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SEDONA, ARIZONA
Sedona is well-known for its vivid red sandstone formations, which are particularly lovely at sunrise and sunset. In Sedona, there are “spiritual vortexes”, which are thought to contain unique energy that promotes meditation and healing. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa are all well-known vortex locations. It is a popular destination for jeep excursion, mountain biking, and hiking. More than 80 art galleries could be found in Sedona, displaying anything from modern pieces to Southwestern art. The climate of Sedona, which is at an elevation of roughly 4,350 feet, is milder than Phoenix’s. The summers are warm but not as hot, while the winters are cool.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND SEDONA, ARIZONA
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Go Hike the Trails
- Devil’s Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road : Famous for its natural sandstone arch and epic views
- Boynton Canyon Trail
- Seven Sacred Pools via Soldiers Pass
- Birthing Cave Trail
- Bell Rock Trail
- Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock Loop
- Cathedral Rock Trail: A challenging but rewarding climb to one of Sedona’s iconic vortex sites
- West Fork Trail: A shaded hike through Oak Creek Canyon with beautiful creek crossings
Visit Slide Rock State Park
- A natural rock water slide perfect for cooling off, especially in warmer months.
SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES
Explore Sedona Vortex Sites
- Visit the spiritual vortex spots like Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Boynton Canyon, and Cathedral Rock for meditation or reflection.
Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross
- A stunning chapel built into the rocks, offering peaceful vibes and sweeping views.
GO FOR SCENIC DRIVES
Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179):
- A must-do drive with incredible red rock formations.
- Stop at Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (Highway 89A):
- A gorgeous drive through forested canyons with creekside picnic areas.
EXPERIENCE CULTURE
Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
- A charming shopping area with galleries, boutiques, and restaurants set in a Mexican-style village.
Explore Palatki Heritage Site
- Explore ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings and rock art.
ENJOY RELAXATION & WELLNESS
Go for Spas and Yoga
- Enjoy a yoga session or a spa day with breathtaking views of red rocks. Wellness activities are a specialty of many resorts.
GO STARGAZING
- Grab a blanket and enjoy a starry sky at Sedona’s dark sky.
TRY THE TOURS
Experience Jeep Tours
- Go off-roading through Sedona’s rugged backcountry with Pink Jeep Tours or similar companies. Broken Arrow Trail is a favorite!
Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Take in the stunning vistas as you soar over the red cliffs of Sedona before dawn.
WHERE TO STAY AROUND SEDONA?
There are mainly 4 areas you can choose from on where to stay in Sedona:
Uptown Sedona: This is a central location, and the most expensive area. It is close to the top stores in Sedona, and offers quick and simple access to many of the city’s main attractions, as well as a wide variety of excellent dining options. However, it can get very crowded and hectic during the busiest times of the year. Lodgings in this area include:
- Luxury: L’Auberge de Sedona
- Upscale: Amara Resort & Spa.
- Mid-Range: Arabella Hotel Sedona.
- Budget: Sedona Uptown Suites
West Sedona: This location is near numerous hiking trails and is slightly cheaper than Uptown Sedona, but requires a longer drive to reach Village of Oak Creek.
- Luxury: A Sunset Chateau
- Mid-Range: Courtyard Sedona by Marriott; Hilton Vacation Club Sedona Summit.
- Budget: GreenTea Inn Sedona
Village of Oak Creek : Compared to Sedona, Oak Creek, a little village south of Sedona, is less expensive yet has fewer lodging alternatives. It is further to hiking trails such as Boynton Canyon, Devils Bridge, Soldier Pass, etc. Nonetheless, it offers decent dining options, and easy access to Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock trailheads.
- Mid-Range:Element Sedona by Marriott
- Budget: Sedona Village Lodge
Cottonwood: Cottonwood, located on the Verde Valley Wine Trail, offers cheaper hotels and less crowded accommodations, but is often overlooked due to its longer drive to Sedona and limited restaurant options.
- Luxury: Highlands Resorts at Verde Ridge
- Budget: Little Daisy Motel
WHERE TO EAT AROUND SEDONA?
- Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen. – Serves Pizza, gluten free, Vegan ($$)
- Hideaway House – Serves Italian, Pizza & Sandwiches ($$)
- The Hudson – Serves Burgers, New American, Cocktail Bar ($$)
- Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill – Upscale Latin-inspired cuisine with breathtaking red rock views. Make a reservation! ($$$)
- Elote Cafe – Bars, Mexican food. Reservations recommended ($$$)
- Creekside Sedona – New American, Breakfast & Brunch, Bars ($$)
- Javelina Cantina – Mexican ($$)
MAP OF SEDONA, ARIZONA
Using This Map: To access the layers (driving routes and places to go), click the tab located in the upper left corner of the map. To reveal or conceal layers, click the checkboxes. You may learn more about each point of interest on the map by clicking on the icons. This map will be added to your Google Maps account if you click the star next to the map’s title. Open Google Maps on your computer or phone, select “Your Places” from the menu, then click Maps. This map will appear on your list.
3-DAY SEDONA ITINERARY SAMPLE
HOW MANY DAYS TO SPEND IN SEDONA: Sedona is filled with beautiful hiking trails. With that said, deciding on how many days you should spend in Sedona really depends on how much you like hiking. The more you like hiking, the longer you should stay in Sedona; at least 3-5 days. However, if you are not into hiking or short on time, it is possible to see the best of Sedona in just 1-2 day. The following is a sample of 3-Day itinerary for family with or without kids, and moderate passion and capabilities towards hiking.
DAY 1
Morning:
- Hike Soldier Pass (turn around at the Seven Sacred Pools with young kids; continue to the Soldier Pass Cave and beyond with older kids)
Late Morning:
- Brunch in Tlaquepaque Village: Suggestion: Hideaway House
- Stroll through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, filled with unique galleries and boutiques.
Afternoon:
- Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179): Drive this stunning road and stop at Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Vista. Hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. The short but steep climb rewards you with panoramic views and vortex energy (or just admire the views). Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural marvel with incredible views.
Evening:
- Sunset at Airport Mesa Vortex: One of the best sunset spots in Sedona. Arrive early for parking.
- Dinner in Sedona. Suggestion: Mariposa
Night:
- Optional: Stargazing: Sedona is a Dark Sky Community, making it perfect for stargazing. Drive a bit away from town for the best views. Suggestion: Two Trees Observation Area
DAY 2
Morning:
- Hike Devil’s Bridge (4.2 miles round trip, moderate). The most famous natural arch in Sedona! Go early to avoid crowds and bring plenty of water
Late Morning
- Brunch. Suggestion: Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen
Afternoon
- Drive Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road (Highway 89A): Enjoy incredible views of towering cliffs and forests. Stop at Oak Creek Canyon Vista for photos.
- Visit Slide Rock State Park OR Hike West Fork Trail(6.9 miles round trip, easy to moderate) : A gorgeous creekside hike through a shaded canyon. Perfect for a relaxed morning.
Evening:
- Dinner. Suggestion: Javelina Cantina
DAY 3
Morning:
- Hike Boynton Canyon Trail
Late Morning:
- Brunch. Suggestion: Creekside American Bistro
Afternoon:
- Go to Crescent Moon Picnic Site where kids can play in Oak Creek, adults can admire the views of Cathedral Rock or even hike it!. OR , if you want to skip a second hike or experience off-road adventure, go for Pink Jeep Tour Adventure with option for you to visit and explore Palatki Heritage Site.
Evening:
- Dinner. Suggestion: The Hudson or Elote Cafe
SEDONA SHUTTLES
Hikers in Sedona can take a shuttle to several of the most well-known trailheads. Many of the most well-known trailheads are served by this free service. It was put into place to ease Sedona’s traffic jams and assist in resolving parking concerns at the well-known trailheads. I suggest checking the official website for the latest information on the Sedona Shuttle’s routes and operating hours before you arrive. The next shuttle’s arrival time is also updated in real time on the Official Website.