The Wanderer's Guide

05/29/2026

Sedona isn’t just about easy red rock strolls. If you’re willing to earn the view, these summits deliver some of the biggest panoramas in all of Red Rock Country.

From the steep climb up Bear Mountain to the towering heights of Wilson Mountain, the dramatic mesa top of Doe Mountain, the rugged route to Witches Mountain, and the breathtaking perch atop Temple of Diana, every one of these hikes rewards determination with unforgettable views.

These are some of Sedona’s most challenging adventures—but standing on top of the red rock world makes every step worth it.

Want to find these summits and many more? Every hike featured in this reel can be reached using the GPS tracks in The Wanderer’s Guide to Hiking Sedona.

Which Sedona summit is your favorite?

05/24/2026

The Secret Slickrock Trail is one of the best places in Sedona to experience the sunset without the massive crowds found at spots like the Airport Mesa overlook.

This short but incredibly scenic hike winds across wide-open slickrock mesas with nonstop views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the surrounding red rock wilderness. Sunrise and sunset here are absolutely unreal, when the sandstone glows deep shades of orange and crimson beneath the Arizona sky.

What makes this trail special is the feeling of space and solitude. Instead of hiking through narrow canyon corridors, you’re walking around on open sandstone, marked by potholes that hold water after a recent rainstorm. The create reflecting pools for postcard worthy views in every direction.

The Secret Slickrock Trail is also one of the best beginner-friendly hikes in Sedona. The route is only .7 miles roundtrip. It's easy to follow, and perfect for photography, trail running, or simply soaking in the silence.

If you want to experience Sedona beyond the crowded Instagram hotspots, The Wanderer's Guide to Hiking Sedona is the ultimate source for hidden gems like Secret Slickrock, which is shown in Chapter 4, on pages 9-10. In fact, this photo is the cover shot for that chapter.

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

There’s a reason so many travelers fall in love with Kanab. Surrounded by towering red cliffs, hidden slot canyons, ancient rock art, sand caves, desert backroads, and some of the most photogenic landscapes in the Southwest, this small town is the perfect basecamp for adventure. Within a short drive, you can explore places like Peekaboo Canyon, Coral Pink Sand Dunes, Johnson Canyon, the Toadstools, and Lake Powell.

Kanab also sits in the heart of “Little Hollywood,” where generations of western movies were filmed beneath the glowing sandstone cliffs of southern Utah and northern Arizona. The main street is lined with plaques highlighting the movies and stars that have been associated with the town.

Sunrise here feels unreal. Sunset feels even better. If you want to experience the uncrowded side of the Southwest — the secret trails, scenic backroads, ancient sites, and local favorites — this entire region is covered in Chapter 4 of The Wanderer’s Guide to South Central Utah. It covers countless hidden gems most visitors never even hear about, and is packed with GPS locations, detailed directions, hiking info, photography spots. Get The Wanderer's Guide and discover the hidden places that make Kanab one of the greatest adventure destinations in the American West.

05/18/2026

The narrow-headed garter snake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) is a federally threatened species that relies heavily on clear, rocky streams. Oak Creek Canyon in Arizona contains one of the most robust and significant populations of this snake in the United States. I interrupted a mating pair last week at Bootlegger. This is the female, as the male had already scurried off.

05/17/2026

Five amazing weeks in New Mexico.