Sedona Arizona, Part 1, top five hiking trails

Sedona Arizona can be described as one of natures best playgrounds, it is famous for the "Red Rocks" - incredible sandstone formations that appear to glow when illuminated by the rising and setting sun. These red rock canyons surrounding Sedona are famous for their spectacular vistas and extensive well-marked and well-maintained hiking trails with different levels of endurance.

1. The Cathedral Rock Trail is a short steep climb into the saddle points or "gaps" of Cathedral Rock. Due to the steepness, at the start of the climb, steps have been carved into this part of the rock. The many rising saddle points of Cathedral Rock are said to resemble cathedral spires, thus the name. At the base of the rock the Templeton Trail crosses Cathedral Rock Trail before descending into a nearby decidious forest.

2.The Jim Thompson Trail was built by the first non-native American settler in Sedona, and bears his name. The three mile trail has views of the Crimson cliffs, Schnelby Hills, and Oak Creek Canyon. Pine trees intermingle with yuccas and rocky crevasses - created by years of erosion - lie just below the trail. Half-way into the hike, the trail arrives at the base of the sheer walls of Steamboat Rock. This is a relatively wide and level trail, making it a easy hike.

3. Boynton Canyon Trail. Hikers along this trail, will see an amazing sight where Boynton Canyon makes a sharp ascent, opening up the vista of the entire length of the canyon, where legend says the Yaavapai-Apache Tribe was born, and where the echoing sound of soaring ravens can be heard. This 6.5-mile round-trip hike passes the well known "Enchantment Resort", then hugs the towering Red Rock cliffs with a view of the Kachina Woman - a red rock spire rising high in the desert sky. Along the way hikers can see ancient ruins tucked into cliff-side caves, rock sculptures built by creative hikers, manzanite bushes, and prickly pear cactus. There are a few steep areas, but mostly it is not a difficult hike.

4. Bell Rock is Sedona's most iconic landmark, with a variety of striking views, it has been featured in many movies and pictured on everything from t-shirts to bread bags. There are many trails in this area with hikes that vary in difficulty, they go up and around the rock, and going all the way to the top is just about impossible. Some of the hikes reveal mezzanines with spectacular views, of course the higher you go the better the v iew. Some people claim "Bell Rock" is one of Sedona's most powerful Vortex spots, based on the twisted juniper trees that dot the landscape.

5. Mescal Mountain. Getting to the start of the trail is by a paved road, but from there the challenge begins. The walk begins, on what feels like powdery sand, then as it heads up Mescal, gray rocks make the footing difficult and the path becomes steep. For those who make it this far, there is a tiny ruin, sitting under a natural landing, with views of the Seven Canyon Golf Resort. From here there is no easy way to the top, but for those who make it the views are worth it. Going down is much easier with spectacular views along the way.

For lovers of the outdoors, Sedona rates at the top of the list as an outdoor playground, with beautiful vistas and unusual sights. At an elevation of 4,500-feet, a desert like climate, mild winters and summers, and a backdrop of mountains it is no wonder that it attracts so many visitors.

The five hiking trails showcased here, are my choices, not an official vote. There are many more trails to be explored, as well as many a multitude of other attractions, follow my hubs as I explore Sedona Arizona