Secret Slickrock – Best Views in Sedona, AZ

Secret Slickrock – Best Views in Sedona, AZ

Zach Rohe Photography

Wedding, Portrait, & Landscape Photography in Sedona & Beyond

Secret Slickrock – Best Views in Sedona, AZ

Zach Rohe a professional photographer in Sedona, Arizona takes a photo in front of Cathedral Rock off the secret slickrock trail.

Why go to Secret Slickrock? Is this the best view of Cathedral Rock?

In my opinion this IS the best view of Cathedral Rock and this vantage point allows you to get several different views of Sedona’s most iconic rock formation. This is also a great location to spot wildflowers, some of the best sunrises and sunsets, and there are spots where reflective water spots collect after a rain or snow. It’s off the beaten path and not as crowded as other Sedona viewpoints.

What & Where is Secret Slickrock?

Located in West Sedona, it is an open plateau about the size of a football field with up close views of Cathedral Rock and other Sedona landmarks. A trail leads there from a small, unknown parking lot or you can access the area from Crescent Moon Ranch. 

Where do you park for the Secret Slickrock Trailhead?

The easiest access is from the trail head parking lot, which is located here, and can be accessed anytime and without a pass. You can also get there from several trails out of Crescent Moon Ranch but this area has a fee to access and is open dawn to dusk seasonally. Check here for details and hours.

Directions to Secret Slickrock parking

How long is Secret Slickrock trail?

The trail from the trail head parking lot is a little over 0.3 miles with about 75 feet of elevation game. It’s an easy trail but does have a short section that is best described as a rocky staircase and requires decent footing.

How to get the best photos in this area?

Capturing the best light and views

Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture the beauty of this location. While the slickrock area is the most popular, and has plenty of room to spread out, some of the best views are at the parking area and on the trail to the popular vista. Use of off camera lighting and wider lenses showcases you in front of the dramatic Sedona backdrops.

Sunrise and Sunset times for Sedona, AZ

Hire a professional for a photo shoot

Professional photographers, like Zach Rohe Photography can help guide you through the process of scheduling a world class photo shoot and have the experience to capture you in a variety of conditions. The expense of hiring a professional is well worth it when you consider it can be a fun, insightful experience that guarantees fantastic photos to last a lifetime.

Contact Zach about a professional photo shoot

Purchase a print or wall art of the area

Zach Rohe and other photographers spend many hours coming to these areas in different conditions to capture these red rock formations at their peak. Some of these photos and many more are featured on my Landscape Photos for Sale page.

yoga retreat secret slickrock

Check out this short video on Secret Slickrock

Is Secret Slickrock a good place to get married or elope?

It’s a great place for both as long as your ceremony is small. A permit is needed for groups over 70 people but I suggest keeping groups even smaller and special care is taken to leave no trace in the National Forest. Regulations can be found here.

While there is a lot of space in this area, with spots for very intimate weddings and space for larger groups, it can get busy as this is a popular place for other groups as well. Be sure to be courteous and share our public lands and take care to leave no trace.

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Is Secret Slickrock a good place to hike?

The trail is short but plenty eventful along it’s length. Moe importantly, it is a good spur for other trails in the area and allows access to some of the best areas in all of Sedona like Crescent Moon Ranch and Airport Mesa. Both of these areas have a multitude of trails for unlimited hiking possibilities.

Other attractions near here

As mentioned earlier, Crescent Moon Ranch and Oak Creek is a stone’s throw away. While Cathedral Rock is geographically very close, it is very difficult to get to due to the creek crossing. Airport Mesa, Carroll Canyon, and Lovers Knoll are all nearby and offer a variety of views, hiking trails, wildflowers, and even some nearby secret Native American ruins.

