This was one of our favorite hikes in the area as it was not very long and offered just incredible views as we climbed up, with panoramic vistas in every direction at the top. Wear sturdy shoes because at times it requires climbing on rocks and beside cactus and other prickly things. This post has images from both times that we did the hike. Once just the two of us and the next time with my Uncle (who's 80) and his wife when there were patches of snow on the ground.
Hike Options
There were two ways to do this hike and and they were both great. It just really depends on how long you want to hike and if you want more views from the top.
Doe Mountain Trail - 1.5 miles roundtrip with 500' elevation gain. This one took us to the top of the mesa and then back down allowing for some quick views at the top.
Doe Mountain Loop - This one was 2.3 miles roundtrip with 600' elevation gain. It just added a loop at the top of the mesa that provided lots of great views.
There was a parking lot off Boynton Pass Road and but it was full and we ended up parking along the road, which had plenty of extra parking space. It did require a valid Red Rock Pass but there were machines there to buy one. We recommend downloading trail maps ahead because many of the hikes in Sedona can be difficult to follow and cell coverage can be spotty out on the trails. In the hotter times of the year this trail, and the mesa, don't have much shade so just prepare for that and it can often be quite windy at the top.
The Climb Up
The trail began to gain elevation right away and sometimes included climbing up rocky sections. The views across to Bear Mountain and the surrounding areas were gorgeous the entire way and it was hard to not stop and take a million pictures.
The last part of getting up to the mesa required a climb through a really interesting crack in the rocks that had natural places to step.
The Mesa
From the 400 foot high flat topped mesa the views stretched out for miles in every direction and several prominent landmarks were visible as well as downtown Sedona.
The Loop
Navigating this top trail offered amazing things to see on every side of the mesa as well as cool rock formations and plants growing in the most incredible places! We couldn't get over the stunning variety of colors.
The Descent
The return offered new perspectives and views as the trail wound it's way back down to the start.
Just a spectacular hike and we hope we're still doing it when we're 80!