sedona arizona tourism

Sedona   Travel Guide

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18 Epic Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona + Tips from a Local

Sedona, Arizona, is widely known as a spiritual wellness destination , with several vortexes believed to emit energy and act as a portal for celestial and terrestrial spirits. Plus, Sedona's intriguing natural red rock formations – such as Chapel

• All Things To Do

Drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway Drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway free

The 7.5-mile Red Rock Scenic Byway has plenty to see and do. In fact, it's often referred to as a "museum without walls."

To reach the Red Rock Scenic Byway, also known as State Route 179, head about 11 miles south of central Sedona. The byway starts after you take exit 298 off Interstate 17.

Cathedral Rock Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is known as one of Sedona's four vortexes (the other three include Bell Rock , Airport Mesa and Boynton Canyon ). Some believe that vortexes are places where the earth emits an energy that fosters healing, meditation and self-exploration. Though all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex, there are certain areas, such as Cathedral Rock, where the energy is said to be the strongest. Many past visitors have claimed to feel tingly sensations while hiking here; others have felt nothing.

The 1.2-mile out-and-back trail to Cathedral Rock, which is located about 2 miles west of the Chapel of the Holy Cross , is very popular and busy, according to past visitors. Recent travelers described the hike up as strenuous – in some places difficult, as you have to scramble over some rocks on an incline. But once you get to the top, the views are spectacular. (Just don't expect solitude once you arrive.) Make sure you wear proper hiking boots as the sandstone and loose rocks can get slippery at times. Reviewers say it will take about an hour to get to the top of Cathedral Rock. According to travelers, it's a great place to take photos of the surrounding red rocks – even amateur photographers will not be disappointed.

Red Rock State Park Red Rock State Park

Although Sedona is surrounded by towering red rock formations, many recent visitors recommend a trip to the official Red Rock State Park specifically to see Cathedral Rock – one of Arizona's most famous landmarks.

This 286-acre nature preserve – located about 10 miles southwest of the "Y" (the intersection of routes 89A and 179) along Oak Creek – boasts great views of Sedona's more famous formations. The park offers a 5-mile trail network that is composed of interconnecting looped trails. The Eagle's Nest Loop leads to the highest point in the park with an elevation gain of about 300 feet. Stop in at the visitor center to learn about the area's history, guided nature walks and moonlit hikes.

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Airport Mesa Airport Mesa

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're unsure if you're in an area with vortex energy, look for the twisted trunks and branches of the juniper trees. Some allege that the twisted tree branches are evidence of the vortex's power. – Carol Kahn, Contributor, Travel

Climbing on top of Airport Mesa (also known as Table Top Mountain) will take your breath away, and it's not because of the climb itself. Here, you will enjoy 360-degree views of Sedona, including West Sedona, Capitol Butte and Wilson Mountain.

Chapel of the Holy Cross Chapel of the Holy Cross free

If you only have time for one cultural site, the Chapel of the Holy Cross should be it. This stunning church – designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude (a student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) in the 1950s – protrudes from the red cliffs less than 4 miles south of Sedona's "Y" intersection. The main stained-glass window is held together by a giant cross and overlooks the Verde Valley.

Along with admiring the chapel, you can also take a moderate hike here. The Chapel Trail is a 1.3-mile out-and-back hike that starts at the chapel's parking lot and promises views of the surrounding red buttes. Past hikers warn that it's a rocky path and suggest that if you are looking for something easier you take the steep, 0.1-mile path up to the observation area at the chapel.

Go off-roading with Pink Adventure Tours Go off-roading with Pink Adventure Tours

Sedona is known for its off-roading adventures – specifically Pink Jeep Tours, which have become synonymous with the area. One of the  best Jeep tours in Sedona , Pink Jeep Tours offers a variety of experiences that vary by theme and activity level. Tours range from mild, such as the Ancient Ruin tour that includes a hike to the Honanki Heritage Site, to wild, such as the popular Broken Arrow tour. This two-hour excursion traverses rocks, ruts and roots, as well as remote areas of Coconino National Forest. There's also the more rugged Diamondback Gulch tour, which travels on a century-old backcountry wagon trail before descending into Diamondback Gulch, a deep ravine.

Reviewers rave about the funny, knowledgeable guides and say a Jeep tour is a must-do in Sedona thanks to the stunning scenery that's only accessible via Jeep. Others cautioned that the ride can be bumpy at times, and warn that this experience may not be suitable for all travelers.

Devil's Bridge Trail Devil's Bridge Trail free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and desert heat (and plan to spend your afternoon at the resort pool or spa).   – Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

Devil's Bridge is a must-see on everyone's Sedona bucket list. Formed by wind and weather erosion, it's the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. As such, it is one of the busiest hiking trails in Sedona. According to visitors, the parking lot fills up before 7 a.m. most days. To avoid parking hassles, hop on the Sedona Shuttle . Free parking is provided at Posse Grounds Park in West Sedona and from there hikers can take the Dry Creek Trailhead Shuttle (Routes 11 or 12). The service operates Thursday through Sunday and is free and open to the public. The shuttle runs about every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the day that will take you from a safe, accessible parking lot right to the trailhead.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village free

When you need a break from the trails, swap out those hiking boots for something more fetching and head to the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (pronounced T-la-keh-pah-keh). Perched at the intersection of routes 89A and 179, this sizable outdoor shopping center was designed in the style of a traditional Mexican village. The complex was built on a former sycamore grove, and special care was given to maintain the existing trees. As a result, many of the village's structures are built around the sycamores, making way for interesting architecture and forgiving shade. The stucco walls house a variety of art galleries, retail shops selling modern art and glassware, and restaurants, while the cobblestone streets and mosaic fountains provide a charming, old-fashioned atmosphere.

Many travelers highly recommend spending a few hours perusing Tlaquepaque and checking out the local handmade jewelry, food, music and especially the art. Though many felt the wares sold here were too high-priced, reviewers still suggested a visit for the restaurants and architecture. Many of the best tours in Sedona stop here.

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Palatki Heritage Site Palatki Heritage Site

U.S. News Insider Tip: The road to reach the ruins is bumpy and unpaved; allow yourself extra time to reach the site. – Carol Kahn, Contributor, Travel

For a glimpse of what life was like in the red rocks between A.D. 1150 and 1350, take a drive to the Palatki Heritage Site. These ancient cliff dwellings were once the home of the Sinagua people of the Ancestral Puebloans and are now among the largest cave dwellings in the area. The pictographs that cover the walls of the site impress many visitors. Recent travelers also praised the informative and enthusiastic staff, but warn that the road to reach the ruins is quite bumpy.