Why you should visit Secret Slickrock

This truly is the best view of iconic Cathedral Rock and the vista offers several viewing angles of Sedona’s most popular rock. Depending on the season, you will also find wildflowers, wildlife, and the classic reflective puddles on the slickrock plateau.
Add to that the ease of access and “secrecy” of the location along with a variety of different views from the parking lot and along the trail.
Finally, there are plenty of other adventures nearby to be experienced and it is one of the most photogenic areas of Sedona with different looks for every season. Be sure to pack some water, leave no trace, get some photos, and I hope to see you on the trail!

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Interested in Zach Rohe Photography?

I’m an award winning wedding, portrait, and landscape photographer

Based in Sedona, AZ but constantly traveling in search of adventure and photographic opportunities

I mix natural light and studio light with my vast knowledge of creative and technical photography to capture the best photos of you and the world around us

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Courthouse Vista & Baby Bell – Best Views in Sedona

Courthouse Vista & Baby Bell – Best Views in Sedona

Zach Rohe Photography

Wedding, Portrait, & Landscape Photography in Sedona & Beyond

Courthouse Vista & Baby Bell – Best Views in Sedona

Where is Courthouse Vista & Baby Bell?

Located in a central location

The parking area for Courthouse Vista is located off of Rt 179 in between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek. This corridor features views and access to all of the great iconic sandstone formations that Sedona is known for.

Directions to Courthouse Vista

The trail to Baby Bell rock

Coming out of the trail head, you make a left on the Phone Trail and walk about .35 miles until the trail opens up and you see the Baby Bell rock formation on your left. From here several side trails lead to a plateau with expansive views. A short scramble up a gully lead to the summit which is only about 10 feet in diameter.

Description of Baby Bell Trail

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Why go to Courthouse Vista & Baby Bell?

A great location with ease of access

Trails in this area lead to several different rock formations and vista points, including some of the classics of the area. It is right across from Yavapai Vista and if the parking is full here, that lot can be used as a backup.  Most of the hikes are short and parking and traffic is only moderately busy in this area.

Is Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock Better?

Why choose? The great thing about climbing the Baby Bell rock is that you get 360 degree views and it’s the only place where you get great views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and many more. This location truly lies in the heart of Sedona’s red rock formations and offers the best views in Sedona.

How to get the best photos in this area?

Capturing the best light and views

The best time for photos at Courthouse Vista is definitely sunset, but sunrise can be good as well. Because of the huge formations and bold colors, I suggest having the option to use wider lenses and have off camera lighting to bring out the best colors of the Sedona backdrop and still feature the subject as the focal point.

Sunset and Sunrise times for Sedona

Hire a professional for a photo shoot

Professional photographers, like Zach Rohe Photography can help guide you through the process of scheduling a world class photo shoot and have the experience to capture you in a variety of conditions. The expense of hiring a professional is well worth it when you consider it can be a fun, insightful experience that guarantees fantastic photos to last a lifetime.

Contact Zach about a professional photo shoot

Purchase a print or wall art of the area

Zach Rohe and other photographers spend many hours coming to these areas in different conditions to capture these red rock formations at their peak. Some of these photos and many more are featured on my Landscape Photos for Sale page.

Views from Baby Bell

Views on the trail to Baby Bell

wedding couple baby bell sedona

Is Baby Bell a good place to get married or elope?

It’s a great place for both as long as your ceremony is small. A permit is needed for groups over 70 people but I suggest keeping groups even smaller and special care is taken to leave no trace in the National Forest.  Regulations can be found here.

There is a lot of space in this area, as well as spots for very intimate weddings and more spacious spots for larger groups.  Just be aware of the limited parking and some scrambling is involved to get to the upper views on Baby Bell rock.

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Why should you visit Courthouse Vista & Baby Bell?

Best Views in Sedona of all the classic landmarks

This area truly is in the heart of Sedona and one of the few spots with 360 degree views and also great vantage points to see Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte. Numerous photo opportunities are in the area for a professional photo shoot or to capture your own beautiful landscape or night photos.

