way. Despite its relatively easy rating, the trail delivers a surprisingly immersive desert experience with panoramic vistas, slickrock stretches, and desert vegetation interspersed with pockets of juniper and prickly pear.
Starting from the Airport Mesa parking area, the trail quickly leaves the road behind to climb gently along the mesa’s northern slope. From the very start, sweeping views of Uptown Sedona and the surrounding cliffs set the tone. The path meanders along the mesa, alternating between dirt track, loose rock, and polished slickrock surfaces. Small undulations provide just enough elevation change to keep the hike interesting without making it strenuous.
It won’t take long before you reach the Sedona Airport Overlook. A short detour here leads to an open viewpoint, perfect for photographing the town below and the surrounding red rocks.
Once you return to the Airport Mesa carpark, if you didn’t before starting your hike, make the short climb up to the Airport Mesa Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views towards the south and Cathedral Rock.
If you still have energy left, you can still climb the short hill to the east of the car park. Many gather here to enjoy the sunrise.
Overall, the Airport View Trail is a compact, rewarding hike. It’s perfect for casual hikers, families, and anyone seeking a quick Sedona adventure with minimal effort but maximum views. The combination of open desert, panoramic red rock vistas, and accessible trail surfaces makes it one of the most approachable yet visually striking hikes in town.
Airport View Trail Variants and Add-Ons
Airport Loop Trail
Instead of returning the way you came, continue along the network of paths that loop around Airport Mesa. This loop offers additional panoramic views, including a stunning overlook of Cathedral Rock and the Courthouse Butte area. Completing the loop gives a more complete tour of the mesa’s ridges and overlooks, making it ideal for sunrise or sunset hikes.
Airport View Trail Hiking Tips
Hiking Experience
The Airport View Trail and its popular Airport Loop offer an easy, family-friendly hike with minimal elevation gain. The route mostly follows gently sloping paths across open mesa and slickrock
Cell Service
Cell coveragCell coverage along the trail is generally intermittent. You may get a signal near the Sedona Airport parking area, but don’t rely on it for navigation or emergencies.
Leave No Trace
Stick to established paths and avoid stepping on fragile vegetation or slickrock edges. Airport Mesa’s desert ecosystem, including small shrubs and cryptobiotic soil, can take decades to recover from disturbance. Pack out all trash and leave the trail as you found it.
Bugs
Insects are minimal for most of the year. A few gnats or flies may appear during warmer months, especially after rain, but mosquitoes and ticks are rare. Repellent is generally unnecessary.
Equipment
No technical gear is required. Wear sturdy shoes with good traction for slickrock sections and rocky paths. Bring water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), and trekking poles if desired for stability on steeper mesa edges.
Weather and Exposure
The trail is mostly exposed, with very limited shade across the open mesa.
- Monsoon season (July–September): Watch for lightning and sudden flash floods, particularly in the pools and canyon areas.
- Summer: Start early (before 8 a.m.) or hike later in the afternoon to avoid peak heat.
- Winter: Cooler temperatures make for crisp, quiet hikes. Watch for icy patches on shaded rocks after frost or light snow.
Current Trail Conditions
Check the Coconino National Forest Alerts page for updates on trail conditions or temporary closures.
Best Time to Hike the Trail
Sedona’s high desert climate means the trail can be hiked year-round, but conditions vary dramatically by season:
Spring (March–May):
One of the best times to visit. Temperatures range from 60–80°F (15–27°C), wildflowers begin to bloom, and visibility is excellent. Afternoon winds are common in March and April.
Summer (June–August):
Hot and dry, with daytime highs often above 95°F (35°C). Early morning and late evening hikes are most comfortable. Always bring extra water and watch for monsoon storms in late July through early September.
Fall (September–October):
Another ideal season. Temperatures drop back into the 70s–80s°F (21–30°C), and the light creates rich red and golden hues on the cliffs. Crowds thin out slightly after October.
Winter (November–February):
Cool, quiet, and beautiful. Highs average 50–60°F (10–16°C), with cold mornings and occasional frost on the trail. Light snow on the red rocks can make for striking photos — just watch for slick sections on shaded rock.
