The Westerners Offer More Than Just Hiking

August 29, 2025

In the heart of Sedona, among the red rock canyons and breathtaking vistas, lives a club steeped in history, camaraderie, and community. The Sedona Westerners Hiking Club provides all of this not only through the hikes that are our focus and passion, but also through volunteerism and social events. Nowhere else in town can you get two cookouts, a holiday party, monthly gatherings and unlimited group-led hikes from September through May, at just $40 for the season! Want to learn more? Read on, check out the website at sedonawesterners.org, or join us at the ramadas at Posse Grounds Park at 5:30 PM on September 11 to meet hikers and club leadership at our annual Ice Cream Social!

The Sedona Westerners was founded in 1961 as a Western-themed social club and civic organization. Activities included hosting hayrides, barbecues and square dances to fill a social void in Sedona. Sedona was an undiscovered jewel in the 1960’s and the Sedona Westerners were intent on helping put it on the national map by creating a welcoming atmosphere with many social events. Hiking began in 1965 with one hike per week and it took until 1974 to add a second hike per week. During the 1970’s, the Westerners evolved rapidly from its social-club roots into the iconic hiking organization it is today. Today there are regularly at least seven hikes offered per week during the season that runs from September to May.

The Sedona Westerners finished the 2024/2025 hiking season as a vibrant group of over 430 members, vastly different from the twelve charter members in 1961. The weekly hikes include the easier Drifter hikes on Wednesdays, reaching up to three miles on mostly level terrain with minimal elevation gain. This is the newest of the hiking groups, launched in January 2025, with the aim to ease new hikers onto the trails or help people returning from injury or medical absence get their legs back under them. Hikes range on up to the most challenging Rough Rider hikes on Saturdays, which are designed for experienced and well-conditioned hikers. Rough Rider hikes are between six to ten miles long with 1000-2000+ feet of elevation gain. In between, members can also join the Amblers, Dogies, Drovers, Rustlers, or Mustangs—each group offering unique terrain, pacing, and scheduling to accommodate diverse preferences. Volunteer leaders always scout hikes in advance to ensure safety, and strive to make each outing enjoyable, informative, and memorable.

But hiking is just the beginning. The Westerners host educational events, two cookouts a year, and a December holiday gathering that keep members connected and the club spirit alive. These gatherings are a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow members, share stories, and learn as well as celebrate the beauty of Sedona together. The event that kicks off the season is the annual Ice Cream Social, which will be held on September 11 this year. This event is a perfect chance for active, new and prospective members alike to come out, learn about the club, and sign up. But you do not have to wait for the Ice Cream Social, registration is also available on the website.

Joining the Sedona Westerners means becoming part of a legacy. It means walking trails once blazed by early settlers and Westerners alike. It means embracing a spirit of fun and friendship. And it means giving back to a place that gives us so much. Because one thing has not changed in the Sedona Westerners’ sixty-plus year legacy. From the earliest days of club activity in the 1960’s, members have taken pride in being guardians of the scenic and cultural treasures of our area. The Sedona Westerners of the present day remain deeply committed to implementing this legacy of "stewardship" which has always been a hallmark of the club.

If you are new to Sedona, looking to meet like-minded folks, or simply ready to lace up your boots and discover or re-discover a trail with a story—come hike with us!

Westerner membership is open to all individuals 18 years of age or older of all races, creeds, and genders. We value and welcome diversity and aim to be an accepting and inclusive community who share a love of hiking and the beautiful red rocks.

The 2025–2026 season kicks off with the Dogies hiking 6.5 miles in Kelly Canyon on September 2, followed by the Drifters exploring Fay Canyon on September 3 (2.1 miles), the Amblers hiking a 4.5-mile version of Kelly Canyon on September 4 and the Mustangs exploring Gaddes also on that Thursday. Be sure to check sedonawesterners.com for the full schedule, group details, and the most up-to-date hike information.

If you are ready to experience the magic of Sedona on foot—come hike with us. Join the Sedona Westerners and continue a tradition!