Access to several trails with room to explore

The central location lies in a crisscross of many trails and enables hiking to Bell Rock and around Courthouse Butte. Side trails to other rock formations and numerous scrambles allow exploration and solitude. As always, be sure to pack plenty of water and leave no trace and I hope to see you on the trail!

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What are you waiting for?

I know the best locations and times to shoot in Sedona and beyond
With a portable studio lighting setup we capture you and the scenery
One simple fee for the shoot, the editing, and your online gallery of photos
Most importantly, we have blast doing it and enjoy the moments we capture

Yavapai Vista – Best views in Sedona

Yavapai Vista – Best views in Sedona

Zach Rohe Photography

Wedding, Portrait, & Landscape Photography in Sedona & Beyond

Yavapai Vista – Best views in Sedona

What makes Yavapai Vista Special?

Drum Circles and Vortex Energy

The big flat part of Yavapai Vista is the location of the famous full moon drum circles, and there is an ecstatic dance session here every Tuesday.  When you come here you can feel the Native American history and powerful vortex energy this area exudes.  

Spacious Parking and a Short Hike

Parking is often difficult in Sedona, AZ but the Yavapai Vista lot is one of the least crowded and the “hike” is a short .5 mile saunter up a slightly uphill trail.

Directions to Yavapai Vista

Hub for many trails and explorations

Many trails stem from this area and give you access to some of Sedona’s best areas, including Cathedral Rock.  Slim Shady Trail and Hiline Trail are some of my favorites and there is plenty of off trail scrambles to explore nearby as well.

How far is the hike to Yavapai Vista?

It is less than 0.3 miles from the trailhead with two slightly rocky sections.  It’s uphill 82ft on the way up and downhill the whole way down.  Be sure to consult a map there are a lot of intersecting trails here.

Map on Alltrails

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What gives Yavapai Vista the best views in Sedona?

Views of the classic Sedona rock formations

When you get to the open space that is Yavapai Vista, you have expansive 270 degree views.  Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Chapel of the Holy Cross are all easily visible and photographed from this spot.

Great views any time of day

Few viewpoints in Sedona, AZ offer great views for sunrise and sunset and Yavapai Vista is one of them.  This is also a great location for night photography and one of the few spots I can get good shots in the middle of the day.

Find Sunrise and Sunset times for Sedona

Lots of space to find solitude

I love the fact that this viewpoint is that there is plenty of space to find your own spot and enjoy some solitude.  It should be noted though, that every Tuesday an ecstatic dance session is hosted here and full moon nights feature the drum circle.

How to get great photos at Yavapai Vista

Capture the perfect lighting

Lighting is the most critical factor in great photos.  First, the timing here is a bit tricky as the sun sets an hour or so earlier from this location.  It’s important to use off camera flash lighting to bring out the best in you and the stunning backdrop of this vista.  By capturing the light and balancing it correctly, this spot has some of the most stunning backdrops in Sedona.

Hire a professional photographer

There are many great photographers in Sedona, such as Zach Rohe Photography.  By hiring a professional you can be assured you are choosing the best time and location while getting fun poses and having a complete experience you will always remember.

marriage couple tree yavapai vista sedona

Is Yavapai Vista a good place to get married or elope?

It’s a great place for both as long as your ceremony is small.  A permit is needed for groups over 70 people but I suggest keeping groups even smaller and special care is taken to leave no trace in the National Forest.  Regulations can be found here.

Assuming a small ceremony, there are plenty of great backdrops at this vista and there are fabulous photo opportunities all around fr romantics afterwards.  There is also a highly spiritual feel to this location as you often get the feeling that ceremonies have been performed here for thousands of years.

Contact Zach Rohe for more information

 

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Why should you visit Yavapai Vista in Sedona?

It’s easy to get to, has a ton of space to spread out and get great photos, and is beautiful at all times of day.  Some of my best photographs in Sedona come from Yavapai Vista and I’m always coming out with new and creative spots here.

