Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Honanki Ruins

    4.3 (26 reviews)
    Open 9:30 am - 3:00 pm

    Honanki Ruins Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Honanki Ruins

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Brian A.

    Bumpy ride to get there but loved the guides and attention to detail of the tour . Very worth it !

    Very cool cliff dwellings near Sedona
    Dan D.

    Cool & scenic drive to Honanki cliff dwellings. It's a 10 mi dirt road to the site but any car or suv can make the drive (just a bit bumpy w washboard & rocks at times). Amazing mountain views along the drive. It's open 9-3

    Deb F.

    4.5 miles dirt road not too rough but recommend taking Jeep, truck and or SUV. Parking day pass is required $5 and can be purchased at the trailhead via kiosk. Plan 45 mins to hour at the ruins.

    Honanki ruins; Sinagua people; AD 1130-1280
    Paul L.

    The Honanki ruins, off of Route 89A (past mile marker 365) on Forest Road 525 in West Sedona, is just down the bumpy dirt road from the Polatki ruins nearby. The Sinagua people resided here from AD 1130-1280 and they left behind some wonderful pictographs in addition to the primitive structures that have stood at the base of a cliff wall. So many pictographs -- rock drawings for those unfamiliar -- in the southwest have been vandalized over the years by trigger-happy crowds and teenagers who obviously needed a better after-school program. Although you'll see remnants of some old school graffiti, many of this site's pictographs appear as if they had been drawn not too long ago. The colors are still vibrant and images bold. In spite of the dirt road to this site not being too friendly, it hasn't scared off visitors to this place. When you've had your fill of buying new age crystals and eating ice cream on Sedona's main street, take your newly energized Chakras out for a spin and check out Honanki.

    Craig B.

    The Honanki Ruins are as much a journey as they are a destination. If you have four-wheel drive and high clearance, start the drive on 89A in between Cottonwood and Sedona. The dirt road slowly deteriorates the closer you get to the ruins. For the first half of the drive, vanners, RVers, and weekend tents will dot the drive in. The campsites are sparse, not offering much more than a quiet view of the Sedona Red Rocks. The camping stops at the halfway point with offroad Razors as your only other competition. Views of the red rocks, grey rocks, and brown rocks continue to get better. The Sedona views are a strange beauty because they are not accompanied by the amusement park noise and crowds that generally come with the area. The last couple of miles are the roughest and you will only find Toyotas, Jeeps, and Razors parked at the Honanki Ruins. The difficulty of the ride there means that you will have the ruins to yourself. When my wife and I walked the short trail to the ruins, we were able to experience the whole thing alone, as if we had walked out of the Mesquites and were the original Honanki Ruins explorers.

    Honaki Ruins near Sedona Arizona http://southcaladventures.blogspot.com/
    G A.

    The Honanki Ruins and heritage site is a nearly 1,000 year old cliff dwelling that was once inhabited by the ancestors of the Hopi tribe. The drive to the ruins is hard on your car. The roads are not regularly maintained by the county and there are a few really rough spots. We made it in a Toyota Corolla, but my girlfriend was grinding her teeth for the entire 9 miles drive. The scenery along Route 525 is amazing. It's totally worth the wear and tear on your car. The ruins consist of a dozen or so small clay and stone dwellings that were built directly into the mountain side under an overhang. Each dwelling is about the size of a New York apartment, in other words, pretty small. We found the ruins by mistake while were driving around on the backroads. It was one of the best things we saw in Sedona. There were a ton of tour groups ferrying people to the ruins in those pink Jeeps. The hike to ruins from the parking lot is only a quarter mile, so pretty much anyone can do it. You need to have a Red Rock pass to park. Directions: From 89a in Sedona, Turn onto Forest Road 525. Follow Forest Road 525 for 9.5 miles. From here, cross over the cattleguard into the parking area. There are several brown signs for the Honaki Ruin along Route 525, so you'll know that you are headed in the right direction. I have a bunch more Sedona area hikes on my blog at http://www.southcaladventures.blogspot.com/

    Icicles forming from the mini-waterfall's mist with the ruins in the background.
    Christine A.

