Baldwin Trail is one of the more popular easy hikes in Sedona, AZ. Besides having some of the most spectacular views of Cathedral Rock, Baldwin Trail is also an access trail to one of the popular swimming holes in Sedona: Red Rock Crossing/Buddha Beach. This trail also provides access to the base of famous Cathedral Rock and other connecting trails. A 3-mile loop, Baldwin Trail is the perfect trail for beginners, families with children, and those who just want a leisure hike or have a broken toe (Vy).
The main reason we wanted to hike Baldwin Trail was to check out the swimming hole. Also, since I broke my toe canyoneering a couple of months before, we opted for an easier trail so as not to put too much pressure on it. There are a few different options to start the Baldwin Trail: from the Turkey Creek parking lot, the Crescent Moon Ranch, and, of course, from the official Baldwin Trail trailhead. We started our hike from the official Baldwin Trail trailhead.
Baldwin Trail Trailhead
34.821889, -111.808056
Optional Parking/Trailhead
Turkey Creek Trail East Parking
34.812691, -111.809763
There is a small dirt parking lot across from the trailhead.
A Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to access the Baldwin trail in Sedona. You can buy the day pass for $5 at the parking lot.
There are vault toilets at the parking lot.
2.7 miles Loop (3.1 if you want to go swimming)
(to the base of Cathedral Rock, addition 1 mile each way)
249 ft
Easy
Takes average 1.5-2.5 hours. It can take longer depending on how long you want to spend at the swimming hole.
The best time to hike Baldwin Trail is during the cooler months in Spring and Falls as it gets very warm. However, if Summer time is perfect for a nice dip in the swimming hole. If you’re planning to hike in the summer, start early in the morning and finish at the swimming hole.
Pets are allowed on Baldwin Trail, but they must be kept on a leash.
The official Baldwin Trail trailhead is located near the end of the Verde Valley School Road. To get here, you can either use the coordinates that we provided above or follow the instructions below:
After parking, we walk across the road to get to the Baldwin Trail trailhead. Even though this isn’t a busy road, don’t forget to watch out for incoming vehicles before crossing. At the trailhead, there is an information sign highlighting the routes. Since Baldwin Trail is a loop, you can go in either direction. Going left (clockwise) will connect you to the swimming hole and the base of Cathedral Rock faster. This means this direction is also busier. Since we wanted to save the swimming hole near the end of our hike and have some peace, we opted to go right (counter-clockwise) first.
The first half mile of the Baldwin Trail is nothing to write home about. The trail will be running along the road for a short distance, snaking its way under some power lines. Keep going, things will be getting a lot better! Things have been quite easy so far as we made our way up and over small rolling hills and dodged all of the prickly plants.
At right around 0.6 of a mile into the hike, things will be ramping up a little. We came to our first junction on the Baldwin Trail. Here, if you go straight (right), the trail will lead to Turkey Creek Trailhead. Going left will continue the loop.
As soon as we turn left, the trail immediately goes uphill. While this hill isn’t anywhere near as steep as the climb up Bell Rock, it is a bit of a workout. In fact, this is one of the 3 climbs along the trail. Here, there are switchbacks and rock stairs as you make your way up towards the top. The road and cars will start to fade off into the distance. All you have is the beautiful desert scenery that Sedona is famous for.
At the top of the climb, the trail will curve off to the left and squeeze between Ocotillo trees. If you are visiting at the right time of year, these trees bloom with beautiful red flowers. After passing the Ocotillo, the Baldwin Trail runs along a hill with small drop-offs on the right-hand side. This section of Baldwin Trail is one of our favorite sections here. The scenery is just so beautiful! From a distance, we could see Cathedral Rock and its saddle. By the way, make sure to keep an eye out for bikers. The Baldwin Trail is also a popular mountainbiking route.
At 0.66 miles from the first junction, we reached the second junction. Here, you’ll want to go straight to stay on the Baldwin Loop Trail. Going right to take you to the Hiline Trail. As we continued, the Baldwin Trail started its descent. The descent isn’t that bad; however, some sections can be slippery. So, make sure to watch your steps. There are some short hills and rock stairs for the descent.
After about 0.5 miles, we reached the third junction for Baldwin Trail and Templeton Trail. At this junction, if you want to visit the swimming hole or continue to Cathedral Rock, you’ll need to go right. To continue on the Baldwin Trail loop, you’ll need to go left. And if you want to get to the base of Cathedral Rock, it is an additional 1 mile each way. To get to the swimming hole (Buddha Beach/Red Rock Crossing), it is about 800 ft each way.
Since we wanted to check out the swimming hole, we turned right to follow the Templeton Trail. The trail is tucked between the trees before running parallel to Oak Creek. There are multiple spots where you can leave the main trail to get to the edge of the creek. The water was quite calm when we went. You can just pick a good spot and go for a swim. However, make sure to pay attention to the current. The creek can get pretty crazy after big rains. If you want to get to Buddha Beach, you’ll have to hike a bit further.
Buddha Beach (Red Rock Crossing) has some flat areas where you can spread out your towels and hang out. The water can get very cold, especially in the winter. If you’re visiting in the summer, that water would feel really good, though. The water can get very deep in certain sections. The rocks are also slippery. So, be careful if you’re trying to cross the creek.
After spending a good amount of time at Buddha Beach, we made our way back to the third junction and continued following the loop for Baldwin Trail. After the junction, the trail is quite flat for a short while. If you turn back, there is a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock in the background. This section of the trail is also more crowded since it connects to the Crescent Moon Ranch. Many people hike this section just to go to the swimming hole.
After a short distance, we came to our fourth junction. There is a sign pointing straight toward Crescent Moon. Here, you’ll want to go left, through the trees. The trail should start climbing as you curve around the corner. If it is flat, you go the wrong way. The climb is not long, along some rocky steps. The Baldwin trail then flattens out for a bit before continuing to climb. This section is quite short. About 0.3 miles, you’ll reach the trailhead and the end of your adventure.
If you’re looking for awesome hikes in Sedona, check out our 9 awesome hikes in Sedona blog. For other fun things to do, we highly recommend renting an ATV to drive the offroad Diamondback and Broken Arrow. It’s so much fun!
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to check out the related posts below for more inspiration on your upcoming adventures. While at it, follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel! We’ll love you forever!
These are the gear that we personally use and find helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
Our favorite biodegradable, eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen!
This is Vy's favorite hiking bag! It has tons of room for snacks and water!
It's always good to bring a GPS tracker with you. We use the Garmin inReach.
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
This jacket is packable into a super small and light little ball. Perfect for when you just need a little…
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
Our favorite hiking/travel jacket. It's warm and packable, perfect to bring on a hike or a road trip.
If you tend to have foot blisters on hikes, get this! We use this all the time.
These hiking poles are sturdy, and great to help keep your balance on short or longer hikes
Compact GoPro pole that extends to 25", perfect to bring on your adventure.
This is our go-to camera for all of our adventures. It comes with us everywhere!
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Hi! We are Dustin & Vy, the proud creators of Live That Adventure. We created this website because we wanted to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest. On here, you’ll find everything from hiking, canyoneering, kayaking, and snorkeling to adventure and travel tips, gear reviews, and bucket list items such as bungee jumping or wing walking. We’ll show you the ropes so you can do them too!
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