Every canyon reveals its history, if you know how to read the walls. In Sedona’s majestic canyons, each sedimentary rock layer is like a chapter in an open book that tells the story of the region’s geo-phenomena through color, texture and unique fossils. Over millions of years, tropical seas came and went, leaving behind seashells and tropical organisms that are still visible in the rock. There were lava flows, floods, and drifting dunes that speak of climate change. The closer you look at the walls, and the longer you study them, the more they reveal. 

These storied canyons are breathtaking as well as historical. The sheer scale of the red and white sandstone walls, the play of light and shadow on the rock faces, and the contrasting evergreen forests create a visually stunning landscape. Canyons are also quiet, peaceful places where you can retreat to silence, hear a bird call, or listen to the trickle of a stream. 

Take your time to explore and appreciate the beauty and restorative energy of a Sedona canyon. Some famously incorporate vortexes, a tangible phenomena resulting from oxidized iron, basalt and quartz crystal which together produce an amplified energy. Others are crisscrossed with hiking and mountain-biking trails. One has a swimming hole, another has a sink hole.

Stay in the heart of Sedona at the luxurious Ambiente, a landscape hotel, and you’ll be immersed in the natural landscape of the surrounding red rocks and Coconino National Forest. You’ll also be in close proximity to several canyons. 

For a spectacular view of Sedona’s canyons from land and by air, let Ambiente plan your experience with The Ambiente Adventure Seeker. Begin with a 4X4 Sedona Jeep tour that heads to Soldier Pass Canyon and the natural sinkhole known as Devil’s Kitchen. Then climb aboard a helicopter with Apex Tours for a thrilling flight over Sedona’s majestic canyons for a bird’s eye view of the landscape. Afterwards, slip into the spa for a soothing massage, dine on Southwestern fare and local ingredients at Restaurant Forty1, and view the night sky from your private rooftop deck.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful escape, these Sedona canyons should be on your list.

Some consider Oak Creek Canyon to be more of a gorge than a canyon. It’s often referred to as the smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon as they have similar geological features, though Oak Creek is not nearly as deep. You can hike the length of the canyon, about 14 miles, on the West Fork Trail alongside towering red rock walls, a forested canyon, and a meandering creek. There’s trout fishing, and at the base of the canyon is a shaded swimming hole called Grasshopper Point, a popular spot to have a picnic. SlideRock Park is another favorite area for swimming, especially in warmer weather. For a steeper, more challenging hike through a mixed conifer forest, take the Sterling Pass Trail to Vultee Arch for a panoramic canyon view.

Boynton Canyon is a box canyon located in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, a vast, protected wilderness area with hidden canyons and scenic overlooks. This canyon is renowned for its spiritual energy and the Boynton Canyon Vortex, said to be especially strong around the spire known as Kachina Woman. This is a good spot for vortex meditation. The Boynton Canyon Trail is a moderately easy, out-and-back trail that leads hikers past red rock formations, a cave, and all the way to the back of the box canyon. The Secret Canyon Trail is a more secluded, rugged trail good for those seeking solitude.

Secret Canyon is also in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, an area encompassing about 44,000 acres in the Coconino National Forest. You’ll find a variety of plants in this wilderness, from agaves and banana yuccas to cottonwoods, junipers, maples and ponderosa pines. Thereʻs wildlife too, including ravens and red-tailed hawks, mule deer, javelinas, and coyotes. Less common sightings include bobcats, bears, and mountain lions. This pristine wilderness area offers more challenging hiking in the back country. Take the Secret Canyon Trail for a long, scenic hike past towering canyon walls and be on the lookout for secrets…like waterfalls in season and small slot canyons.   

For a peaceful retreat, Fay Canyon offers an easy hike into a picturesque canyon surrounded by dramatic cliffs. This is a great place to picnic and meditate.  Follow the Fay Canyon Trail for a hike on mostly flat terrain through woodland brush, tall trees, and red cliffs to a natural arch. 

Long Canyon is  ideal for a peaceful walk perhaps with some yoga, meditation or birdwatching along the way. It’s not even that long of a trail…just six miles roundtrip. It’s an easy hike with practically no elevation change. Hike the out-and back Long Canyon Trail, which takes you into the wilderness area with panoramic views of Wilson Mountain, Steamboat Rock and other formations. Manzanitas and juniper line the red dirt path which leads to a few rock pictographs at the end of the trail.

Hiking through a Sedona canyon immerses you deeply into nature. As the sound of silence echoes off canyon walls, their ancient stories connect you to a past time with a profound sense of harmony. Come to Sedona, explore a majestic canyon, and “walk in beauty.” The Navajo expression translates to the concept that by living in harmony with all things, we can achieve balance and peace in our own lives.