Let’s talk about the best time to visit Sedona in Spring for wildflowers, and which trails to hike to see the most!

Sedona, Arizona, renowned for its striking red rock formations and mystical energy, is also a hidden gem for wildflower enthusiasts. As spring unfolds, this desert landscape bursts into a vibrant tapestry of colors, completely transforming the rugged terrain. Amidst the arid surroundings, wildflowers offer a stunning contrast to the earthy tones of the rocks and soil. From delicate pinks and purples to bold reds and yellows, these resilient blooms add a touch of ephemeral beauty to the enduring desert.

The sight of these colorful blossoms against the backdrop of Sedona’s iconic scenery creates a visual symphony that enchants visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re a seasoned botanist, a nature photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the natural world, Sedona’s wildflower season is a must-see!

Certain times of spring will be better for wildflower viewings, which I’ll go over in this post. But there are also certain trails that will boast far more blooms than others (and they’re not all the trails you’d expect) so let’s dive into the best hikes in Sedona* to see the most wildflowers! 

*in no particular order*

Little Horse Trail

Length: Approx. 3.5 miles roundtrip

Little Horse trail is a relatively easy hike, mostly flat, with a few stretches of more challenging terrain. There are flowers all along the trail. I found most of them to be more towards the beginning and ends of the trail. In between you can find an incredible and somewhat secret view of the Chapel of the Holy Cross!

I took this trail as a less crowded route to get to Chicken Point. This lookout has some amazing views of Sedona and the sprawling red rocks. If you’re feeling brave, you can hike up the steep slab of rock to get to the white line bike “trail”. It’s more of a daredevil experience than an actual trail. But walking along it was thrilling and the view (and distance it gave me from the pink jeep tours down below) was well worth it!

Afterwards, head to the nearby Crescent Moon Picnic site to eat lunch and soak in the beautiful scenery. This site boasts a refreshing creek lined with trees, and one of the best views of Cathedral Rock in Sedona!

Mescal Trail

Length: Approx. 5.9 miles out and back

Mescal trail is located in NW Sedona, on Long Canyon Road off of Dry Creek Rd. It’s considered a moderately challenging route, but I found it to be more on the beginners side. It was pretty flat for most of the trail, though some of the terrain can be a bit rocky! 

Aside from a couple bikers and a small group of friends, I was the only one out on this trail. I did start around 8am, but some Sedona hikes would’ve already been incredibly crowded even that early in the morning! Why it’s not as popular eludes me, as I found the trail to be quite beautiful, and thanks to all the wildflowers, one of my top favorites in Sedona!

This was one of those hikes where I found myself stopping every five seconds to take photos of wildflowers. I swear every five feet there was a new and beautiful flower that was just calling out to me for a photoshoot!

Margs Draw Trail

Length: Approx. 4 miles  (only roughly 100 ft of elevation gain) and can be extended by taking Huckaby trail.

This hike is another one of the lesser known gems in Sedona. It doesn’t get nearly as much traffic as other nearby routes despite its impressive, panoramic view of many of Sedona’s most recognizable mountains and rock formations and close proximity to the town. It’s a very easy hike and great for the whole family. 

There are a couple trailheads from which to start this hike, including Margs Draw TH, Broken Arrow TH, Sombart Lane Trailhead, or from Schnebly Hill. However, you’ll probably encounter the most parking availability at Margs Draw TH or Schnebly Hill.

This hike had a wonderful array of flowers lining the trail, you’ll see the most about .5 miles in (from the Margs Draw TH). As you come to a fork in the road, turn right (towards Broken Arrow TH) to see the most flowers!

When to Visit Sedona For Wildflowers

When it comes to the desert, the window of time to see wildflowers in their full glory is pretty narrow. Luckily, wildflower season also falls on the best time of the year to visit Sedona weather-wise.

The peak season for wildflower viewing in this desert oasis typically spans from late April through May. During this period, the weather is just right—not too hot and not too cold—providing ideal conditions for both the flowers and the visitors eager to see them. 

The earlier spring rains and the warming sun create a perfect environment for a diverse range of wildflowers to flourish. Planning your visit during these months ensures that you’ll witness Sedona at its most picturesque. Wildflowers paint the desert in hues of purple, yellow, red, and orange, a haven for nature lovers!

Some of the flowers you can expect to see include:

• Claret cup cactus
• Indian paintbrush
• Prickly pear
• Beavertail
• Mexican Poppies
• Black-footed daisies
• Fleabane
• Evening primrose
• Purple owl’s clover
• and cream cups!

If you’re heading to Sedona in the springtime, make sure to check out these hikes to see some wildflowers! Looking for some other tips on what to do in Sedona? Check out my recent post on how to spend one day in Sedona for some ideas!