Doe Mountain Trail
Probably closed right now — but not named in the order
Doe Mountain is not explicitly named in the Pocket Fire closure order. However, its trailhead sits on the FR 152C corridor essentially at the closure boundary, on the same road spur as Boynton Canyon Trail — which is explicitly closed — and FR 152C is exempted only for pass-through traffic, not stopping or parking.
So the reasonable read is that trailhead access is closed. That's our inference from the order's boundary description, not a Forest Service statement about this trail. We'd rather tell you that than present a guess as a fact.
Confirm with the Red Rock Ranger District on (928) 203-2900.
The best short climb-to-a-view in Sedona. Doe Mountain gains 542 feet in about 0.7 miles to the top of a flat mesa, then gives you a 1.3-mile loop around the rim with views in every direction.
The Forest Service names what you can see from up there: Bear, Maroon and Wilson mountains; Loy, Boynton and Secret canyons; Chimney Rock; the Cockscomb; Sedona itself; and Munds Mountain. Few Sedona viewpoints are that comprehensive.
Rated "moderately challenging" — the gain is compressed into a short climb, so it's steeper than the mileage suggests. Access is likely restricted right now — see above.
The facts
- Open right now?
- Likely closed (inference — not named in the order)
- Forest Service trail
- Doe Mountain Trail No. 60
- Distance
- 0.7 miles to the mesa top; 1.3-mile loop around the rim
- Elevation gain
- 542 ft
- Difficulty (USFS)
- Moderately challenging (USFS)
- Time needed
- About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Trailhead elevation
- 4,615 ft
- Pass required
- Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful
- Sedona Shuttle
- Not served
- Parking
- Trailhead off FR 152C. Capacity not published.
- Restrooms
- Not documented
- Shade
- None
Getting there
Get directions →The shape of the hike
Doe Mountain is unusual in Sedona: a steep climb followed by something genuinely flat. You gain 542 feet in roughly 0.7 miles up the side of the mesa, on switchbacks with loose rock in places, and then you're on a level tabletop with a 1.3-mile loop around its rim.
That structure makes it a good sunrise or sunset objective — you do the work once, then walk the rim as the light changes rather than committing to a longer descent in the dark. Take a headtorch if you're timing it that way; the descent is the part where footing matters.
There's no shade anywhere on it, which in summer moves this firmly into dawn-only territory.
When it reopens, this pairs naturally with Fay Canyon — they're minutes apart on the same road, and one is flat and shaded while the other is steep and exposed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Doe Mountain open right now?
Probably not. It isn't named in the closure order, but its trailhead is on the FR 152C corridor at the closure boundary, and that road is exempted only for pass-through traffic. That's our inference, not a Forest Service statement — call (928) 203-2900 to confirm.
How hard is Doe Mountain?
The Forest Service rates it moderately challenging. It's 542 feet of gain compressed into about 0.7 miles, so it's steep for its length, followed by a flat 1.3-mile rim loop.
What can you see from the top?
The Forest Service lists Bear, Maroon and Wilson mountains, Loy, Boynton and Secret canyons, Chimney Rock, the Cockscomb, Sedona and Munds Mountain — a genuine 360-degree panorama.
Is it good for sunset?
Very — the flat top means you can settle in rather than rush. Bring a headtorch, because the descent has loose footing.
Facts on this page last verified July 28, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.