Remember it’s always important to leave no trace in Sedona, and anywhere you travel.  If you are intrested in contacting me about this location or a photo shoot, click here.  I also have some incredible wall art of this spot and many others on my Photos for Sale page.  And most importantly enjoy your stay in Sedona and I hope to see you on the trail!

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More views of Yavapai Vista
What are you waiting for?

I know the best locations and times to shoot in Sedona and beyond
With a portable studio lighting setup we capture you and the scenery
One simple fee for the shoot, the editing, and your online gallery of photos
Most importantly, we have blast doing it and enjoy the moments we capture

Lovers Knoll – Magical Views of Sedona, AZ

Lovers Knoll – Magical Views of Sedona, AZ

Zach Rohe Photography

Wedding, Portrait, & Landscape Photography in Sedona & Beyond

Lovers Knoll – Magical Views of Sedona, AZ

Lovers Knoll in Sedona, AZ

I’m not sure who came up with the name “Lovers Knoll”, but after photographing tons of weddings here, I understand the amount of love that has been pledged here.  It makes sense… it’s easy to get to, there’s decent parking, and the views are outstanding.

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Some of the best views in Sedona

Sedona is an insanely beautiful place, but some of the best views are from Lovers Knoll.  It features classic views of many Sedona landmarks like Cathedral Rock and the Pyramid.  The views are great anytime of day, but especially at sunrise and sunset and each time has it’s own unique character.

Find the Sunrise or Sunset time for your visit

Easy to access

Just off the main highway 89A in West Sedona, Lovers Knoll is a short drive from most locations.  When you pull in the dirt parking area it is a bit bumpy but any car can make it in and you will find plenty of room to park.

Google Maps view of Lovers Knoll

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Photography at Lovers Knoll

Most of the shoots I have done here are for weddings and elopements, but this is a great place for any session, expecially large groups or people who do not want to walk far.  There are several different angles to get great photos, but it does not have the 360 degree views of other locations and you aren’t especially close to the dramatic red rock walls of Sedona.  I love shooting here and above and below you can see some of my shots from this location, click on any of them to enlarge.

Drawbacks to this location

Like most of Sedona, AZ, this location is no longer a secret and has become quite busy.  Especially on the weekend and holidays when there will be several wedding ceremonies going on at once at the knoll.  It also doesn’t have the diversity of backdrops as a place like Yavapai Vista or Crescent Moon Ranch.

How I deal with the drawbacks

Being a creative person and having shot here hundreds of times, I can get plenty of diverse photos with the limited backdrops.  If the area is busy I have a few spots that few people know about, and if it’s really busy I have two other similiar locations that I call the “Upper Views” just a 2 minute drive away.  As a photographer I pride myself on having contingency plans and creative solutions.

Why you should go to Lovers Knoll

First of all, it’s beautiful!  Living in Sedona I often take for granted these views but it is always rewarding when I meet a client here for the first time and they are amazed by the surrounding splendor.  This spot is also easy to get to and park at, which are things that are increasingly difficult to find in Sedona.

There is an amazing energy here

I’m not sure if it’s from all of the couples that have pledged their love here or perhaps it’s some vortex energy… but I always love my time here and feel great after relaxing and taking in the views.  If you are interested in a photography session in Sedona or anywhere else, reach out to me on my contact form.  And if not, just take in the views, leave no trace, and I hope to see you on the trail!

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Views from Lovers Knoll

Views from “Upper Views”

What are you waiting for?

I know the best locations and times to shoot in Sedona and beyond
With a portable studio lighting setup we capture you and the scenery
One simple fee for the shoot, the editing, and your online gallery of photos
Most importantly, we have blast doing it and enjoy the moments we capture

Best views near downtown Sedona

Best views near downtown Sedona

Zach Rohe Photography

Wedding, Portrait, & Landscape Photography in Sedona & Beyond

Best views near downtown Sedona

Munds Wagon Trail head and Schnebly Hill Road

In Sedona, even if you aren’t staying downtown, you will be passing through at some point.  Popular vistas like Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock require a 15 minute drive, 1+ hour hike, and some planning to be there at the right time.  Imagine if you could witness the best views near downtown Sedona by just driving 5 minutes and walking 50 feet to 360 degree views?