    We had the added bonus of coming in winter. While the road is indeed bumpier and muddier, it's far more worth the drive. Though it's possible a regular car could make the trek, I wouldn't do it unless I were in a jeep, truck, or SUV. I tell you the drive to the ruins was an adventure all its own with the vehicle sliding this way and that in the mud, driving through frozen rivers, and worrying about encountering oncoming traffic on a road only wide enough for our SUV while going around hairpin turns. Use extreme caution when considering this drive. I have included a few photos displaying the various conditions of the dirt road in winter. But getting to why it was far more worth it during this snowy time. A small waterfall, above the ruins, rains down a light mist which hits the trees below. As you hike through the snow, you suddenly encounter this gorgeous winter wonderland of icicles (see photos: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ilKrttSK1RgSIW8vKkO2hw?select=v1VBDTjTAkVl5YCeHdz6Cg). You can go right up to the ruins and look at the pictographs of people and animals left all over the rock walls. It's very fascinating. When you first get to the parking lot, you encounter a small shed-like structure. Inside is a ranger who briefs you about the ruins: how old they are and how you shouldn't touch them. The ranger we met was a sweet older lady with an Australian shepherd for company. The hike to the ruins isn't very long, but it sure is pretty. If you can make the drive, I'd thoroughly recommend coming. If you aren't into exploring such things with many people and tourists around, the added bonus in coming during the winter is having the trail and the ruins all to yourself for the most part. It wasn't until we were leaving that a Pink Jeep from Sedona pulled up.

    Rock the ruins are in

    See all

    Photo of Marcie L.
    428
    699
    1629

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Dan D.
    2
    55
    17

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tim K.
    758
    644
    4756

    5 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deb F.
    38
    29
    27

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul L.
    297
    1235
    28719

    17 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G A.
    16
    50
    48

    12 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Susan M.
    39
    109
    5

    12 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John C.
    379
    1173
    9360

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Julie S.
    2
    76
    107

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Great, family friendly tour. A few different options of different time and hiking length. Educational and interesting. Recommended

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe C.
    54
    12
    0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J D.
    60
    38
    14

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    This place was great. I felt like an explorer looking for treasure. My kids loved it too.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Honanki Ruins

    Review Highlights - Honanki Ruins

    The road to arrive is a little rough and it is a dirt road so you will want a high clearance vehicle.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Hiking 1,067 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Airport Mesa

    Airport Mesa

    4.4(146 reviews)
    10.0 mi

    Most places give you a sunset. Airport Mesa apparently felt that was underachieving…read more Sharon and I headed up there in the evening to catch the famous Sedona sunset, which on its own would have been worth the trip. The sky started doing that Sedona thing -- layers of orange, pink, and gold spreading across the horizon while the red rocks glowed like they had their own internal lighting system. Just when we thought the show had hit peak beauty, we turned around. And there it was. One of the most majestic moonrises I've ever seen slowly lifting over the horizon like it had been perfectly scheduled to steal the second act. The sunset painting the sky one direction... and the moon rising bright enough in the other that I briefly wondered if I should've brought sunglasses. It felt like Sedona decided to give us the best of both celestial worlds. Sunset in front of us. Moonrise behind us. Nature's version of surround sound. The overlook itself is easy to access and well worth the stop. People gathered quietly, cameras out, everyone sharing that universal look that says, "Are you seeing this too?" Moments like that remind you why places like this are special. Beauty that stops you mid-sentence. The kind that makes everyone pause, breathe, and just take it in. Pro tip: arrive a little before sunset and stay a little after. You never know when the universe might decide to put on an encore. Five stars, no question.

    Airport Mesa is located near the airport, but has a viewing area to see…read more panoramic views of Thunder Mountain, Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. It's one of Sedona's vortexes. There is an overlook area and a trail. The trail is moderate and not very difficult. A easy stop in Sedona to see beautiful views. There is parking lot and the fee is $3.