Bell Rock Bell Rock

Upon your arrival into Sedona via State Route 179, you'll be greeted by the iconic bell-shaped rock formation known – appropriately enough – as Bell Rock. It's a popular first stop for visitors, as the landscape is likely to take your breath away. No matter what time of day you arrive, the lighting on the majestic red-hued mountains is ever-changing. In the background you can spot the "Rabbit Ears" rock formation in the distance, which makes for an excellent photograph, especially at dawn or dusk.

The 3.6-mile trail tends to get busy, as it is one of the most popular destinations for Sedona travelers. There are a few trails that connect to Bell Rock, including Courthouse Butte, where hikers can take a nearly 4-mile loop around both monoliths.

Slide Rock State Park Slide Rock State Park

For those of you visiting Sedona during the hot summer months, a few hours at Slide Rock State Park is a must. Housed on land that formerly grew apple trees, the park earned its name from the stretch of its slippery creek bed near the original homestead that now acts as a natural waterslide measuring 80 feet in length. Visitors can cruise down the creek on a tube or on their own, or simply enjoy the sun along the rock bed. Beyond the natural waterslide, the park is home to numerous natural swimming pools. The farm's old homestead is also open to exploration.

Some travelers lament over the at times crowded conditions, but still, many say the park is worth visiting, especially with kids. Visitors often bring their families and spend the entire day at the park soaking up the sun and swimming in the chilly water. Others caution that water shoes with good grip are a must as you'll be slipping and sliding any time you're near the wet, algae-covered rocks (a few reviewers reported getting injured or seeing others sustain injuries from sliding on the rocks, so watch your step). To avoid the crowds and secure a parking spot, heed the advice of reviewers and arrive early.

Boynton Canyon Boynton Canyon

Boynton Canyon Trail is one of Sedona's many amazing hikes. It's a moderate, 6.1-mile out-and-back trail that offers beautiful green scenery, surrounded by red canyon walls at the end with a steady incline throughout. According to travelers, you'll want to budget about 2.5 hours to complete the hike.

Boynton Canyon Trailhead is located about 10 minutes from West Sedona and is located on Boynton Canyon Road. It has a paved parking lot with a restroom. Past hikers recommend getting there early in the morning as the parking lot fills up quickly. Because of the trail's popularity, you'll likely encounter other people while hiking. In addition to securing a parking spot, an early arrival will ensure a more pleasant hiking experience (the temperatures only get hotter as the day progresses). Note that bikes are not allowed on this trail and dogs must be on a leash.

Visit wineries and tasting rooms on the Verde Valley Wine Trail Visit wineries and tasting rooms on the Verde Valley Wine Trail

When it comes to wine country, Arizona doesn't usually come to mind. But the Verde Valley near Sedona offers the dry climate and access to water that grapes need to thrive. If you're a lover of vino , consider taking a day to follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail. This self-guided tour takes you to cities within an hour's drive of Sedona like Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome to visit several of the most popular wineries, including Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards and Javelina Leap Vineyard, as well as several tasting rooms.

Recent trail followers praised the vineyards for their beautiful atmosphere and diverse selection. You can download a passport on the trail's website or through its smartphone app, which once you get it stamped, allows you to earn special offers and prizes.

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Oak Creek Canyon Oak Creek Canyon free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Stopping for a bite to eat is a must. A few favorites include Indian Gardens or The Table at Junipine Resort. There are also many fabulous bed-and-breakfasts if you'd like to stay overnight. – Carol Kahn, Contributor, Travel

Scenic Oak Creek Canyon is considered a smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon . It's one of the most beautiful drives to take while visiting Sedona, either by leaving Sedona and heading north to Flagstaff, or exiting from Interstate 17 in Flagstaff heading south to Sedona. Along the approximately 14-mile drive, you'll experience beautiful trails, vista points, picnic spots, campsites and fishing. 

Admire the night sky on a Sedona stargazing adventure Admire the night sky on a Sedona stargazing adventure free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Venture to the Thunder Mountain Trailhead to admire a stunning sunset, then wait for the sky to darken and you'll experience an unforgettable 360-degree starscape view. – Carol Kahn, Contributor, Travel

Sedona is known for its magnificent landscape views, stunning sunsets, amazing hiking trails and the arts. And, when the night brings darkness, Sedona's skies are illuminated with some of the world's most brilliant stars and constellations. Even the Milky Way adds drama with its luminous hue.

Grand Canyon Tours from Sedona Grand Canyon Tours from Sedona

Sedona is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to spectacular views and hiking trails – just a short two-hour drive north lies one of America's great natural wonders: The Grand Canyon . If you are visiting the southwest, this is a must-do adventure. You can rent a car to reach the national park on your own, but if you'd rather let someone else do the driving, there are a variety of operators offering Grand Canyon tours that depart from Sedona.

Pink Adventure Tours offers two excursions to choose from: an eight-hour "express" tour or a 10-hour "premier" tour. Both tours include round-trip transportation to the Grand Canyon, several stops at popular lookout points like Mather Point and free time to explore Grand Canyon Village . Recent travelers were particularly impressed with the tour guides, who reviewers describe as knowledgeable, funny and professional. Prices vary by tour, but you should expect to pay at least $130 for a child ticket and about $160 for an adult ticket.

Snoopy Rock Snoopy Rock free

Cartoonist Charles Schulz would be proud to know that two of his characters from the comic strip, "Peanuts," Snoopy and Woodstock, are ever-present in Sedona.

Better known as "Snoopy Rock," the cartoon character rock formation is visible from Uptown Sedona. In clear view, Snoopy is lying on his doghouse with Woodstock sitting on his nose. Visitors can admire the cartoon monolith along State Route 89A anywhere in the shopping district of Uptown Sedona. 

Relax at one of Sedona's spas Relax at one of Sedona's spas

It should come as no surprise that this city of spiritual healing has no shortage of spas. You'll come across your basic massages and salt scrubs, but many of Sedona's spas also add some local flair to their treatments. For example, destination spa Mii amo (in which Enchantment Resort guests have access) offers guided meditations, energy clearing and sound resonance therapy.

