Doe Mountain
A short, moderately steep hike to a mesa top offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sedona's red rocks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See balloons & golden light
Doe Mountain
Best Time
See balloons & golden light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A short, moderately steep hike to a mesa top offering breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sedona's red rocks.
"The views from Doe Mountain are absolutely incredible! 
Check Trail Status First
Trail can be closed for maintenance, especially weekends. Verify before you go! :information_source:
Sunrise Magic Awaits
Go for sunrise to catch hot air balloons and stunning morning light. :sunrise:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Doe Mountain Summit
Top of the mesa
Panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding red rock landscape. A truly epic vista point.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloons
Summit overlook
Witness the magical sight of colorful hot air balloons drifting over Sedona at dawn.
Mesa Perimeter Walk
Top of the mesa
Circumnavigate the mesa's edge for ever-changing perspectives and stunning photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Status & Access
Sunrise/Sunset Spectacle
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Trail Status First
Trail can be closed for maintenance, especially weekends. Verify before you go! :information_source:
Sunrise Magic Awaits
Go for sunrise to catch hot air balloons and stunning morning light.
Sunset Views Galore
A popular spot for sunset. Be prepared for crowds but the views are worth it.
Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is short but moderately steep with some rocky sections. Wear good hiking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Trail Status First
Trail can be closed for maintenance, especially weekends. Verify before you go! :information_source:
Sunrise Magic Awaits
Go for sunrise to catch hot air balloons and stunning morning light.
Sunset Views Galore
A popular spot for sunset. Be prepared for crowds but the views are worth it.
Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail is short but moderately steep with some rocky sections. Wear good hiking shoes. :athletic_shoe:
Bring Water & Sun Protection
Arizona sun is strong! Carry water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen. :droplet: :sunwithface:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible 360-degree panoramic views from Doe Mountain, calling it a must-do for sunrise and sunset. The short, moderately steep hike is rewarding, offering stunning vistas of Sedona's red rocks. Some visitors note potential weekend closures for maintenance.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Doe Mountain is located off FR 152C (Forest Road 152C), which is accessible from FR 152. The trailhead is well-marked. It's about a 20-minute drive from central Sedona.
Yes, there is a parking area at the trailhead. However, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak sunrise and sunset times. Arriving early is recommended.
Currently, there isn't a dedicated shuttle service specifically for Doe Mountain. Visitors typically drive their own vehicles or use ride-sharing services to reach the trailhead.
Public transport options directly to the Doe Mountain trailhead are limited. It's best to plan for private transportation or a ride-share.
The road leading to the trailhead is a dirt forest road. While generally passable for most vehicles, it can be bumpy. High-clearance vehicles are not strictly necessary, but a standard car should be fine in dry conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is typically required for parking at the Doe Mountain trailhead. Check the Coconino National Forest website for the most current pass requirements and fees.
Doe Mountain trail can be subject to temporary closures for maintenance, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. It's crucial to check for any posted closures before your visit.
Doe Mountain is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific access can be affected by seasonal closures or maintenance. Always verify current conditions.
There are no advance ticket bookings required for Doe Mountain. Entry is typically on a first-come, first-served basis, with parking being the main limiting factor.
While there isn't a direct entrance fee for the trail itself, a Red Rock Pass or similar federal land pass is usually required for parking at the trailhead.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The main loop trail around the top of Doe Mountain is approximately 1.5 miles (out and back). The ascent to the mesa top is also short but can be moderately steep.
The elevation gain to reach the top of Doe Mountain is around 490-511 feet. It's a relatively short but consistent climb.
The hike is considered moderately steep due to the initial ascent to the mesa. However, the overall distance is short, making it manageable for most fitness levels.
Expect breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Sedona's iconic red rock formations, including the San Francisco Peaks in the distance.
Yes, Doe Mountain is noted for birding opportunities. The open mesa and surrounding desert scrub provide habitat for various bird species.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset are prime times for photography, offering dramatic lighting and vibrant colors. The golden hour light beautifully illuminates the red rocks.
You can capture sweeping panoramic landscapes, close-ups of the unique rock formations, and shots of the surrounding desert flora. Sunrise also offers opportunities for photographing hot air balloons.
Drone usage in National Forests is subject to specific regulations. It's essential to check the Coconino National Forest guidelines regarding drone operation before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive vistas. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details in the landscape or for wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light sunrise/sunset shots.
Absolutely! Doe Mountain offers some of the most unobstructed and comprehensive views of Sedona's famous red rock landscape, making it a photographer's dream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The top of the mesa offers plenty of space for kids to explore (with supervision, of course!) and enjoy the incredible 360-degree views. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and consider going earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The short distance means you won't be out for too long, making it ideal for younger attention spans. 🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Enthusiasts
+2 For sunrise, arriving before dawn allows you to witness the magical sight of hot air balloons taking flight over Sedona. +1 Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak seasons, as this is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking that iconic Sedona vista. +1 Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the breathtaking spectacle. 📸 Photographers
The 360-degree vistas from the mesa top are perfect for wide-angle shots, while the unique rock formations offer compelling subjects for telephoto lenses. Don't miss the chance to photograph the sunrise with hot air balloons or the dramatic colors of sunset. +1 Consider bringing a tripod for low-light conditions and exploring the mesa's edge for diverse compositions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Doe Mountain Hike Experience
Many visitors describe it as a quick but invigorating climb. The trail is well-defined, making it easy to follow, even for those new to hiking. Once you reach the top, the real magic begins. The mesa offers a relatively flat expanse, allowing you to easily walk around the perimeter. This 360-degree viewpoint provides unobstructed vistas of Sedona's iconic red rock formations, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the distant San Francisco Peaks.
The open slickrock terrain is also incredibly picturesque, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. +1Pro-tip: While the hike itself is short, the experience can be enhanced by arriving early for sunrise to witness the hot air balloons or staying for sunset to capture the breathtaking colors.
+1 Remember to wear sturdy hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and protect yourself from the sun, as there is little shade on the mesa. Capturing Sedona's Beauty: Photography at Doe Mountain
The best times to visit for photography are undoubtedly sunrise and sunset. During these golden hours, the sunlight casts a warm, ethereal glow on the rock formations, creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the rich colors. +1Sunrise at Doe Mountain offers a unique spectacle: the chance to see hot air balloons drifting across the sky as the sun begins to rise.
+1 This provides a fantastic opportunity for unique shots. The mesa's open terrain also allows for creative compositions, from wide-angle shots capturing the vastness of the landscape to telephoto shots isolating specific rock features. Many visitors enjoy walking the perimeter of the mesa to find different angles and perspectives. When planning your photography excursion, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and a tripod for stable shots during low-light conditions.
Don't forget to check drone regulations if you plan to use one, as they are strictly enforced in National Forests. The combination of accessible trails, stunning scenery, and unique atmospheric conditions makes Doe Mountain a must-visit for photographers. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit