Spring in Sedona feels like magic, where the high desert comes alive with vibrant blooms, mild temperatures, and a peaceful connection to nature. If you’re visiting The Arabella between March and May, you’re in for a treat. This is the time of year when our local wildflower display shows off brilliant colors and heady scents, drawing hiking enthusiasts, nature lovers, and photographers to its breathtaking trails.
Why Spring Is the Best Time to Hike in Sedona
Spring offers the perfect blend of ideal weather, natural beauty, and fewer crowds. Here’s why this season is unmatched for hiking in Sedona:
- Perfect Temperatures: With daytime highs ranging from 60-80°F, you’ll avoid the blazing heat of summer (pro tip: mornings and higher elevations can still get chilly, so pack a layer).
- Explosions of Color: Desert marigolds, scarlet hedgehog cacti, Indian paintbrush, and more create a tapestry of vibrant blooms.
- Oasis Season: Snowmelt makes trails like West Fork especially scenic, with trickling water creating a lush atmosphere.
- Smaller Crowds: Weekends may still get busy, but overall spring attracts fewer visitors than peak fall hiking season.
The Best Trails to Experience Spring Wildflower Blooms in Sedona
Here are a few of our favorite go-to hikes when we’re hoping to spot wildflowers in the springtime.
1. Blowout Wash Recreation Area
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: Short Loop – 4.9 miles | Long Loop – 6.7 miles
- Elevation: Up to 4,675 feet
Located near Cottonwood, the Blowout Wash trail system offers a peaceful, less-crowded alternative to Sedona’s main hotspots. The network of over 15 miles of single-track loops winds through breathtaking high-desert landscapes, from stone-walled canyons to ridgelines peppered with desert flora.
During spring, the area bursts with blooms like bare-stem larkspur, sego lilies, primrose, and prickly poppies, creating a colorful backdrop for your hike. Get a bonus view on the aptly named Extra Credit Trail where the incredible vistas are framed by yuccas and prickly pear cacti.
2. Doe Mountain Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 1.5 miles roundtrip
For panoramic views paired with a carpet of wildflowers, Doe Mountain is a must. This short but moderately challenging climb takes you to a flat-topped mesa with sweeping views of desert landscapes. Expect to see Indian paintbrush, lupine, and desert marigolds along the way. If you’re an early bird, it’s worth the dawn start for the golden-hour light on the blooms and the surrounding mesas.
3. Bell Rock Pathway
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: 3.6-mile roundtrip
Perfect for beginners or families, the Bell Rock Pathway offers an easy hike alongside iconic desert views. The trail meanders around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, lined with eye-popping wildflowers like globe mallow and Arizona poppies.
4. Cathedral Rock Trail
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Length: 1.2 miles roundtrip
If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Cathedral Rock Trail rewards you with jaw-dropping views and bursts of spring color. The steep climb takes you through a dramatic red rock landscape, where cheerful Brittlebush flowers dot the path. Consider an evening hike to avoid crowds and catch the sunset illuminating the red rocks.
5. Boynton Canyon Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 6.1 miles roundtrip
Known for its diverse terrain and tranquil atmosphere, Boynton Canyon Trail provides a mix of shaded forests and open vistas. You’ll encounter golden columbines, desert asters, and other spring wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the stunning red rock surroundings.
6. Soldier Pass Trail
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Length: 4.1 miles roundtrip
Get a dose of the Sedona area’s signature wildflowers, plus a fascinating look at local natural landmarks along the Soldier Pass Trail. Check out Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools, while keeping an eye out for Penstemon and prickly pear cacti along the way.
Tips for Your Sedona Wildflower
While March is typically peak wildflower season, blooming times can vary based on rainfall and temperatures. Keep an eye on local reports or just ask the staff at The Arabella and we’ll tell you what we know. Even if the weather feels mild, remember to carry water. And, please, stick to marked trails and never pick or trample the wildflowers.
We look forward to seeing you back at The Arabella after your beautiful hike! Check out our special offers to make the most of your stay.