For a New Age experience, A Spa For You helps balance your chakra by introducing polarizing gemstones to its deep-tissue massages. Recent Sedona visitors also recommend Inner Journeys and Sedona's New Day Spa for their soothing atmospheres and variety of treatments. Past customers report feeling nothing short of relaxed and rejuvenated.

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Seeing the iconic red rocks of Sedona will simply take your breath away. You will be awestruck by the majestic crimson rock formations and perhaps feel the energy for which this area is known. Put simply - there is no other place on earth like Sedona.

Let all Sedona offers expand your mind and sense of exploration. You’ve heard about the natural beauty and energy vortexes of Sedona. Now is the time to experience everything firsthand. From hiking and fine dining to art galleries and personal enrichment, Sedona has so much to fill each gorgeous day of your stay. And, really, to see everything Sedona offers requires more than a single day or even a weekend. Regarded by Native Americans as sacred, Sedona continues to be recognized as a place of healing and spiritual renewal. Learn more about Sedona and how to take care of this natural landmark by taking the Sedona Cares Pledge . Get some of the red earth on your hiking boots on any of the countless trails ranging from leisurely jaunts to long, challenging backpacking treks. Be inspired by the impressive artwork housed in Sedona's art galleries. Try something new such as walking through a labyrinth, getting your aura photographed, or indulging in a massage that will get every kink out of your body. Take the road less traveled and explore Sedona's Secret 7 —sites and attractions with beauty equal to their frequently visited counterparts.

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22 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Sedona

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Set amid beautiful red rock mountains, buttes, and canyons, Sedona is one of Arizona's most beautiful destinations . The scenery here is nothing less than stunning, with unbelievable views from every street corner and hiking trail.

Also known as a spiritual center, particularly for its energy vortexes, the city has a unique vibe and attracts visitors with a diverse set of interests. Attractions range from the spectacular natural areas and scenic drives to Native American ruins, architecture, galleries, and sacred sites. Many of the best things to do in Sedona are free, including hiking, mountain biking, or stargazing. The city is a designated Dark Sky Community.

Visitors often come to Sedona on a day trip from Phoenix , but for those with more time, a longer stay is definitely worthwhile. If you decide to use Sedona as a base, you can easily take a day trip to the Grand Canyon or nearby Flagstaff .

Find your way around and plan out your stay with our list of the top tourist attractions in Sedona.

See also: Where to Stay in Sedona

1. Cathedral Rock

2. uptown sedona, 3. red rock scenic byway, 4. oak creek canyon scenic drive, 5. hiking trails, 6. jeep tours, 7. chapel of the holy cross, 8. mountain biking trails, 9. vortexes, 10. bell rock, 11. boynton canyon, 12. day trip to the grand canyon, 13. slide rock state park, 14. palatki ruins, 15. airport mesa, 16. red rock crossing and crescent moon picnic site, 17. tlaquepaque arts and crafts village, 18. amitabha stupa and peace park, 19. red rock state park, 20. 1st friday in the art galleries, 21. take a drive to montezuma castle national monument, 22. sedona heritage museum, where to stay in sedona for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in sedona, sedona, az - climate chart.

Cathedral Rock is the most photographed attraction in Sedona and one of the city's most impressive sites. You can see the rock from Highway 179 as you drive from Oak Creek Village into Sedona, or from the backside at several locations.

The most classic view of Cathedral Rock is from Red Rock Crossing Park , at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site.

If you feel an urge to climb this amazing rock formation, a hiking trail leads up to the saddle , where you're treated to incredible views to the east and west. It's also the location of an energy vortex.

Uptown Sedona is the old town, where you'll find boutiques, tourist shops, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. This area runs along Highway 89A , beginning where Highway 179 ends. If you are heading up Oak Creek Canyon towards Flagstaff, you will pass right through Uptown Sedona.

Establishments here include everything from jewelry and craft stores to crystal sellers and casual cafeteria-style restaurants to fine dining. This is also where Jeep tours start from.

Parking can be at a premium along here, especially on weekends, but there is a parking garage where you can usually find a spot.

This is a convenient location if you plan on staying in Sedona. If you base yourself at a hotel in Uptown, you can walk to dinner, stroll down to Tlaquepaque to browse through galleries, shops, and more restaurants, or sign up for various tours that start from the main street.

Two of the best hotels in this area are the posh hillside L'Auberge de Sedona and the more mid-range Arabella Hotel Sedona .

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a stunning drive along Highway 179 , running from south of the Village of Oak Creek to Sedona. Along here are numerous natural attractions; hiking and biking trails; and pullouts with parking lots, which allow you to stop and appreciate the sights. Near the north end is the Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village.

Some of the most popular sights long this route are Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and, just a short distance off the road, Chapel of the Holy Cross.

If you are coming from Phoenix, take exit 298 off Interstate 17 to access the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

Stunning Oak Creek Canyon is just upstream from Sedona, on the way to Flagstaff. Rock formations, cliff walls, and forests line the scenic road, Highway 89A , which follows Oak Creek before climbing up the canyon along a dramatic stretch of twisting road with switchbacks.

The sharp corners and steep hills make this a road you will want to drive during the day and try to avoid after dark.

One of the main attractions along this route, particularly from spring until fall, is Slide Rock State Park . You'll also find hiking trails off this drive. One of the most spectacular hikes here is the West Fork Trail .

One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty around Sedona is to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Many of the hikes are less than three miles and can easily be done in just a couple of hours, but they offer access to some of the most amazing views in the area. Longer and more challenging hikes can also be found around Sedona, leading to mountain tops and up canyons.

Canyon hikes offer easy hikes, with spectacular scenery and the huge orange cliff walls surrounding you. Alternatively, you can hike to the top of a mountain or butte for fantastic views out over the landscape.

Some of the most popular hikes are to Devil's Bridge , Cathedral Rock , and Bell Rock . These are a few of the usual recommendations from the tourist information office, but if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy some of the local favorites, see our article on the best hikes in Sedona .

Jeep tours are one of the most popular things to do in Sedona. These trips allow you to see areas you wouldn't be able to reach without an off-road vehicle and take you through some areas you wouldn't think possible in a Jeep.

The Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure is a two-hour off-roading adventure through rugged terrain and past some of the landmark rock formations in the area. These tours are in open-air Jeeps , which are themselves an iconic sight in Sedona. Be prepared for a bumpy ride. The drivers are knowledgeable and keen to share the local history and geology of the area.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits perched on a small red rock plateau below a multi-hued sandstone ridge, creating one of the most impressive architectural sites in Sedona.

It was built in 1956 by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a pupil of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

This breathtaking landmark building incorporates a 90-foot cross that dominates the structure, and the front face of the chapel is all windows. The modern appearance, with sharp lines and angles, contrasts with the rounded red rocks but fits in beautifully with the surroundings.

The turn for the road to the chapel is signposted off Highway 179.

Address: 780 Chapel Road, Sedona, Arizona

Official site: http://www.chapeloftheholycross.com/

Sedona is one of the best mountain biking destinations in the country. The trails are outstanding and offer a bit of something for all level of abilities, perfect for everyone from families to advanced riders.

Apart from a few snowy days here and there in winter, you can pretty well mountain bike in Sedona year-round.

Trails wind their way through the spectacular mountain scenery, across dirt, and along areas of slickrock. Some of these trails lead past interesting attractions like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Doe Mesa. The level of difficulty ranges from easy to extreme but there are really trails here for everyone.

Local bike shops offer repairs, bike rentals, information, and maps. One of the best places is Thunder Mountain Bikes in West Sedona. The trails are well marked and rated on maps according to difficulty. The Sedona Mountain Biking Trails map is a must-have item before you head out.

Be sure to bring your camera – these trails feature some of the best photo locations in the entire area. For a closer look at the trails, see our list of the best mountain biking trails in Sedona .

One of the more unique attractions in Sedona are the vortexes, found in natural locations around the area. What is a vortex? These are said to be centers of energy in the earth that can inspire healing, self-awareness, and spirituality.

Vortexes have different properties. Some are masculine vortexes, feminine vortexes, or balanced vortexes, and some of these go by different names, such as electrical, magnetic, or combination vortexes.

Some of the most common and accessible energy vortexes are found in Boynton Canyon , near the start of the Boynton Canyon hike and Enchantment Resort; on Airport Mesa , near an overlook at the side of the road; and on Cathedral Rock .

Boynton Canyon and Airport Mesa are the two easiest locations to reach, both of which are just a short distance from the parking lot. Cathedral Rock requires a short but intense hike. However, if you are up for it, the Cathedral Rock hike is one of the best in Sedona.

If you want to learn more about vortexes and be taken to some of the sites, you can sign up for a Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep . On these 2.5-hour tours, a guide will point out natural features and explain the history and significance of vortexes.

One of the key natural sites around Sedona is the aptly named, Bell Rock. This bell-shaped formation is just south of Sedona in the Village of Oak Creek , along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, and is one of the first sites you will come to as you approach Sedona from the south.

Easily accessible just off the road, this is a popular stop for tourists. You can park and have a quick look, walk up to it, do a short and easy hike along the side of the bell, or if you brought your mountain bike, you can do an easy ride here.

While the trail will take you around the skirt of the rock, you can also scramble up the rock a short distance.

Behind Bell Rock is Courthouse Butte , another famous sight and hike.

Boynton Canyon, about eight miles west of central Sedona, is another one of those special places with multiple reasons to visit.

The number one reason people come to Boynton Canyon is to do the Boynton Canyon hiking trail . This is a 6.1-mile in-and-out trail below the spectacular canyon walls, through a mix of vegetation, including large pine trees near the far end.

Another reason people visit this area is for the vortex found near the start of the Boynton Canyon hiking trail, on a short side spur. This is one of the more accessible vortexes, and it doesn't require climbing or walking along the edge of a cliff to reach. The vortex, known as a balanced vortex, rests in the saddle between two rock spires.

If you aren't interested in hiking or vortexes, you can simply come to enjoy some of the best views in Sedona. The luxury Enchantment Resort is a great place to come for a meal, or even spend a couple of nights.

The resort has a gated entrance but they are happy to welcome guests who are not staying here and simply want to have a meal at one of the excellent restaurants. Tii Gavo and View 180 restaurants offer outstanding dining for either a casual or upscale experience. You can sit inside and appreciate the views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, or outside, where you can enjoy the warmth of the sun and stare out at the red rocks.

From Sedona, it's just a 2.5-hour drive to one of the most famous and awe-inspiring sights in America .

The drive from Sedona takes you up through the beautiful Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff. From here, you can do a loop, driving through Williams or up Highway 180 past the often snowcapped Humphreys Peak, to the Grand Canyon. Several options are available for getting from Sedona to the Grand Canyon .

Spend the day seeing the sights along the rim of the canyon or take a scenic flight over and into the canyon. To complete the loop, follow the Rim Road east along Highway 64 to Cameron and return via Highway 89. This will give you the best overall routing and allow you to see some of the fantastic scenery just east of the canyon, including views over the Little Colorado River.

If you would prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery rather than watching the road while you drive, the Ultimate Grand Canyon Tour from Sedona or Flagstaff offers a great way to see this amazing site. As well as a fabulous drive along the rim of the Grand Canyon, this tour also stops at Wupatki Ruins, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and a trading post on a Navajo Reservation.

Slide Rock State Park is located along Highway 89A in Oak Creek Canyon , north of Sedona. The park is both a historic site and natural attraction, although most people enjoy coming here on warm days to play in the river.

At this point, Oak Creek flows over a series of small waterfalls on the smooth rock, creating a natural slide and water park. On hot days, the park is packed with people sliding along the rock and swimming in the natural pools . As fun as this looks, the rock is hard, and you can come away a little bumped and bruised if you aren't careful.

The park site was once a large apple farm owned by Frank L. Pendley. He was able to devise an interesting and successful irrigation system that allowed for the growing of apples. The original homestead can still be seen.

Address: 6871 North Highway 89A, Sedona, Arizona

Official site: https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock/

The Palatki Heritage Site is a well-preserved ruin and one of the largest Sinagua villages in the area. Palatki was inhabited by the Sinagua about 800 years ago, but the rock art indicates cultures used this site 3,000 to 5,000 years earlier.

There are two trails at the Palatki Heritage Site: one trail takes visitors to the Sinagua cliff dwellings , and a second trail leads to the rock art alcoves .

It's best to call and make a reservation before showing up. A volunteer guide will show you around the site and explain the history and significance.

