Well-marked, short, and easy to follow, the Doe Mountain Trail is a favorite of ours – especially at sunrise!
Starting from the parking area, the path makes a gradual climb up the mesa, weaving through a couple of switchbacks before reaching the top.
While mostly manageable, some sections get a bit rocky, requiring light scrambling – but nothing too difficult.
The real magic happens at sunrise. 🌄
As the sun comes up, it lights up the red rocks with a warm, golden glow that’s absolutely stunning.
And if you’re lucky, you might witness hot air balloons in the distance during golden hour making for a magical experience. ✨
This moderately challenging hike rewards you with a flat-topped summit (aka mesa) offering sweeping panoramic views of Sedona’s stunning red rock formations.
It’s a fantastic choice for beginner hikers and families looking for a bit of adventure.
Doe Mountain is a great hike to add to your Sedona itinerary!
Read my guide for everything you need to know about hiking the Doe Mountain Trail.
Doe Mountain in Sedona: Trail Stats + Map
Doe Mountain Trail Stats
Length: 1.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 515 feet
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Hiking Time: 2 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: A few easy rock scrambling sections, panoramic views of Sedona’s red rock landscape from the top, and chance to see hot air balloons at sunrise
Doe Mountain Trail Map
Doe Mountain Trailhead and Parking
The Doe Mountain Trailhead offers a fairly spacious parking area, but it fills up quickly due to its popularity.
Since it serves as the starting point for both Bear Mountain and Doe Mountain, arriving early is essential to secure a spot.
Vault toilets are available at the trailhead.
If the lot is full, limited roadside parking is available along Boynton Pass Road.
Is a Red Rock Pass required?
A Red Rock Pass is required to park at the Doe Mountain Trailhead, or you can use an America the Beautiful Pass if you have one.
You can purchase a Red Rock Pass online in advance or at the self-pay kiosk at either trailhead.
You may not need a Red Rock Pass to park alongside Boynton Pass Road but I’m not 100% sure!
🎟️ The Red Rock Pass costs:
- $5 for a day
- $15 for a week
- $20 for an annual pass
Learn more about the Red Rock Pass Program HERE.
Best Time to Hike Doe Mountain in Sedona
The best times to hike to Doe Mountain are typically in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).
During these months, the weather is usually perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
✨ READ THIS: Best Hikes in Sedona, Arizona
This is also peak season for Sedona so expect more people on the trails and full parking lots.
Starting your hike early is the best way to beat the crowds and secure a parking spot!
Seasonal Considerations
🍂 Fall (September – November): This is a popular time to visit Sedona due to ideal weather conditions making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
❄️ Winter (December – February): This season is probably my favorite time to explore Sedona because the crowd-level is at its lowest.
We hiked Doe Mountain Trail twice in January and saw only a few people on the trail each time.
I’m sure this hike can become crowded during the peak seasons, so I say hike this trail in the winter months to avoid crowds.
⚠️ If there’s snow or ice on the trail or top of Doe Mountain, exercise caution and use good judgment – slippery conditions can make this hike dangerous!
🌷 Spring (March – May): This season offers pleasant temperatures and beautiful desert blooms, but trails will be busy as it’s a popular time to visit Sedona.
☀️ Summer (June – August): Visiting Sedona in the summer is not recommended due to extreme heat.
Most of the Doe Mountain Trail is exposed, and despite its short length, the steady elevation gain can be fairly challenging, making hydration and sun protection essential.
Follow these tips to stay safe in the summer:
- Start early in the morning or later in the day to avoid peak heat
- Bring plenty of water – more than you think you’ll need
- Wear sun-protective clothing like a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing and apply sunscreen
Time of Day
Doe Mountain is an incredible spot for both sunrise and sunset, thanks to its 360-degree views.
While I haven’t watched the sunset from here, I’ve hiked up for sunrise a few times – and it’s absolutely worth the early wake-up call.
The soft morning light casts a golden glow over the rocks, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch hot air balloons drifting through the sky.
During the warmer months, since most of the trail is exposed, the best time to hike is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
✨ READ THIS: Best Sunrise Hikes in Sedona with Epic Views
Hike the Doe Mountain Trail: Step-by-Step Directions
Doe Mountain Trail
The Doe Mountain Trail begins right next to the kiosk in the parking lot – just be sure not to accidentally take the Bear Mountain Trail, which starts across the street!
From the start, the trail steadily climbs the north side of the mesa via long, gradual switchbacks.
While the incline is consistent, it’s never overly steep.
Along the way, you’ll pass a few rocky sections that require light scrambling, but very doable for the average hiker.
As you ascend, take a moment to soak in the incredible views of the surrounding red rock landscape.
Near the top, the trail becomes slightly steeper with some loose rocks and bigger rock sections to climb over, but nothing too tricky.
Doe Mountain (end of trail)
Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views!
At the top you will see trail signs leading to an overlook area.
The trail basically ends at this point.
Don’t worry, there is a chance to explore more of the top, but for now let’s stop at this overlook and enjoy the views for a bit.
From this 400-foot vantage point, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Sedona’s iconic red rock country.
