7 Days: High Desert Loop from Sedona to the Superstitions
A looping drive through central Arizona's most dramatic geology, combining Sedona's red-rock trails with quieter slots near Payson and the raw Superstition Mountains. Perfect for hikers and photographers who want red-rock theatre without Moab crowds.
What to expect
- Hike Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge at sunrise to beat crowds
- Drive Apache Trail for switchback views and ghost-town Gold Canyon
- Slot canyon scramble at Sycamore Creek or Pine Creek near Payson
- Evening walk through Oak Creek Canyon in changing light
- Superstition Ridgeline trek for volcanic desert vistas
Day by day
Drive to Sedona. Settle into a motel near uptown.
Walk the West Fork Trail's first 2 miles through Oak Creek Canyon.
Climb Cathedral Rock for sunset over red-rock silhouettes.
Dawn hike Devil's Bridge (4 miles round trip) before crowds arrive.
Explore Uptown Sedona galleries, then drive scenic Route 89A north.
Dinner in Sedona's midtown; stroll Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.
Drive Highway 89A south toward Payson (1 hour), cooling 10°F in elevation.
Scramble Sycamore Creek slot canyon (3 miles, moderate); creek-bed navigation.
Stay overnight near Payson. Dinner at a local steakhouse or cafe.
Short hike at Mogollon Rim lookout, viewing the escarpment's edge.
Loop through pine forests; stop at Strawberry (a one-store village) and tiny Pine.
Return toward Sedona via Highway 87. Camp or motel near Cottonwood.
Drive Apache Trail (30 miles unpaved) east of Apache Junction for hairpin turns.
Hike Dutchman Trail's first 3 miles through Superstition foothills (desert + springs).
Return to Sedona area; sunset views from Papago Park near Phoenix suburbs.
Early start: drive to Superstition Wilderness trailhead near Weaver's Needle.
Ridge hike with volcanic views; 6–8 miles depending on fitness.
Return to Sedona. Casual dinner and stargazing near your lodging.
Last hike: Slide Rock State Park for creek swimming and swimming holes.
Slow drive back toward Phoenix or continue north on 89A.
Depart or stay another night.
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