Popular Sedona Photoshoot Locations

A Helpful Guide for Researching and Choosing the Best Location for your Session

This Light Painting Portrait was crafted during a Twilight to Starlight Portrait Session at Secret Slickrock Mesa.

Sedona has some of the best outdoor portrait locations anywhere in America. Many are accessible with little or no hiking. However, it is important to note that Sedona Starlight Portraits is NOT a guided hiking service. This means it is vital that all guests research and choose their own shoot locations, and ensure that they can reach these locations safely and comfortably. We provide the following information to help guests who are not familiar with Sedona choose a location that is both beautiful and accessible for them.

Short, Easy Hikes:

This Natural Light Portrait was crafted on a late summer evening at Secret Slickrock Mesa.

Secret Slickrock Mesa Hike Distance: 0.6 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Difficulty: Easy

Description: This is one of the more popular choices for photoshoot sessions in Sedona. With a beautiful uninterrupted view of Cathedral Rock's most photogenic angle and plenty of space for creative posing. It's accessible via a short walk with a gentle slope. While it can be crowded during sunset, it is nearly always empty for night sky shoots. Occasionally, after a rain, it may be possible to capture reflections at this location, but this can never be guaranteed!

This lucky and adventurous couple had their engagement session atop Baby Bell during a rare aurora borealis event!

Bell Rock/Baby Bell/Courthouse Butte Loop

Hike Distance: 0.4-1 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 0 to 150 feet (depending on exact location)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Description: This area has several options for locations ranging from a short and easy walk with little to no elevation gain to a short scramble up onto a slickrock outcrop. With backdrops that include the iconic Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, this is a great choice for those who want multiple angles to choose from in one shoot location. The most strenuous option is to climb onto Baby Bell, a slickrock outcrop with panoramic views in all directions that rewards those willing to make the short non-technical climb. It is recommended to visit during the day to assess whether the climb onto Baby Bell is within your abilities, or if you would prefer a short and easy walk to one of the many open mesas in the area.

This Light Painting Portrait was captured on a cloudy night at Thunder Mountain North.

North Side of Thunder Mountain (Dry Creek Trailhead)

Hike Distance: 0.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: None

Difficulty: Extremely Easy

Description: While this trailhead parking area tends to be full to capacity during the day, at night there is ample parking and plenty of space for Starlight Portrait sessions! A short flat walk takes you to an open area with the distinctive outline of Sedona's tallest freestanding monument, Thunder Mountain, as a backdrop.

Yavapai Vista

Hike Distance: <1 mile round trip

Elevation Gain: 100 feet

Difficulty: EasyDescription: This is an easy hike on a gentle incline up to an open mesa that looks down over Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. It features open sky to the east and north and is a great spot for Starlight or Light Painting Portrait sessions.

Adventure Locations: Please Note: The following locations require your photographer to hike or drive off-road to reach. This additional time requires and Adventure Location charge. A private Jeep and driver can also be contracted for 4x4 locations at an additional cost.

Cathedral Rock

Hike Distance: 1.2 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 740 feet

Difficulty: Strenuous

Description: For the adventurous only, this hike involves a few short scrambles up slickrock surfaces. The reward is a magical shoot location with towering red rock walls on either side.

This Natural Light Portrait was crafted at the Seven Sacred Pools.

Seven Sacred Pools Hike Distance: 4 Mile Roundtrip on road (not recommended) 3 mile round trip on trail (requires short off-road drive to access trailhead)

Elevation Gain: none on road, ~300 feet on trail

Description: One of Sedona's most famous attractions, reaching this location was made more complicated when the city closed all parking within 2 miles of the trailhead. It can be reached via a 2 mile flat walk along a paved road and a short walk along the trail, or a 1.5 mile trail hike from a trailhead that requires a short off-road drive to reach.

The view from Merry Go Round Rock

Schnebly Hill / Merry-Go-Round Rock

Access: Requires 4x4 vehicle

Hike Distance: Varies, short walk from parking

Elevation Gain: Minimal

Difficulty: Easy

Description: This area is up a rugged 4x4 road. A high clearance vehicle and comfort with off-road driving are required. If you are not comfortable driving to this location yourself, we would be happy to book a private 4x4 with driver to get you here. Once on location, there are several amazing spots to create portraits with stunning red rock backdrops. This option turns your session into an off-road adventure in addition to an amazing night under the stars!

Choosing the Right Location for Your Shoot

Whether you're looking for an easy and stress-free evening under the stars or a rugged adventure to a remote and exciting location for your session, Sedona Starlight Portraits can help you create the perfect experience and craft the image you envision. If you still have questions, drop us a line and we will schedule a call to discuss your options in more detail. If you're ready to choose the location for your perfect Starlight Portrait session, click the Book Now button below!

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