5 Most Romantic Sedona Hikes

Spring is perhaps the most popular time of the year to visit Sedona. It’s also the best season for romance. Whether you drive up from Phoenix for the weekend or fly in from distant lands, you’ll find plenty of quiet, out-of-the-way hikes to traverse with your sweetie that offer just enough solitude to encourage intimate conversation. 

Sweating it out together in the wild is among the best of dates, as the slight adrenaline rush encourages strong feelings toward your partner. It’s even more so when you top off your hike with a candlelit meal. Where should you go? Here are five of the most romantic Sedona hikes and where to dine afterward.

1. West Fork 

West Fork gets a ton of tourist traffic, but the busiest time occurs in the fall when folks flock in from the Valley to witness the leaves change color in the fall. In the spring, you don’t have to contend with the peepers, although you should still get an early start to find parking. 

This 8-mile trek is fairly easy to moderate — there isn’t much climbing to challenge your athleticism. However, you will cross the creek several times, so please bring waterproof shoes and extra socks, especially if venturing out in early spring mornings when winter hasn’t yet given way to the sun. Bring a camera, as there is plenty to shoot, from the ruins at your journey’s beginning to spectacular red rock wall landscapes contrasted against the waters. 

Post-Hike Dining: The Table at Junipine 

Say hello to a genuine farm-to-table experience. The Table at Junipine features produce grown on-site mixed with wild-foraged Sedona plants and ethically harvested meats. Menus vary by season, but there are always plenty of small plate offerings to encourage sharing. 

2. Slim Shady and Made in the Shade Loop

Head to the Village of Oak Creek for this 2.8-mile loop hike that’s just challenging enough to work your hamstrings and quads, rugged enough to make you feel a little lost, and close enough to nearby buildings to rest your adventure on a firm sense of security. 

What makes it sparkle? Go in the early dawn hours so that you arrive along the highest portion of the Made in the Shade loop and watch the sun rise over Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. It’s especially breathtaking in the spring as Nature mingles the red rocks and golden sunrise among sprays of wildflowers. 

Park at lower Bell Rock trailhead and make your way across the street to start your journey. Although Slim Shady sees a fair amount of mountain bike traffic, thanks to being a handy connection trail between Red Agave Inn and the many trail systems around Cathedral Rock, the Made in the Shade portion offers blissful quiet. 

Post-Hike Dining: Hideaway House

Drive just past Tlaquepaque from the Village to find Hideaway House. The restaurant overlooks Oak Creek with impressive views, and it’s still chilly enough in the spring to enjoy a bowl of their carmelized onion soup. The menu offers various delicious healthy choices at prices that won’t break the bank. 

3. Airport Loop 

For a fabulous, nearly 360­° look at many of Sedona’s most famous red rock formations, take on Airport Loop with your beloved. It’s short enough to do in under three hours without hoofing it too hard, making it the perfect romantic hike if you only have time for a day trip. Finding parking can be challenging at the lower lot, which only has a few spaces. Proceed to the top and pay the small fee for plenty of room, heading down the shorter View trail to reach the Loop. 

Although there’s ample room along the ledge, the trail may offer challenges to those with vertigo. However, it’s easy, with only a slight climb at the end, making it suitable for most folks with a moderate fitness level. 

Post-Hike Dining: Mesa Grill 

Chef Mercer Mohr has created a mountaintop haven for foodies with Mesa Grill. Although elegant, the offerings are also accessible — think a wide range of juicy gourmet burgers. Their vegan burger bowl with hemp seeds is a must-try, and it’s wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, tree nut, animal product, and GMO-free. However, those with a where’s the beef attitude can dig into the white cheddar or aviation classic. 

4. Schuermann Mountain 

Here’s a Sedona hike that sees way too little love for how gorgeous it is. Granted, the ascent up the steep slope on the first part of this hike daunts some, but you hardly notice how breathy you get. Why? You walk through aeons of geological time, watching the rocks transform from the signature Sedona red limestone to the darker basaltic lava of this old volcano. 

Once you reach the top, take the shorter hike to the overlook, where you’ll witness a sweeping vista of nearly every famous red rock formation in Sedona. Ending the out-and-back experience here takes you slightly longer than two miles. Got more time? Continue the trail across the plateau, where you’ll find little sun in summer, but enjoy many a gorgeous view. 

Post-Hike Dining: Steakhouse 89 

If you dig old-style steakhouses with classic dark interiors and live piano music, make reservations at Steakhouse 89 for after your hike. Although upscale, the atmosphere is also warm, welcoming, friendly and accessible. They also have an extensive wine menu for those who enjoy the pairing experience. 

5. Baldwin Trail 

Baldwin Trail wins the prize for my (Jennifer’s) sweetie’s favorite romantic Sedona trail. This 3-mile hike provides gorgeous views of both Oak Creek and Cathedral Rock. Much like the Made in the Shade/Slim Shady Loop, this trail offers just enough challenge to get you slightly breathy without leaving you marathon-drained upon completion. 

This trail explodes with wildflowers in the early spring. It’s also fairly popular, making it an excellent choice for hikers who don’t feel all that secure finding their bearings in the wild. 

Post-Hike Dining: Cucina Rustica 

Cucina Rustica lies just off Verde Valley School Road in the Collective along Highway 179. The interior is a step into Old-World elegance — you’ll feel as if you are dining in a Mediterranean palace. The staff goes above and beyond to delight you, the wine list is extensive and the offerings are delicious. Their seafood selections are particularly magical. 

Most Romantic Sedona Hikes 

Hiking is among the most romantic of dates. It gets your heart pumping and can offer the slight adrenaline rush that ignites passion or the lengthy private time that encourages deep conversation. It’s also budget-friendly without sounding like a “cheap” date — and the Only in Sedona crew finds it among our top favorite activities besides stretching on the rocks. 



If you do have a bit more in the kitty, a romantic lunch or dinner ends your hike deliciously. Whether you come only for the trail or stay for a great meal, you and that special someone can strengthen your bond among the magical red mountains of Sedona.