A short drive away from here, but in the same vicinity, are the Honanki Cliff Dwellings . This site was occupied from AD 1130-1280, and originally contained about 60 rooms and an unknown number of pictographs. These cliff dwellings are an excellent example of Sinagua architecture and rock art. This sacred site has been well-preserved, and a trail has been added for better viewing.

Official site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/ohv/recarea/?recid=55368&actid=119

Airport Mesa is a table top mountain in Sedona looking out over the entire area. The airport is located on a flat field on top of the mesa, thus the name, and many people come up here to go for a hike; look out from the viewpoint, which is also the location of an energy vortex; or enjoy a meal at the Mesa Grill , where you can watch the planes take off and land.

Off the winding road leading to the top is the lookout point , on the left side of the road. You'll need to walk about a quarter-mile loop up about 60 feet to the top of a rock, where you can see out over Highway 179 to the colorful face of the Mogollon Rim. Views here are fantastic.

If you are looking for something romantic to do in Sedona, head up to the airport lookout for sunset. A spur leads off this path to the left as you are looking out to the rim, to an unmarked area, which is the masculine or negative energy vortex .

Additional beautiful views can be had from another lookout farther up Airport Road on the right side. Views here extend out over Uptown Sedona towards Coffee Pot Rock and Soldier Pass.

For something a little more adventurous, you can also do the Airport Mesa Loop Trail, a 3.5-mile hiking trail that runs along the edge and around the mesa.

If you are familiar with the classic site of Cathedral Rock reflecting in the calm waters of Oak Creek, this scene is the view from the Crescent Moon Picnic Site at Red Rock Crossing.

This is a fee area but it's a nice place to come and enjoy the creek on a hot day. You can wade in the creek, enjoy a picnic, or just relax and appreciate the scenery.

This is an incredibly popular location with photographers who come here in the late afternoon, when the sun is lighting up Cathedral Rock, and line up on the bank waiting for the right moment to take their shot. This is one of the best places to visit in Sedona if you are looking for the classic view of Cathedral Rock.

Tlaquepaque is a recreated Mexican-style village with art galleries, craft shops, clothing stores, and restaurants. The original idea behind the village, in the 1970s, was to create an artists community.

Shoppers can still see artists at work, although most of what you will find is simply interesting retail establishments, many of which showcase glass, ceramics, sculptures, weavings, paintings, decorative arts, photography, jewelry, and decor, among others items.

The setting is reminiscent of an older time period, with cobbled streets, courtyard fountains, balconies, majestic archways, and vine-covered buildings. With the addition of Tlaquepaque North , the complex now spans both sides of Highway 179.

Address: 336 State Route 179, Sedona, Arizona

Official site: http://www.tlaq.com/

The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a place of serenity and tranquility that is often overlooked by tourists. It's a spiritual place that attracts people of all faiths and fits in beautifully in Sedona. Prayer flags flow off the 36-foot stupa and blow in the wind.

Surrounding the area are juniper trees and prickly pear cactus backed by the distant mountains, glowing an orange color, almost the same hue as the stupa itself.

People come here for prayer and meditation. The custom is to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction three times.

Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is located in West Sedona in a residential area.

Address: 2650 Pueblo Drive, Sedona, Arizona

This park, located approximately 10 minutes outside of Sedona towards Cottonwood, is an easy outing for those looking to experience some nature and local history. Located on more than 286 acres, the park encompasses a section of Oak Creek, several hills, and the former site of the Smoke Trail Ranch owned by the famous Jack and Helen Frye.

The visitor center provides an in-depth overview of the flora and fauna found around Sedona, with interactive exhibits suitable for all ages. The fascinating history of the Frye's and their Smoke Trail Ranch, along with the development of the park, is also chronicled.

One of the park's more interesting sites is the abandoned House of Apache Fire , built in 1947, situated on a hilltop commanding beautiful views.

Easy hiking trails provide views out to the red rock countryside and allow for a close-up look at the House of Apache Fire. One of the more impressive views is the Seven Warriors formation, seen from the Bunkhouse Trail.

The park is also a favorite haunt of bird-watchers . On the lower side of the visitors center, a bird feeding station has been set up and attracts a diverse set of avian visitors ranging from hummingbirds to woodpeckers.

Address: 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona, Arizona

Official site: https://azstateparks.com/red-rock/

The first Friday of every month, the galleries of Sedona open their doors in fun fashion, offering snacks and beverages and opportunities to meet some of the artists or chat with other tourists.

Rather than the usual quiet gallery settings, the establishments are full of people socializing as they contemplate the art and talk with artists about their pieces and concepts. This is a great introduction to Sedona's art scene.

The 1st Friday in the Galleries runs from 5pm to 8pm and is free. Much of the excitement is focused around the galleries at Tlaquepaque, Uptown Sedona, and Hillside Sedona.

One of Arizona's most impressive cliff dwelling sites is just a short and scenic 30-minute drive from Sedona in Verde Valley . Reached via a short level pathway, the cliff dwellings are located high up in the sheer rock face, underneath a large rock overhang.

Research suggests that the Sinagua people inhabited this site nearly 900 years ago, approximately 1050 CE. Their ingenuity is reflected in the sheer size of the 20-story dwellings they somehow managed to build high up on the cliff walls.

While visiting the cliff dwellings, be sure to also stop by Montezuma Well. This huge desert sinkhole, 386 feet across, is continually filled by 10,000-year-old water from deep within the earth. A pleasant and easy 0.7-mile-loop trail takes you to an overlook and then past a burbling brook that drains the well.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

Most people come to Sedona and are instantly captivated by the stunning red rocks and beautiful scenery, but never give a thought to how the city was founded and functioned for many years before it became the place it is today.

Well that deficiency can be easily rectified by a visit and self-guided tour of the Sedona Heritage Museum. Most of the structures from the Jordan Homestead, dating from 1931, have been restored and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Inside these structures, you'll find interesting exhibits on the history of Sedona beginning in 1876, it's first residents, Sedona's movie history, and the Jordan family.

The museum is located near uptown Sedona on Jordan Road in the Jordan Historical Park.

Address: 735 Jordan Road, Sedona, Arizona

Official site: https://sedonamuseum.org/

The best place to stay is near Uptown Sedona , close to shops, restaurants, and galleries, but the luxury resorts outside of town make attractive bases for hikers and nature lovers. The nearby Village of Oak Creek , a six-mile scenic drive to the south, is smaller but is also surrounded by mesas and mountains, and offers a range of budget hotels. West Sedona is a five-minute drive from Uptown and also offers some good hotel choices.

Luxury Hotels:

• The Adobe Grand Villas , in a quiet area in West Sedona, is a boutique hotel offering large and private, themed luxury villas, along with an outdoor pool and exceptional service. A private chef is on call for your dining requirements.
• With lodge and cottage style high-end accommodation, L'Auberge de Sedona lies along the banks of Oak Creek and is within easy walking distance of Uptown Sedona.
• About eight miles from Uptown and spread out over 80 acres in spectacular Boynton Canyon, Enchantment Resort features upscale rooms with amazing red rock views, an outdoor pool, and some great on-site restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Casa Sedona Inn is a cozy boutique property set on one acre of Junipine Forest in West Sedona. The southwestern-style rooms come with fireplaces and a complimentary gourmet breakfast.
• Perched on a hill about a mile west of Uptown, the Sky Rock Inn of Sedona offers beautiful views, comfortable rooms, and a promenade deck with fire pits and outdoor seating.
• The pet-friendly Sedona Real Inn and Suites , in West Sedona, has a relaxed feel, a great outdoor pool, and well-priced suites.

Budget Hotels:

• The following budget hotels are all in the quaint Village of Oak Creek, six miles from Uptown Sedona. A good option for the value conscious is the Wildflower Inn, a short walk from the trailhead of some of the best hiking in the Sedona area.
• The Desert Quail Inn and The Views Inn Sedona are both centrally located in Oak Creek and offer affordable rooms and outdoor pools.

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15 Best Things to Do in Sedona, According to Locals

These are some of the best things to do in Sedona, whether it's your first or fifth time visiting the Arizona desert town.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Sedona, Arizona, is home to nearly 10,000 people, and a spiritual haven for many more. The red rock buttes here are said to house mysterious cosmic forces that are conducive to healing and self-exploration. For that reason, Sedona has long been regarded as a sacred place — one that is rich in natural beauty. 

Brett Briseno, director of sales and marketing for Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo, a Sedona hotel and spa, respectively, told Travel + Leisure by email, “There's something special here. Whether it’s the energy of the land, the genuine hospitality of its people, the cultures that coexist in harmony, or the world-class businesses, there's no denying this place feels ‘different’ than anywhere else. I would use the word majestic, but others might simply say there’s a positivity and peacefulness here that's rare in the world.”

That sense of peace and spirituality has made the Arizona community a spa destination. (The Enchantment Resort’s Mii Amo spa is a T+L reader favorite .) Briseno noted, “Sedona is one of the few locations where you return home feeling better and more energized.” The destination is also surrounded by red rock formations, steep canyons, and pine forests with hiking and biking trails.

Without further ado, here’s what Sedona locals recommend a first-time visitor should add to their itinerary.

Hike Cathedral Rock Trail.

mdesigner125/Getty Images

According to Chrys Theriault, an expert bell captain at Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel (one of the most anticipated resort openings in the U.S. in 2023 ), “Sedona is known as a day hiking capital, with some 200 trails and 400 miles of well-marked red rock [paths] that offer any hiker the skill level and views they are seeking.” 

A good place to start is on Cathedral Rock Trail , a moderately challenging, 1.2-mile round-trip trek. It’s a great introduction to Sedona hiking and boasts stunning views of Cathedral Rock, a natural sandstone butte that's one of the area’s most-photographed attractions.

Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

The Chapel of the Holy Cross draws pilgrims and tourists who come to worship in this one-of-a-kind building that was built on top of a natural rock formation in the Coconino National Forest. 

Theriault calls the chapel a personal favorite, while Christian Davies, the general manager of Mii Amo , said, “The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-see. The stunning building seamlessly flows with the surrounding area, rising out of the red rocks just like a prominent peak, offering stunning views of the iconic red rock formations that Sedona is famous for.”

Eat Mexican and Southwestern food at Elote Cafe.

With a menu that’s “inspired by the markets of Mexico,” Elote Cafe is based on chef Jeff Smedstad’s 20-plus years of travel across Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Don’t miss their namesake elote, fire-roasted corn served with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese.

Swim in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park.

Kiyoshi Tanno/Getty Images

At the bottom of Oak Creek Canyon lies a swimming hole that has continually been recognized for its spectacular hidden locale. It's situated below an apple orchard and surrounded by Sedona’s iconic red rocks. There’s even an 80-foot-long “slide” that has been worn into the sandstone and is covered in algae, making for a slippery ride. 

“When you think of Arizona, you don't think of water,” said Theriault, adding that a visit to the canyon is “a perfect trip any time of year.”

Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.

Called “the art and soul of Sedona,” this outdoor shopping village is fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, with stucco walls, cobble pathways, and decorative arches. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village has some of the city’s best galleries, restaurants, and shops. And if you’re wondering, the word Tlaquepaque is part of the ancient language of the Aztecs , meaning the "best of everything."

Davies calls the market “one of the most distinctive shopping experiences in the Southwest,” noting that it “has been a favorite Sedona landmark for many years.”

Hike Airport Loop Trail.

The Airport Loop Trail , which curves around Sedona Airport, is a great spot to watch the sun rise and set. If an airport-adjacent hiking path sounds anything but pleasant, then you haven’t been to Sedona Airport, which is set 500 feet above the city on a flat mesa.

Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.

The 14 acres that make up the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park were deemed holy by Natives long ago and continue to be seen as a spiritual oasis. 

“Sedona is the spiritual mecca of the Southwest,” explained Theriault. “Historically known for its ceremonies, birthing spaces, and peace treaties, it now has a New Age vibe with holistic healing rituals, modern churches, and psychics.” Davies added, “Amitabha Stupa is a spiritual destination for people of all faiths, where local residents, visitors, and groups come for prayer, meditation, and an experience of peace in a sacred place.”

Bike the Aerie to Cockscomb Trail.

Together, the Aerie and Cockscomb trails create a 6.1-mile loop that's suitable for both beginner and intermediate mountain bikers. This trail is great because it offers fun descents on rolling hills and beautiful scenery, plus it can be accessed from many locations.

