Airport Mesa
Ways to visit Airport Mesa
While Airport Mesa isn’t Sedona’s most famous rock formation, it has some of the best views of big-name rocks, including Cathedral Spire. The main hiking trail here is the 3.2-mile (5.1-kilometer) Airport Loop Trail that follows the edge of the mesa. If you’re looking for views without the hike, Airport Mesa’s Sedona Airport Overlook is a great place to park. This is also an included stop on some private and group tours of Sedona, which range from quick outings to all-day experiences. Some focus on Airport Mesa as a vortex, combining the site with other spots renowned for powerful energy. More nature-focused tours explore Airport Mesa on hiking trails, by Jeep, or in tour vehicles; featured stops on these tours may include other rock formations such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Seven Canyons.
Things to know before you go to Airport Mesa
- Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the hiking trail has little shade.
- This trail can be muddy after rain, so it’s a good idea to wear high-topped boots following wet weather.
- Uneven surfaces mean the Airport Loop Trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
How to get to Airport Mesa
The main trailhead for the Airport Loop Trail is located roughly half a mile (0.8 kilometers) up Airport Road on the left side. Parking is very limited here, however, so if the lot is full continue to a larger parking area at the top of Airport Road. Starting at the secondary lot adds an additional 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers) to the round-trip hike.
Trip ideas
When to visit Airport Mesa
As at other desert sites, sunrise and sunset are spectacular at Airport Mesa. In soft light, the surrounding rock formations turn rosy-red. It’s so beautiful that sunset can draw a crowd, so for a more solitary experience, sunrise is a great option.
Top Hiking Areas in Sedona
There are lots of places to lace on your hiking boots here. In Red-Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, the 7.2-mile (11.6-kilometer) West Creek Trail is a justifiably popular out-and-back hike in scenic Oak Creek Canyon. Popular with both hikers and Jeep tours, the Broken Arrow Trail offers big views of the surrounding desert.
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