I’ll explain why this area is a hidden gem and one of my most popular spots for family photography sessions.  Parking is usually easy and requires a red rock pass (you can purchase on site for $3) or a national parks pass and there is a bathroom on site, but pack out your trash.

View from Merry Go Round rock in Sedona - Landscape photography for sale
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History of the area

Schnebly Hill Road is often regarded as one of the toughest off road treks in Arizona, but there was a time when this was the easiest way to get to Flagstaff from Sedona. The original road was more like a trail, built by Jim Munds and his family to drive cattle from the grazing areas of Sedona to the highlands around Flagstaff.

Later T.C. Schnebly, the founder of Sedona, would improve the trail to a road and it was used exclusively until a new road was built up Oak Creek Canyon which became the way to get to Flagstaff that is used today. After that, the road fell into ruins, and now it’s a popular off road destination and a great area for hiking and scenic photography.

Natural wonders to photograph and explore

The parking lot for the Munds Wagon trail signifies the end of the paved road and is also a centerpiece for many trails and natural wonders to explore nearby. There are numerous caves, arches, and other unique geological features. The area is always filled with blooming wildflowers and agave and protected by bobcats and hawks.

The sandstone rock formations are caused by erosion into the sand that was once the bottom of a sea that submerged this entire area. The white rock towards the top of these towering peaks was the sand layer before the seas disappeared and you can often find fossils and shells in this layer. Many black volcanic rocks are strewn over the area from the volcanic eruptions in Flagstaff many years ago.

These are the best views near downtown Sedona

Photography and Hiking near Munds Wagon trail head

 

Can you keep a secret? These are the best views near downtown Sedona, with great photography and hiking, but it is not as busy or popular as many others. Parking is usually easy and most of the people who visit this area do it from the back of a pink jeep.

You can hike on the Margs Draw Trail and explore Snoopy Rock and desert flatland below. This is one of my favorite areas to explore and rock scramble and there are great spots to watch sunset. The Huckaby Trail starts toward the west and descends into Oak Creek Canyon, and if you go far enough you will end up at the creek where you can take a dip or fish for wild trout.

And finally, if you head to the west on the Munds Wagon Trail, you will ascend through Bear Wallow Canyon, surrounded by amazing rock formations and occasionally seasonal waterfalls. From this trail, you can complete the Hangover Loop (my favorite hike in Sedona) or get to Merry Go Round Rock (my favorite sunset spot in Sedona).

Locals love this area for many reasons, and maybe your love for Sedona extends where you want to live here as well.  Check out this article I was interviewed for by Redfin that highlights some of the best reasons to live here.

 

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Best views near downtown Sedona are near the Munds Wagon trailhead
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Where to take photos

I call this these the best views near downtown Sedona for a reason, and you don’t have to hike or even walk far to get great shots. Only 50 feet from the parking lot are 360 degree views of this amazing red rock amphitheater. On the other hand, if you want to explore or hike there are thousands of places on and off trail with numerous angles to capture light.

Easy access for great photos

The area around the Margs Draw trail is one of my favorites to go off trail and get to a high point to capture amazing sunsets and find solitude in the process. All around the trail head are numerous overlooks, and all face different features… downtown, Thunder Mountain, Oak Creek Canyon, and of course the huge Bear Wallow Canyon that leads up to the top of the road and Merry Go Round Rock.

Take an adventure for epic photos

Merry Go Round Rock is one of the most dramatic places in Sedona. Sunsets there can be otherworldly and the nearby medicine wheels left by Native Americans create a spiritual feeling to the area. This rock is more like a mini peak that is surrounded by viewpoints and looks like (surprise) a merry go round.

