9 Tips For Hiking Sedona Safely This Summer
- Sondema Tarr
- Jun 25
- 6 min read
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If you've been around for long enough, more than likely you've seen photos of Sedona, Arizona. As a foot doctor/podiatrist that also loves hiking, Sedona for many reasons is one my favorite places to visit hands down. Sedona is extremely popular, attracting millions of visitors a year.
Many people, including me incuded are drawn to Sedona due to the breathtaking hiking trails. So I decided to compile this guide, on my 9 tips, as a resident of Arizona, with close proximity to Sedona, my 9 tips for hiking Sedona safely this summer.
9 Tips For Hiking Sedona Safely This Summer
Be mindful of the heat

Sedona, Arizona, can experience all four seasons. In the summer, temperatures in Sedona can reach high in the high 90s.
Combined with the high elevations of Sedona and the dry, desert air, I personally do not hike anywhere in Sedona during the summer.
This is because, even though Sedona is beautiful, the higher temperatures of summer can lead to heat-related emergencies and even death quickly. Arizona residents know how true this is. Every year, there are news reports about people who have died while hiking in Sedona during the summer.
If you really have your heart set on hiking in Sedona, which I admit is pretty amazing. I've done some beautiful trails in the fall or winter, either come during another time of year, or if you absolutely must come during the summer season, be at the trailhead extremely early, as in well before sunrise (around 4-5:30 am).
The very early start time makes sure that you will be done with the hike well before the afternoon, when the sun is at its peak intensity, and the temperatures are at their highs.
Pre-hydrate before you begin your hike

Regardless of the time of year, drinking water well before your hike can be the difference between making it to the end of the trail and having to stop due to heat-related illness.
Especially during the summer in Sedona, if you're going to make the decision to hike, pre-hydration is a non-negotiable.
Start drinking extra water the night before your hike to be sure that your body is well-hydrated.
Don't forget electrolytes
Water is life for your body, but just as water is so vital to life, so are electrolytes.
Electrolytes are minerals that actually carry electrical charges in your body. Electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, or sodium are key to life too, because they are responsible for many of your body's processes, like making sure that your blood has the right chemistry, for healthy blood pressure, heart function, bone health, for your muscles to work, for nerves to send signals.
There are many electrolyte products out there on the market. The one that I have used time and time again, and continue to buy, is from Liquid IV.
Liquid IV is a powdered hydration mix that contains the right combination of electrolytes and uses something called Cellular Transport Technology (CTT) to help your body absorb fluids and nutrients more quickly than drinking just water alone.
Electrolytes are key in everyday life, especially while hiking in Sedona.
Use sun protection

Hiking in Sedona’s summer sun can be intense, even early in the morning. Protecting your skin isn't just about avoiding sunburn; it’s also about preventing heat-related illnesses and lowering your risk of sun damage long term.
There are several ways to protect your skin from too much sun exposure, like using a high-SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen (don’t forget often-missed areas like the tops of your feet, ears, and the back of your neck). Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes, even better if they have UV protection, wearing a hat, or sunglasses, are also ways to protect yourself from the sun.
Personally, I use a combination of sunscreen, clothing, and healthy sun exposure practices to protect myself from excess sun exposure.
Two of my favorite sunscreens to use are from Korea. I love Korean sunscreens because they are usually very hydrating to the skin (very important if you're in the desert), and they also do not leave a white or grey cast to the skin.
Korean sunscreens have more modern filters, which tend to offer better sun protection than American filters. Did you know the last sunscreen filter approved by the FDA in the US was in 1999?!

Yes 1999. Since then, sunscreen technology has continued to develop, and, effectively, the US has been left behind. This is one of the big reasons why Korean and even Japanese sunscreens are so popular, and for good reason.
For the face, I recommend Beauty of Joseon Aquafit Sunscreen. I've been using this DAILY over the year for my face and have only had a positive experience with it.
For my body, I love the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum. Very hydrating, and leaves your skin very glowy.
What does SPF 50+, PA++++ mean?
The "+" after the PSF 50 means that the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) might be a little but above 50, but testing methods used cap the value at 50.
In Korea and Japan, sunscreens also come with UVA or Ultraviolet R ratings, which are listed as PA or Protection Grade of UVA.
PA ratings are from 1 to 4 or (+ to ++++). PA++++ means that the sunscreen has a very high UVA protection rating.
Wear the right shoes for you, your foot type, and your goals
Hiking Sedona means walking on everything from red rock to dusty trails, so your footwear needs to be more than just "athletic."
Choose hiking shoes, boots, or even hiking boots with good traction. The key is to match your footwear with both your anatomy and your adventure level.
There are so many footwear options for hiking based on many factors. I'm a foot doctor who loves hiking, and usually is on some hiking trail every weekend (excluding summer). Here are some of the hiking shoes that I've reviewed over the years:
Don't forget snacks

It’s easy to underestimate how many calories you burn while hiking, especially in the heat.
Pack snacks that combine complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein to keep your energy up and your blood sugar stable. Snacks like jerky, trail mix, nut butter packets, or even dried fruit are great sources of fuel on hikes.
And don’t be afraid to add salty snacks, these are very important when you’re sweating out those electrolytes.
Some of my favorite snacks for hiking Sedona, especially, include beef jerky, fresh or dried fruit, nuts nut butters.
Use a good map
Cell phone signals can be spotty in Sedona, especially when you're on hiking trails, and very close to the red rock, so always have a backup about how you will find your way. Download offline trail maps ahead of time or carry a physical map of the area.
Apps like AllTrails can be useful, but don’t depend 100% on your cell phone. Knowing where you’re going and how to get back can lower your risk of injury, getting lost in the wilderness, or even worse.
Prevent blisters

Blisters are one of the most common hiking issues. Anyone knows how has had one, that a blister, especially while hiking, is extremely painful, and can make a hiking trip unbearable, even physically impossible to complete.
To lower your risk of blisters while hiking Sedona, wear moisture-wicking socks (avoid cotton ones!) and make sure your shoes fit properly. Consider using moleskin or blister patches on hot spots on the bottoms of your feet before you hike.
If your shoes are new, break them in with shorter walks before you head to Sedona. Keeping your feet dry and friction-free is your best defense.
Post-hydration is key
Hydration is so important, including after your hike is over. After hours in the sun, your body continues to need water and electrolytes to recover. After your hike, drink plenty of water with electrolytes.
Rehydrating is important with lowering muscle soreness, speeding up recovery, and supporting foot and leg circulation.
Key Takeaways

Hiking in Sedona can be a really beautiful experience that leaves you with lifelong memories. Even though all of this is true, it's important to be very mindful, do your due diligence, and research when planning your trip to Sedona. If its too hot to hike in Sedona in the summer, skip it, there are plenty of other things to do in town. If the temperature is safe, remember things like having your hydration down pack, having a reliable map, carrying healthy snacks with you, and having the right shoes can make all the difference in your hiking experience.
Schedule Your Appointment at Direct Podiatry Arizona
Are you in need of a podiatrist or foot doctor while visiting Sedona? My name is Dr. Sondema Tarr, I'm a Phoenix podiatrist with my private practice in Tempe, AZ. To view my available appointment times, click here.
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