Just minutes from town, avoid the crowds and challenge yourself to the most difficult hike in Sedona. Featuring class 3 scrambles and 360 degree views that don’t stop from start to finish, Hiking Capitol Butte in Sedona, Arizona offers you the chance to stand on top of the city.
Hiking Capitol Butte – Sedona, Arizona
Trail Info
Length: 2.8 Miles
Type: Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,700ft+
AllTrails Link: Click Here
Description: The hardest hike in Sedona Arizona. Featuring amazing views directly overlooking the city Sedona. The trail features some class 2 route finding and some short sections of class 3 scrambles.
Hiking Capitol Butte Tips & Info
- Get there early or think about using the alternate trailhead. The traditional Capitol Butte route shares a parking lot with Devil’s Bridge, one of the most popular trails in Sedona. A Instagram hot spot, lines can be in the hours during peak season which overflows the parking. Think about using the Lizard Head trail head as an alternative. You can see that route by clicking here.
- There is no water on this route, so plan accordingly. It took us 3 hours moving at a comfortable pace. But both of us are in very good shape. Taking into account a possible emergency, I’d bring a minimum of 2 liters of water per person.
- Route finding on the way up is pretty easy. Follow the carnes and look for the easiest way and that’s probably it. On the other hand, route finding on the way down is a bit harder. Make sure you are paying attention, it can be easy to follow a water run that looks like a trail and get off course.
- This is a class 3 scramble. So plan on using your hands and getting a little dirty. Make sure you plan your shoes and clothes accordingly.
- If you see a storm coming, get off the butte. And if you can make it down, at least get off the peak, staying close to the ground and getting under a rock overhang. Lightning and fast running water on slick rock are a risk.