    Photos
    Airport Mesa
    Airport Mesa - On top of airport mesa

    On top of airport mesa

    Airport Mesa

    See all

    Oak Creek Canyon

    Oak Creek Canyon

    4.8(9 reviews)
    8.3 mi

    Oak Creek Canyon is the gateway to Sedona. Take SR89A for a scenic tour of the beautiful red rock…read moreformations and into the town of Oak Creek. You will ohhh and ahhh at the view that is just breathtaking. Pull outs along the way.

    Every summer we come up north because Phoenix is just too hot for my mother after her heat stroke…read morein 2024. We were parked off the side well away from the road and had just eaten a lovely lunch when 3 vehicles(2 trucks. One was black and one was silver. An SUV dark gray with a man and woman) with Nevada plates pulled off and blocked the road and the flow of traffic and practically on top of us. I'm beginning to see and understand the very real complaints from people who live in Sedona when they talk about entitled and aggressive behavior from tourists. My mother exited the vehicle and spoke to the small man in the SUV(around 4'2 and he was very aggressive) I didn't hear that conversation and was on the phone when all of the sudden the small angry man popped up in front of my window spouting off about delusional scenarios where I'm taking pictures of his kids(I saw no children) and acting unhinged. I verbally ripped into the person because I don't respond well to unhinged weirdos standing right next to my window. He kept rambling incoherently about his delusions and then mentioned the litter box for the cat(yes, I bring my cat when I leave for 6 months). Apparently the lunatic thought depriving a cat of a bathroom while traveling seemed reasonable. His delusions were all over the place because he was mad for being called out for dangerously blocking traffic, being entitled and acting like an unhinged lunatic because they said they just needed to take a minute. And that's another thing I'm tired of is tourists peeing all over this area when there are bathrooms and rest stops!! Definitely the weirdest behavior I've seen up north and that's saying a lot. But!!! They are from Nevada so this can't be blamed on Arizonans. But the scenic drive is still spectacular.

    Photos
    Oak Creek Canyon
    Oak Creek Canyon
    Oak Creek Canyon

    See all

    Bell Rock - Daily Pass

    Bell Rock

    4.7(237 reviews)
    13.8 mi

    I'm not saying Bell Rock called my name... but if you'd heard it too, you probably would've shown…read moreup. There's something about Bell Rock that pulls you in. Maybe it's the shape. Maybe it's the energy. Maybe it's just that classic Sedona magic. Whatever it is, I felt it. Now let's start with the one challenge: parking. Limited spots and a bit of patience required. It took a while to find a place, but I decided to call that my warmup. Pro tip: arrive early or later in the afternoon if you want better odds at a spot. Once you hit the trail, everything changes. The path is wide and welcoming. No punishing climbs. No technical scrambling. Just an easy walk surrounded by those famous red rock views that make Sedona feel like another planet. And the quiet. That's the part that sticks with you. Step onto the trail and the noise of the world fades away. You're left with open sky, towering rock, and that peaceful stillness that reminds you why people come here in the first place. Whether you're a seasoned hiker chasing summits or someone who just wants a beautiful walk through nature, this trail delivers. Put this one on your Sedona list. Because sometimes the best hikes aren't the hardest ones... they're the ones that simply make you stop, breathe, and look around. Some places you visit... and some places feel like they were waiting for you. Bell Rock might just be one of those.

    Bell Rock is the best place to hike in Sedona. It's a flat and easy trail for about half way up,…read moreand the signage makes it's easy to follow the path. The views are absolutely spectacle from all angles and places on the mountain and trail. There's truly nothing more beautiful than the red rocks in Sedona and Bell Rock is a place to see the true beauty. Parking can be tricky but patience is key, as people are always coming and going. Whether you're an avid hiker or a true rock climber, this mountain is for you!