Access here is difficult, you need a 4×4 to get up the treacherous parts of Schnebly Hill road (there are nearby rentals) or you have to hike 3 miles to get here and 3 miles back. But the views and different shots that you can get here make it worth it. I’ve hiked back in the dark many times after capturing sunset there and almost got washed away in a flash flood when a monsoon ripped this canyon apart with hail and rain one summer.

Schedule a photo shoot and have some fun

Go wild or mild and schedule a photo shoot to capture your moment in Sedona. There are many photographers in the area, but I am unique in that I combine studio and natural lighting. This brings out the best views near downtown Sedona but keeps you as the central focal point of your photo gallery. No matter what location you choose, or you choose to spend it with, I guarantee you will have fun!

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A brilliant starburst sunset from on of the best views near downtown sedona off of Scnebly Hill road
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Check out my video on the Best views near downtown Sedona

Enjoy the area, and keep the secret

There are many reasons to come here and enjoy this area, but my favorites are the lack of crowds and easy access to some of the most beautiful parts of Sedona. It is just a few minutes from downtown, leashed pets are allowed, there is a bathroom at the parking area, and it is very important that you pack out your trash and leave no trace.

If you want to go big, do the Hangover loop and enjoy some of the best scenery you will see in the US. If you just want an easy place to watch sunset, park at the trail head and walk to one of the nearby overlooks. And if you want the most epic photo shoot of your lifetime, send me a message and we will get you on Merry Go Round rock or one of the easily accesible locations like the ones pictured below.

The huge red rock formations and high vistas above town make these the best views near downtown Sedona.  There are many other great places to experience Sedona and get some great photos as well, just check out some of my other pages.  I hope to see you out there!

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A woman being photographed for a styed session at the best view near downtown Sedona
More views from Schnebly Hill & Munds Wagon Trailhead
What are you waiting for?

I know the best locations and times to shoot in Sedona and beyond
With a portable studio lighting setup we capture you and the scenery
One simple fee for the shoot, the editing, and your online gallery of photos
Most importantly, we have blast doing it and enjoy the moments we capture

Where to find Aspens in Arizona

Where to find Aspens in Arizona

Zach Rohe Photography

Wedding, Portrait, & Landscape Photography in Sedona & Beyond

Where to find Aspens in Arizona

aspen bark leaves fall

Where to go

Aspens in Arizona? Are you kidding? I had heard about the aspen groves when I first started exploring northern Arizona a few years ago. My local friends had told me about Lockett Meadow, a seemingly wonderous alpine meadow with a huge grove of aspen trees. There was only one problem this year: the road to Lockett Meadow was closed due to a fire in the spring.

After a little research, I found that aspen groves existed right near the Snowbowl ski resort, and the roads were open! I knew it was going to very crowded as it was the only place to see fall colors In Arizona, so I photographed early one morning and late one afternoon.

 

aspen grove fall flagstaff arizona

Fall Color in Arizona is underrated!

What was interesting about the fall color in Arizona is that so much life still exists. Even the purple lupine flowers were blooming, which are normally early bloomers. Due to all of the rain that we received this summer in Arizona, the fall is almost like a second spring. It was awesome to witness these contrasts and it’s crazy to think in a month this will all be covered in snow! (It snowed at the higher elevations here the day after I left!)

After scouting out the area and taking some photos for my portfolio, I met up with a local model to get some shots with the brilliant colors and light. The lighting was magnificent and we came up with these shots.

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The best place to see aspens is Flagstaff, Arizona

As soon as the sun went down, the temperature dropped too! Being at 9,000 feet of elevation, you can feel the cold mountain air and the lack of oxygen in your lungs! But it was totally worth the short walk from the parking lot, and if you’re looking for fall colors in Arizona, Snowbowl is the place to be!

If you are looking for a fall photoshoot in the aspens, message Zach Rohe Photography

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