Doe Mountain is located approximately 10 miles northwest of world-famous Sedona, Arizona. Doe Mountain is best known for its mesa-like summit; rising some 450 feet high into the air, yet still remarkably flat at the top, Doe Mountain provides a series of accessible, breathtaking views of this beautiful region. And, because there are not any other significant mountain peaks located right beside Doe Mountain, the views at its top are unobscured in all directions. The way to reach all this is via Doe Mountain Trail, an approximately 0.7-mile path that is considered an easy hike suitable for visitors of all ages, abilities, and experiences.
Doe Mountain History and Background
Doe Mountain sits at an elevation of some 4,600 feet above sea level, and it rises roughly another 450 feet above that. The route that’ll take you up those 450 or so feet is Doe Mountain Trail. Doe Mountain Trail is open year-round, so regardless of when you’re able to visit Sedona, this excursion is a good option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that weather in the Sedona area can affect trail conditions during any time of the year. As a result, it’s always a good idea to look into the current state of the trail before setting out on your hike. There are a number of websites that provide regular updates on trail conditions in the area, including the United States Forest Service—which oversees Coconino National Forest, the area inside of which Doe Mountain is located.
What’s at Doe Mountain
While the star attraction of the Doe Mountain experience is found in the views one can enjoy from its summit, there are still a number of highlights scattered all along the path to its top, Doe Mountain Trail. The Doe Mountain Trail trailhead can be found right near a parking lot (that usually has plenty of open spaces), but first, in order to begin your hike, you’ll need to purchase a day pass. This pass grants you access not only to Doe Mountain Trail, but to any trail in the entire Sedona area. It’ll cost you $5, and it is important to note that these day passes must be purchased from a machine that typically only accepts credit cards.
Once you have your hiking day pass in tow, you can set off along Doe Mountain Trail. If you’re feeling more adventurous, and/or desire a longer hike, the more challenging Bear Mountain Trail also begins right next to Doe Mountain Trail. However, most visitors stick to Doe Mountain Trail. The trail runs one-way, and is approximately 0.7 miles long—though there is an optional loop around the top that can add up to another half-mile onto the trek. Along the way you’ll encounter a variety of plant life such as juniper and yucca. At the top of Doe Mountain you’ll see Sedona and Dry Creek to the south, as well as Bear Mountain to the north, and Verde Valley to the west. The entire hike can be done comfortably in an hour or so. Boynton Canyon is just to the East. Diamond Back Gulch is just to the west. Also nearby are the Honanki Ruins and Palatki Heritage Site
Tips for Visiting Doe Mountain
- Even though Doe Mountain Trail is relatively short, and considered to be a fairly straightforward and simple hike, you’ll still want to be certain to bring sufficient water with you when you set out along it.
- Doe Mountain Trail is a trail that is suitable for dogs. However, if you decide to bring your pet along, it must remain on a leash at all times.
- Many visitors report that the best time to hike along Doe Mountain Trail is during the morning. If you arrange to hike Doe Mountain Trail during this time period, you’ll be able to make certain that both your ascent and descent occur when the path is shady.
- As you plan your Doe Mountain outing, keep in mind that there are not any restroom facilities located near the site.