    Photos
    Bell Rock - Banana yucca flowers/ Bell rock trail

    Banana yucca flowers/ Bell rock trail

    Bell Rock - Parking Lot View (05/22/25). #BellRock #CourthouseButte @VisitSedona #Sedona #Hiking #Traveling

    Parking Lot View (05/22/25). #BellRock #CourthouseButte @VisitSedona #Sedona #Hiking #Traveling

    Bell Rock

    See all

    Broken Arrow Trail

    Broken Arrow Trail

    4.8(62 reviews)
    11.6 mi

    Another trip up and back on the famous Broken Arrow Trail. This is my 4th time running this trail…read moreand it never disappoints. It's a short trail but a really fun trail. We saw a stock Tacoma and a stick Jeep getting dirty today. Nit recommend but they made it. I was in a Raptor today with 37" tires and I think we bottomed out two or three times. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is stock make sure you have a short wheel base and absolutely must have 4 wheel drive.

    Overall a delightful hike-…read more We arrived early, so parking was easy (they had about 14 set spots)- however when leaving we noticed the lot was beyond packed & people were circling for spots (bit of advice) As we walked along the bumpy trails there was an element of rock climbing & inclined spots Also note- watch out for the Pink Jeep Tours; professional intense driving (they look like a great time) but their roads intersect with the trail a fair amount & they drive up certain viewpoint walks- The trail started off well marked, then hit a viewpoint area, and signage dropped off-while we thought we were scrambling up Chicken Point, we discovered we were just scrambling for fun & were able to view the real Chicken Point from the top of our mountain Then we wanted to take Hog Wash trail back-but couldn't find the loop connect at the end of Broken Arrow I still rate the trail very high because our random scrambles were quite challenging & entertaining- it's a great area to explore based on your capability- and offers many varying side paths

    Photos
    Broken Arrow Trail - Ford Raptor made it with no problems

    Ford Raptor made it with no problems

    Broken Arrow Trail
    Broken Arrow Trail - Ford Raptor made it with no problems

    See all

    Ford Raptor made it with no problems

    Boynton Canyon Trail

    Boynton Canyon Trail

    4.6(99 reviews)
    4.3 mi

    We hit Boynton Canyon Trail early. And I mean early enough that the air still had a chill to it and…read morethe light was just starting to spill over the rock. That's not a suggestion, it's the move. Give this place a head start on the day or it'll make you pay for it later. The trail opens gently, almost deceptively so. Wide path, easy footing, a kind of calm that makes you think you're in for a casual walk. Then the landscape starts to shift. The canyon walls rise, the color deepens, and the space narrows just enough to pull your attention forward. It's not a straight shot either. The trail has a rhythm to it. It bends, it reveals, it hides just enough to keep you moving. What stands out is how the environment changes as you go. You're not just walking toward a viewpoint. You're moving through layers. Open desert gives way to pockets of shade, then back out into sun where the red rock feels almost alive under that early light. The contrast is constant, and it keeps the whole thing interesting without needing anything artificial. We went as a group, mixed pace, different levels of enthusiasm, and it worked. Some pushed ahead, some took their time, but nobody felt like they were struggling to keep up or being held back. That's a rare balance. It's approachable without being boring, and it gives you just enough challenge to feel like you earned the views. And the views are worth it. There's a moment where the canyon really opens up, and you get that full Sedona effect. Towering formations, deep reds, shadows cutting across the rock in ways that change minute by minute. It's the kind of scene that makes people stop mid-conversation and just look. Phones come out for a second, then go right back into pockets because you realize it doesn't translate. Silence shows up out there in a way that's hard to find. Not total silence, but a kind of quiet that feels intact. Wind moving through, the occasional bird, footsteps on the trail. That's it. It clears your head whether you planned on it or not. By the time we were heading back, the temperature was climbing fast. That early start paid off. You could feel the shift, the desert reminding you who's in charge once the sun gets high. If you go later in the day, it's a different experience entirely, and not in a good way. A few practical things. Bring more water than you think you'll need. Wear real shoes. This isn't the place to test your balance in something flimsy. And pace yourself. It's not a race, and the trail is better when you let it unfold. There are a lot of hikes around Sedona that get attention, and for good reason. This one earns its spot. It's not just about the destination. It's the progression, the way the landscape pulls you in and keeps revealing itself piece by piece. Get there early, take your time, and let it speak for itself. Five stars without hesitation.

