Exploring Sedona: Photography and Hiking
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Why Sedona is a Must for Photographers & Vanlifers
Sedona, Arizona, is one of those places that feels almost too perfect to be real. With its dramatic red rock formations, epic sunsets, and a sky full of stars, it’s no wonder this spot has become a dream destination for outdoor lovers, photographers, and vanlifers alike.
We spent nearly a week exploring Sedona, which could have been quite expensive if not for the freedom and flexibility our van provided. Having our home on wheels allowed us to stay close to nature without the high costs of hotels or rentals.
Best Times to Visit Sedona
While Sedona is beautiful year-round, the most popular seasons are March through May and September through mid-December. These periods offer mild temperatures, making them ideal for hiking and photography. Spring brings vibrant wildflowers, while fall showcases stunning foliage against the red rocks. If you're looking to avoid crowds and don't mind cooler temperatures, January to mid-February offers the most economical prices of the year.
Where to Camp for Free in Sedona
Road 525
Free camping near Sedona used to be a bit of a hidden gem—until regulations changed in late 2022. While dispersed camping is more limited now, Road 525 still offers great options about 15 minutes outside of town.
There are 8 designated free campsites along this road. They vary in size—some are secluded, others closer to the main highway. Here’s what to know:
No campfires allowed
No water access, so come prepared
A few vault toilets available
Most are accessible with a two-wheel drive (weather permitting)
Despite the changes, it’s still a peaceful place to wake up surrounded by red rock views.
We stayed at the Greasy Spoon campsite, which offered a serene environment and stunning views. Other designated camping areas along Road 525 include:
Surprise (3.72 acres)
Windmill (1.41 acres)
Cockscomb (3.23 acres)
Nolan (11.85 acres)
Across from Road 525 is Road 89B, which has two designated camping areas:
Javelina (1.24 acres)
Angel Valley (1.14 acres)
A short distance down Highway 89A from Road 525 is Road 9570A, which includes one designated camping area:
Rockview (10.82 acres)
Iconic Sedona Hikes for Landscape Photography
Whether you're chasing golden hour or looking for a new desktop wallpaper shot, these hikes offer some of the best photo ops in Arizona.
Bell Rock Pathway
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Sunrise photography, wide landscape shots.
An easy-to-moderate trail and one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks. Arrive early! —perfect for wide landscape shots with dramatic lighting.
Schuerman Mountain Trail
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Sunset silhouettes, panoramic views
Less crowded and known for its epic sunset views. This trail isn’t long, but it delivers a stunning overlook perfect for setting up your tripod and capturing layers of light fading over the red rocks.
Birthing Cave
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Framed shots, unique cave perspectives
Short but steep hike to one of Sedona’s most unique natural formations. The cave opening creates a natural frame—great for shooting from inside looking out.
Subway Cave via Boynton Canyon Trail
Distance: 5.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Mid-morning golden tones, dramatic depth shots
Very popular—and for good reason. The Subway Cave features a tunnel-like sandstone formation that glows beautifully in mid-day light. Be prepared for crowds and try to get there early. We went there for sunset and there was a good little bit of people, so we were lucky. This hike is long, so if you come for sunset, make sure to bring some headlamps.
Devil’s Bridge
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip from Mescal Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Wide-angle shots, adventure portraits
This is one of the most famous photo spots in Sedona, and it lives up to the hype. The hike is moderate, but the payoff is a jaw-dropping natural rock bridge with a wide backdrop. We got there for Sunrise and there was a line already!! Everyone was really nice though, and help each other take their picture. Aidan and I got a person to take a picture of us with our phones but besides that I set my camera in my tripod and started the Interval Shooting Mode so I could have photographs of a frame of my choice.
*This photo is available for Sale!
Cathedral Rock
Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Challenging
Best for: Sunset timelapses, dramatic cliffside portraits
A short but steep hike that’s ideal for sunset. This spot requires a shuttle on some days, so check in advance. Once at the top, you’ll have panoramic views and a perfect perch to end your day.
My Photography Gear
Want to know what I shoot with? Here's the gear I use to capture Sedona's magic:
Camera body: Sony A7III
Lenses: Tamron 17-28 mm f2.8, Tamron 28-75 mm f2.8, Tamron 70-300 mm f4.5-6.3
Tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod
I’ll be sharing more about my full setup and favorite accessories in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!
Tips for Visiting Sedona as a Photographer
Start early: Crowds arrive fast, especially on popular trails like Boynton Canyon Trail, Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock.
Pack out what you pack in: Some free campsites have minimal facilities.
Respect signage and shuttle rules: Some trails require shuttle access on weekends and holidays.
Be weather-aware: Trails can get muddy quickly if it rains, especially if you’re in a 2WD van.
Final Thoughts
Sedona is one of those rare places where every direction you look feels like a photo waiting to happen. Whether you're living the vanlife dream or just visiting for a weekend, this red rock wonderland offers an unforgettable mix of nature, stillness, and dramatic beauty.
From free camping on Road 525 to sunset hikes at Schuerman Mountain, this is your go-to guide to getting the most out of Sedona with your camera in hand.