This trail begins right at the edge of the town of Sedona and is as picturesque as it is convenient. Instead of keeping you tucked away in a deep canyon or clinging to the side of a steep slope as do a lot of other trails in this area, it leads you right out into the open where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular red rock formations for which the Sedona area and Oak Creek Canyon are famous. Bring along a map to help you identify Coffee Pot Rock, Wilson Mountain, Chimney Rock and more.
The hike is not too steep and not too long, but it can be a bit hot during summer. No matter, you’ll be glad you braved the heat (and the shooting range at the Sedona trailhead) when you see the views. An alternate approach to the Brins Mesa Trail is to drive out Vultee Arch Road and hike it from that end-same trail, same great views.
The Hike House Sedona Trail Rating System provides actual hiker feedback and ratings of each of the Sedona hiking trails. The cumulative trail ratings for the Brins Mesa Trail from Uptown Sedona submitted by fellow hikers is located above with the Trail Data. Your trail feedback and ratings are an important resource for fellow hikers and provide a personal account of your trail experience from which others may learn. So please hike Sedona, help others, and rate a trail today!
My husband & I have been in the area since May of 09. We have hiked quite alot of the trails – at least 2 hikes/week. They range from 2-4 miles from 1-4 in difficulty. We are 55 & 59 yrs old, okay shape (not great)but we hike at a casual pass. We like to stop, catch our breath and enjoy the views and beauty all around. Sedona hikes are great!!
This is one of my favorite hikes in the area. It was highly recommended, but it lived up to all the great stories. It is also a Goldilocks trail. The length, elevation change, scenery, and time required seems “Just Right” First third is a nice wide trail with gentle climb in the shade of nice trees. Middle third is a good workout as you climb up from the valley to the saddle/mesa. The views get nicer as you climb. The last third travels gently uphill across the top of Brins Mesa with views into the valleys on both sides. The turn around point is at a great stone beach with views of Sedona and the southern redrock formations behind the city. Pick an afternoon/evening with a daylight moon rise and you get some great photos. Sit on the beach and enjoy your HH cookies before heading back down.
We came down this trail after hiking Soldier Pass. Fairly easy trail with some great views. Would have been good to do this trail first, and come down Soldier in the afternoon, as it was a bit hot in the afternoon sun. Would love to hike this again next time we visit!
Even though my breathing seemed labored up the steps, I found it a wonderful journey with outstanding never before seen views from the top, what a wonderful treat!!
9 am up with a noon return. One to repeat.
Started on Brins Mesa, enjoyed alot and the views from the Mesa were wonderful. We diverted off on to SoldierPass but would definitely continue on Brins next time we were to do this trail. Soldier Pass was a bit more difficult
We are here for the third week’s vacation in the last year, hiking most days. We think, that this is the best hike with the best views we have done so far.
Great trail! I pair it up with Soldiers Pass and Cibola Pass and make a loop. Only one really steep part near the top of the Mesa. Views are quite good and you can view the Devil’s Sinkhole and 7 Sacred Pools along the way. Quite heavily traveled, so go early in the day if you like privacy. A frequent hike of ours.
This is one of the best hikes in Sedona! Great payoff for the the time and distance. 360 breathtaking views!