Quick Summary – When to Visit
For the most comfortable conditions and best lighting, spring and fall are ideal.
Summer is manageable with an early or late start and proper sun protection.
Winter offers solitude and crisp air — just dress in layers and watch for icy spots on the descent.
Hiking Packing List
All Trails subscription – This comes in really handy for areas with little or no cell reception, as the annual subscription allows you to download trail maps for offline use.
External Battery – If you are using your phone to track your progress along the trail or to help with navigation, you certainly don’t want your phone to die on you. That’s especially true in the unlikely event that you might get hurt or need assistance.
Hiking poles – These can be particularly useful in steep trails or muddy/boggy trail conditions.
Water Filter Bottle – The Life Straw bottle is an advanced water bottle with a filter that not only improves water taste but more importantly filters out bacteria and parasites, chemicals and microplastics.
Headlamp – very practical and a smart choice if you plan to start your hike before sunrise or finish it after sunset.
About Sedona & Red Rock Country
Where the Desert Meets the Pines: Nestled among Arizona’s iconic red rock formations, Sedona sits at the crossroads of desert and highland forest. Towering sandstone spires rise above juniper-covered plateaus, while oak-filled canyons hide cool streams and shaded trails. The contrast of vivid red cliffs against blue skies and green pines makes Sedona one of the most photogenic landscapes in the American Southwest.
A Landscape Shaped by Time: Sedona’s red rocks are part of the ancient Schnebly Hill Formation — layers of iron-rich sandstone sculpted by millions of years of erosion. The result is a wonderland of mesas, buttes, and cliffs that glow deep crimson at sunrise and sunset. This dramatic geology forms the heart of the Coconino National Forest and the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness, protecting hundreds of miles of hiking trails and viewpoints.
A Hub for Outdoor Adventure: From short, scenic walks to challenging summit climbs, Sedona offers hiking for every level. Iconic trails like Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and Bell Rock draw visitors from around the world, while lesser-known routes such as Doe Mountain and Fay Canyon reveal quieter corners of the landscape. Beyond hiking, Sedona is a hub for mountain biking, jeep tours, and stargazing under some of Arizona’s clearest night skies.
A Spiritual and Cultural Destination: Long before it became a modern resort town, this region was home to the Yavapai and Apache peoples, whose history remains deeply tied to the land. Today, Sedona is also known for its vibrant arts community and its reputation as a place of renewal, with “energy vortexes” and meditation sites attracting visitors seeking connection and calm amid the red rocks.
Gateway to Northern Arizona: Located between Flagstaff and the Verde Valley, Sedona makes an ideal base for exploring the broader region — from the ancient cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle to the scenic switchbacks of Oak Creek Canyon and the high desert plateaus beyond. Whether you’re here to hike, photograph, or simply take in the views, Sedona captures the essence of Arizona’s wild beauty.
Some of Our Other Nearby Favorite Trails
Soldier Pass Trail – A must-do for those seeking a mix of natural landmarks, geological wonders, and classic Sedona red rock adventure. The trail begins in a scenic desert wash before climbing gradually into the rugged foothills of the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness. Along the way, you’ll encounter some of Sedona’s most iconic features — the dramatic collapse of Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, the reflective pools of Seven Sacred Pools, and towering cliffs of vibrant sandstone layered with desert vegetation.
Teacup & Sugarloaf Loop – A local favorite that combines moderate climbing with panoramic views, this loop connects the Teacup and Sugarloaf trails right in the heart of Sedona. The short ascent up Sugarloaf Mountain rewards hikers with 360° views of Coffee Pot Rock, Thunder Mountain, and the greater Red Rock range.
Cathedral Rock Trail – One of Sedona’s most iconic hikes, Cathedral Rock Trail is short but steep, rewarding climbers with dramatic views and the chance to ascend directly on the sandstone fins. The trail winds through a narrow desert wash before rising sharply via well-placed rock steps and short scrambles. Those willing to tackle the final steep section are treated to an unforgettable panorama of the surrounding red rock formations, Oak Creek Valley, and distant mesas — a classic Sedona viewpoint that has become a favorite for sunrise and sunset photography. Even casual hikers can enjoy the lower portions of the trail for a taste of the vibrant sandstone scenery without committing to the full climb.