    Started this hike a little later than planned (around 10AM), but it still turned out to be such a…read moregreat experience. If you're heading to the Subway Cave, I highly recommend downloading AllTrails beforehand. Once you're on the trail, it's not very clear where to turn off. We saw a few people along the way, but no one nearby when it actually mattered... which led to a little confusion. I only went off track for a few minutes, but my friends ended up going about a mile too far before turning back The hike is about 5 miles round trip. You'll spend roughly 2 miles on the Boynton Canyon Trail before reaching the turnoff for the Subway Cave. Overall, it's a pretty easy and enjoyable hike - mostly flat and shaded through beautiful forest scenery. The final stretch up to the Subway Cave involves some rock scrambling, but it's manageable. Once you're there, you've got a couple options: you can climb up to the left for an incredible view or head to the right and climb up a different way for another great vantage point. I saw some people (even toddlers!) navigating around the rocks, but personally that part felt a little nerve-racking for me. Parking fills up quickly so plan ahead. That said, there's plenty of street parking nearby off the street, and they run shuttles on weekends, which helps a lot. Definitely bring water. It can get hot, especially later in the day. Even though this is a popular hike, I didn't have to wait at all for photos. People were hanging out and soaking in the views, but it never felt crowded or rushed. Total time for me was about 2.5 to 3 hours, including time spent relaxing and exploring at the cave. Overall, such a beautiful and rewarding hike. Just don't miss that turn!

    Photos
    Boynton Canyon Trail
    Boynton Canyon Trail
    Boynton Canyon Trail

    See all

    Red Rock State Park

    Red Rock State Park

    4.4(182 reviews)
    10.2 mi

    Red Rock State park was the passport to our Sedona adventure. I didn't realize there was such an…read moreextensive trail system. On my list now is to figure out how to stitch all these trails together and come back and do a mega hike. Please come and create your own adventure.

    We took the whole family out to Red Rock State Park, and it ended up being one of the most balanced…read moredays we've had out here. Not overwhelming, not chaotic, just... right. If you've spent time around Sedona, you know how quickly things can feel crowded and overrun. This place is the opposite. It feels more intentional, more preserved. You're still surrounded by those iconic red rock formations, but here they're framed by open meadows, clusters of trees, and the steady presence of Oak Creek winding through the park. We set out as a group, a mix of adults and kids, and found trails that worked for everyone. That's the beauty of this place. You don't have to be chasing a summit to enjoy it. The trails are well-marked, manageable, and still interesting enough to keep you engaged. You're moving through changing terrain the whole time. One minute you're walking through sunlit grass, the next you're tucked into shade near the water, then you turn a corner and the red rock rises up again like it's been waiting for you. The creek pulls you in. There's something about moving water in the desert that makes you slow down without realizing it. We stopped more than once just to sit for a minute, let the kids explore a bit, listen to the sound of it moving over rock. No rush, no pressure to keep pushing forward. Wildlife shows up if you're paying attention. Birds moving through the trees, the occasional lizard darting across the trail, subtle signs that this isn't just a scenic backdrop, it's a living system doing its thing. What stood out most was the pace. This isn't a place that demands anything from you. It lets you take it in at your own speed. Some of us pushed a little farther down the trail, others hung back and soaked it in. Nobody felt like they were missing out. It's also one of those rare parks that feels curated without feeling artificial. You can tell it's cared for. Trails are maintained, signage is clear, and there's a quiet respect for the environment that seems to carry over to the people visiting. By the time we looped back, nobody was checking the time. That's usually a sign you picked the right place. If Sedona at its busiest feels like a spectacle, this feels like a conversation. Same landscape, different tone. And sometimes that's exactly what you want.

    Photos
    Red Rock State Park
    Red Rock State Park - Nightshade

    Nightshade

    Red Rock State Park - Snoopi

    See all

    Snoopi

    Honanki Ruins - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...