Prominent landmarks include Bear, Maroon, and Wilson Mountains, along with Loy, Boynton, and Secret Canyons.
Chimney Rock and the Cockscomb stand out as well, while Sedona stretches to the east.
To the south, you will see Munds Mountain, Sycamore Pass, Sycamore Canyon, and Verde Valley.
At this point, head back down to the parking lot or continue exploring the mesa for even more breathtaking scenery.
Doe Mountain Loop (optional)
Once you reach the top, the trail extends toward the back of the mesa, where you’ll be rewarded with even more amazing views.
If you choose to explore the full loop, the hike totals 2.4 miles with 620 feet of elevation gain.
At the summit, you’ll notice several social trails branching off in different directions – please be careful and avoid stepping on plants.
If you’re able, download the AllTrails map for the Doe Mountain Loop to help you stay on the most-used path around the rim of the mesa.
To return to the trailhead, simply retrace your steps back down the trail.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
🥾 Have the time and energy for another hike? Check out these nearby trails:
Essential Hiking Tips and What to Bring
1. Start Early or Late: Hiking the Doe Mountain Trail early in the morning or later in the evening will help avoid the heat, catch stunning golden-hour views, and avoid crowds.
2. Red Rock Pass Required: This pass is required for parking at the Doe Mountain Trailhead, or you can use an America the Beautiful Pass.
You can purchase one online or at the trailhead kiosk.
3. Download Offline Maps: The Doe Mountain Trail is well-marked and easy to follow but having offline maps on your phone can give you peace of mind.
4. Check the Weather: Avoid hiking in extreme heat, and be cautious if snow or ice is present, as the trail becomes dangerously slippery.
5. Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots: Sturdy hiking boots with good traction are essential for navigating steep, rocky, and uneven terrain.
6. Bring Hiking Poles: They’ll help with balance on the uneven, rocky terrain, especially on the descent.
7. Summer Safety Tips:
- Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
- Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat high-carb and salty snacks to help keep your energy levels up and replenish electrolytes.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Try to hike during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
8. Keep Sedona Pristine for Future Generations: Take the Sedona Cares Pledge and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Pack the 10 Essentials:
- Navigation – A map, compass, or GPS device to help you stay on course and find your way in unfamiliar terrain.
- Water – Sufficient water to stay hydrated, along with a filtration system or purification tablets if you plan to refill from natural sources.
- Food – Energy-rich snacks or meals to keep your energy levels up during the hike.
- First-Aid Kit – A basic first-aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any personal medications you may need.
- Sun Protection – Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
- Insulation – Extra layers of clothing (such as a jacket or fleece) to stay warm in changing weather conditions.
- Rain Gear and Emergency Shelter – A rain jacket or poncho and an emergency bivy sack or space blanket for shelter in case of sudden weather changes.
- Fire – A lighter, matches, or fire starter to help you build a fire for warmth or signaling in case of emergency.
- Multi-tool or Knife – A versatile tool or knife to handle any tasks, from preparing food to making repairs.
- Headlamp/Flashlight – A reliable light source with extra batteries, in case you end up hiking in the dark or need it for emergency situations.
Watch Hot Air Balloons from Doe Mountain
My husband and I hiked Doe Mountain twice during our January trip to Sedona.
The first time we started hiking at sunrise and the second time we started hiking before sunrise.
The reason we hiked to the top of Doe Mountain again was because we saw hot air balloons while we were watching sunrise from Airport Mesa.
The hot air balloons were taking off near Doe Mountain, so the next day we went for another sunrise hike.
This time around, we reached the top of Doe Mountain 30 minutes before the sunrise and watched hot air balloons take off as the sun started coming up over the horizon.
It was one of my favorite experiences from our Sedona winter trip!
🎈 If you’re interested in a hot air balloon ride, check out these two companies:
I have not personally booked a hot air balloon ride in Sedona but seems like a really fun experience!
Discover More Great Hikes in Sedona
Soldiers Pass Trail – This trail is perfect for families and beginners plus it’s pet-friendly! You’ll encounter remarkable features like Devils Kitchen Sinkhole, the Seven Sacred Pools, and the intriguing Soldiers Pass Cave.
Cathedral Rock – This is a short but steep hike to one of the most magical spots in Sedona. Also, it’s an incredible spot to watch the sunset!
Keyhole Cave – Tackle this off-the-beaten-path hike to one of Sedona’s largest caves, offering an adventurous challenge for experienced hikers.
Wilson Mountain – If you’re up for a challenging climb with unmatched scenery and fewer crowds, tackle this hike to the tallest peak in Sedona!
Conclusion
Hiking Doe Mountain is a rewarding adventure that combines a short yet exciting climb with breathtaking panoramic views of Sedona’s iconic red rock landscape.
With its manageable distance, moderate challenge, and incredible scenery, it’s a must-add to your Sedona itinerary.
I highly recommend hiking to the top for sunrise to experience the magical golden-hour glow, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch hot air balloons floating through the sky.
It was a highlight of our trip! 🤩
If this guide inspires you to hike the Doe Mountain Trail, I’d love to hear about your adventure.
Leave a comment and share your experience!
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