For more hiking inspiration, check out our complete guide to Sedona’s Best Hiking Trails, featuring detailed descriptions, difficulty levels, and local tips for planning your adventures.
Where to Stay in Sedona
If you’re looking for comfortable, well-located lodging in Sedona without splurging on luxury, here are four of the best mid-range options. These hotels and resorts put you within easy reach of popular hiking trails, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and Sedona’s shops and restaurants. Most include free WiFi, parking, and convenient amenities, making them solid bases for exploring the area.
GreenTree Inn Sedona
What sets it apart: affordable comfort with a quiet, convenient location near Uptown Sedona.
Clean, well-appointed rooms, complimentary breakfast, and friendly service make this a reliable choice for hikers and families alike. Its easy access to main roads ensures a quick drive to trailheads while still offering a peaceful stay.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club – Sedona Ridge
What sets it apart: Spacious suites ideal for families or longer stays.
Featuring full kitchens, separate living areas, and a resort-style outdoor pool, this property combines convenience with extra space. Guests can enjoy easy access to nearby trails and Sedona’s scenic viewpoints, making it perfect for those who want both comfort and flexibility.
Arabella Hotel Sedona
What sets it apart: Classic mid-range hotel with a touch of style and excellent amenities.
Offering outdoor pools, on-site dining, and clean, comfortable rooms, Arabella is an easy pick for travellers seeking a balance of affordability and quality. Its central location also makes it a convenient home base for exploring both Uptown Sedona and nearby Red Rock trails.
The Wilde Resort and Spa
What sets it apart: A modern, boutique-inspired option with a spa and scenic views.
The Wilde combines well-designed rooms with amenities like a hot tub, fitness center, and easy access to nearby hiking. Ideal for those who want a bit more flair without going full luxury.
Booking Tip: Sedona lodgings can fill up quickly, particularly in spring and fall when temperatures are ideal for hiking, as well as on weekends. Early reservations are strongly recommended to secure the best rates and rooms.
Explore More Arizona
Continue exploring Arizona with these detailed travel guides:
Best Things to See and Do in Page
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Marble Canyon Guide
Photography Gear
If you like our photography, you might be interested in some of the gear we use to shoot our travel and hiking destinations.
Camera Body – Nikon Z 6ii Fx-series Mirrorless Body
Main Lens – NIKON 24-120mm F/4G ED VR AF-S
Zoom Lens – Sigma 745-306 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Polarizing filters – Urth Circular Polarizing (CPL)
Camera Tripod – K&F Concept 64-inch Camera Tripod
Mini-tripod – Lammcou Flexible Camera Tripod
Camera/hiking backpack – Vanguard Alta Rise 48 Backpack
Universal Travel Adapter – VYLEE Universal International Power Travel Plug
Other Travel Essentials
Travel Insurance
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e-Sim cards
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eSIMS are a sustainable alternative to single-use SIM cards – they are 100% digital, require less energy to produce and be re-used rather than disposed of.
Car Rentals
Discover Cars is our go-to website for car rentals. We almost always find our preferred rate there.
Transfer from Airport
Welcome Pickups is our favourite private transfer service, which you can pre-book at a fixed price. Currently available in 220 cities all over the world (mostly in Europe, but with several major cities in Asia, the Middle East and the US).
Kiwitaxi is another private transfer service – we haven’t tried it yet, but it’s currently available in a few more countries (102 as of 2024).
Hotels and Accommodations (coming soon)
Photography Prints
If you found this blog useful, you can help support our blog by purchasing low-cost digital prints. Printed physical prints are also available for purchase.
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Well, that wraps it up! We hope you enjoyed our Sedona Hiking Guide for the Airport View Trail and that it will prove useful for planning your hiking trip.
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