“Sedona is renowned for being one of the top mountain biking destinations in the United States,” said Davies, adding that Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo guests can also take advantage of the Trail House , which offers guided bike rides and rentals.

Book a hot-air balloon ride.

Both Davies and Theriault recommend that first-time visitors to Sedona book a hot-air balloon ride. “Sedona is known for the unique beauty of its red rocks and high desert foliage. A helicopter tour or balloon ride will allow any traveler a one-time, take-it-all-in view of Sedona. You'll even see the highest peak in the state, Mt. Humphrey's, as a bonus,” said Theriault.

Two reliable tour operators are Red Rock Balloon Adventures and Northern Light Balloon Expeditions .

Visit Red Rock State Park.

lucky-photographer/Getty Images

If you want to see a high concentration of Sedona's famous red rocks and canyons, head to Red Rock State Park , located southwest of the city. The nature preserve has tons of treks that loop around red rock formations, including Eagle's Nest and Apache Fire trails.

Hike Devil's Bridge Trail.

Westend61/Getty Images

This nearly four-mile round-trip hike leads to Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. The route can be busy, and parking is limited on weekends, so your best bet is to hop on one of the free shuttles to the Dry Creek Vista trailhead. The highlight of the hike is reaching the bridge and walking out along the top of the arch.

Book a Jeep tour or rent an off-road vehicle.

RAUL RODRIGUEZ/Getty Images

If hiking and biking aren't your style, but you still want to explore the landscape, Theriault recommends booking a Jeep trip with one of Sedona’s many tour operators.

If you’re feeling up to it, you can also rent your own Jeep or ATV and cruise one of Sedona’s many scenic roads. According to Theriault, Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock Loop Road, and Scenic Byway SR 179 are “perfect for a day trip.”

Shop at Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art.

Courtesy of Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art

The art scene is one of the many reasons people travel from all over the world to visit Sedona. One of the city’s best art galleries, Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art , is a great place to start your tour of the destination's art offerings. Exposures represents the work of almost 100 living artists and includes both classical and modern paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.

Try to spot a UFO.

In addition to the occasional energy vortex, Sedona has “thousands of reported UFO sightings a year,” according to Theriault, who recommends first-time visitors join “a UFO tour with military-grade night vision, or take advantage of the designated Dark Sky Community by looking toward the stars at night.”

Dine on the water at Cress on Oak Creek.

Courtesy of L’Auberge de Sedona

If Sedona’s nature has you wooed, book a meal at Cress on Oak Creek in L’Auberge de Sedona ( one of T+L readers' favorite resorts in Arizona ). The restaurant’s outdoor patio is situated right on Oak Creek in a green-laden space. 

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See More Sedona Tours & Adventures »

Top Things to Do in Sedona - Activities & Must-See Places

There are a few things to do in Sedona that are absolutely on the "must-do" list. Sedona is most known for its breathtaking red rock formations, famed vortex healing energy, outdoor recreation, and luxury accommodations. But how to best experience these things is really up to you. From hiking to jeep tours; meditation to week-long retreats; picnicking amongst the red rocks to mountain biking, or staying at cozy cabins or 5-star resorts on the creek; there's no one right way you MUST experience all that Sedona has to offer. But as far as the "must do" list goes, this is what we recommend:

• Take in the gorgeous red rock views
• Make time to see if you can feel the vortex energy
• Play outside and interact with your surroundings
• Stay somewhere that makes you feel happy and relaxed
• Most importantly, do yourself a favor and be present!

Getting Oriented with Sedona

Sedona is divided into four sections roughly: Uptown Sedona, West Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and the Village of Oak Creek. All are still considered “Sedona”, but with the popularity of Sedona comes traffic. Knowing what things there are to do in each area will help you make the most of your time here.

Uptown Sedona

This part of Sedona is basically “Downtown Sedona”. It’s where the majority of the shops, restaurants, and art galleries are located. You can easily park your vehicle here and spend half or a full day exploring the culture of town. Many tours pick up from Uptown Sedona, so this is place to start your vacation whether you’re just getting your feet wet or are ready for an immersive Sedona experience.

West Sedona

West Sedona is located to the west of Uptown Sedona. There are quite a few hotels in this direction. There are some fantastic shops and restaurants out this way, but you’ll either need to drive to each location or be ready to walk. West Sedona is the perfect place to stay if hiking is the thing you want to do in Sedona. Many of the trailheads start in this area making it a favorite location to stay when exploring the trails is on the top of your list for things to do.

Oak Creek Canyon

Oak Creek Canyon is located northeast of Uptown Sedona. The road that takes you there is lined with oak trees growing along a clear creek backdropped by towering canyon walls. It’s quite possibly one of the most beautifully scenic drives in Arizona. Here you will find Slide Rock State Park and Grasshopper Point swimming holes. This area is also popular for fishing, camping, and generally staying shaded and cool during the warmer months.

Village of Oak Creek

This part of town is located south of Sedona. Visitors coming from Phoenix will drive through the Village of Oak Creek before getting into Sedona proper. This is where the famous Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are located. Also in this area are some highly-rated restaurants, golf courses and high-end accommodations. But some of the more budget places are located in the VOC as well. In general, you can find more budget lodging here than in Uptown or West Sedona.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

Cathedral Rock

Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village

Uptown Sedona Shops

Airport Mesa

Palaki Ruins

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Day trip to Grand Canyon

Hit the Trails

Energy and bodywork, psychic, past life, or tarot card readings, shop in uptown sedona, visit art galleries, swim in oak creek, enjoy a resort spa weekend, look for ufos, rent a bike, go on a jeep, helicopter, hot air balloon, or guided scenic tour, wine tasting, go on a scenic drive, experience a romantic getaway, hone in those photography skills, other highly recommended things to do in sedona.

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring the entire family! There are 5 adult courses and 1 junior course with obstacles ranging from tarzan ropes, to wobbly bridges, swinging logs, cargo nets, ziplines, and even an aerial surf board!

Come Play in the Trees and explore the outdoors like you never have before!

To see our availability or book a reservation, check out www.flagstaffextreme.com or give us a call at 888-259-0125!

(See our website for age and height restrictions)

WHAT GUESTS LIKE ABOUT THIS PLACE »

Family-Friendly | Activities | Activities

Grand Canyon South Rim Self-Guided Driving Tour

• Fully Guided Personal Tours
• Professionally Narrated Stories
• Tour Valid Forever
• Works Offline
• Tour At Your Own Pace
• Location Aware, Plays Automatically
• Don’t Miss Any Sightseeing Points
• No Groups. No Tips

Self-Guided | Family-Friendly

Best Grand Canyon Day Tours

Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.

Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly

Arizona Private Tours

Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel | Romantic

Grand Canyon Railway

Family-Friendly

Sacred Vortex Holistic Therapies

Sacred Vortex Holistic Therapies offers a kaleidoscope of Holistic modalities in the Village of Oak Creek area including the following services: Access Bars, Reiki, Acupressure with Essential Oils, Ear Seeds, Naturopathy, Chakra Balancing, HeartMath, Sound Baths for individuals and groups, Sound Therapy, Light Therapy, Classes, Workshops, Clubs, and Couple’s Packages for before or after their wedding.

Vortex Experience | Reiki Energy Healing & Balancing | Chakra Clearing & Balancing | Private Services | Couples | Light Therapy | Sound Bath | Classes/Workshops

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Family-Friendly | Wedding Venue | Village of Oak Creek

Private Spiritual Vortex Tours

Drawing upon our deep connection to this land, we offer deeply transformational, spiritually healing Vortex Tours and Shamanic Medicine Wheel Ceremonies. All our tours are private! This is your own personal healing time. You will connect to your authentic self, your own personal power and guidance, letting go of that which doesn't serve you anymore. You will feel rejuvenated and empowered to walk your life in a good way again!

Native Culture & Tours | Western Experience | Private Tours Available | Spiritual Healing at a Sedona Vortex | Shamanic Healing | Professionally Guided | Guided Meditation

Pink Jeep Adventures

Family-Friendly | Native Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River! Tours leaves from Flagstaff.

Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided

A Day In The West

Western Experience | Family-Friendly | Activities | Native Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

One Tribe Tours

Vortex Experience | Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Guided Meditation | Sacred Ceremonies | Beginner Friendly

Sedona Hiking App

Take a Hike! The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. You can follow your location in real time and always know where you are on the trail. Visit and explore www.SedonaHikingApp.com for trail listings and hike highlights with pictures from the trails.

Here's how it works: After you decide on the trails you'd like to experience, download the trails onto your device (with a network connection) and 'select' them as you do the hike. Click 'Take a Hike' to see the map. Everything you need is in each hike package, including driving directions This really is hiking for everyone. Easy, moderate, and hard day hikes to enjoy the grandeur of Sedona!

Check out our new Discovering Sedona Landmarks app!

Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Activities | Native Culture & Tours

Out Of Africa Wildlife Park

Family-Friendly | Activities

Sedona & Red Rock State Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Maverick Helicopter Tours

Family-Friendly | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available

Mystical Bazaar

Psychic Readings | Aura Photo | Crystals | Tarot

Wildland Trekking

Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.

Professionally Guided | Custom Options Available | Private Tours Available | Pickup from Hotel

Private Sedona Red Rock Tours

Experience the extraordinary beauty and power of Sedona with a first-hand experience of a private Sedona tour, where you'll immerse yourself in this powerful gift of nature and learn how to harness the energy for real transformation in your life, you've come to the right place.

Our tours are private and tailored to your personal and spiritual needs by highly intuitive guides. Once they meet you, they'll tune into which vortex site to visit first and, from there, you'll follow Spirit and go where you are called. Every experience is unique and one of a kind-just as you are.

Choose from the Original Vortex Tour or any of our spiritual tours (medicine wheel tour, yoga tour, chakra tour, psychic tour and more). You'll visit the most powerful energy centers in Sedona and learn how to tune into and work with the energy right out on the red rocks and in Sedona's breathtaking countryside.

We also do photography tours for individuals who want to be taken out to the best locations for photo ops and hiking tours.

Vortex Experience | Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available

Granite Mountain Guides - Prescott

Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly | Exceptional Service | Individualized | Safe Environment | Covid-19 Precautions Taken

Sedona UFO Tour Guided By Contacted Scientist

At sundown, all participants caravan 3 miles to a parking area with a dark sky. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Satellites, airplanes and UFOs are seen every night.

Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a party, the Sedona UFO Tour Guide comes to you with the gear and the information that has made Michael THE guide to hire for a UFO Tour.

Conversations with a Contactee: Michael will buy lunch and spend an hour sharing his ET contact story, and answering the attendees' questions.

Vortex Experience | Activities | UFO Tours

Healing with Nature

Healing With Nature offers Vortex Tours, Reiki Healing & Intuitive Coaching®️ at Vortex locations that are less traveled.

• Private Tours - Group Tours - In-Vision®️ Process
• Guided Meditation, Card Reading, Energy Clearing & Balancing, Meet your Angels & Guides.
• Learn about the scientific theories, the mystery and allure that surrounds the Vortexes of Sedona.
• Learn about the Ancient Indigenous People that lived in the region thousands of years ago, the Prophecies and how they were fulfilled.

Guided Meditation | Emotional & Spiritual Healing | Reiki Energy Healing & Balancing | Karmic Clearing | Private Tours Available | Hiking | Spiritual Healing at a Sedona Vortex | Vortex Experience | Chakra Clearing & Balancing | Meet Your Spirit Animal

The Blazin’ M Ranch - A Western Themed Frontier Town, Dinner, and A Show

Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner, and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with foil-wrapped potato, cowboy beans, our prickly pear coleslaw, flying biscuits and a delicious homemade dessert.

After dinner the Blazin’ M Cowboys entertain ya’ with their award-winning musical talents mixed with cowboy poetry and humor with a 1 hour show from 7:30pm - 8:30pm!

Family-Friendly | Live Entertainment | Western Experience | Activities | All Food

Private Soldier Pass Trail Jeep Tour from Sedona

Travel by Jeep through Sedona's rugged countryside toward Soldiers Pass for expansive landscape views. This tour also brings you to two interesting natural sites: Devils Kitchen sinkhole and Apache's Seven Pools. Let someone else navigate the rough terrain while you sit back and enjoy the scenery.

• Soldier Pass Trail from Sedona
• Travel through the rugged countryside and challenging trails of Sedona towards Soldiers Pass
• Ride over, around and up the red rocks
• A challenging 4x4 experience that only a Jeep can provide

Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Guided Adventure

The Outlaw Trail Jeep Tour of Sedona

Explore the western canyons of Sedona, Arizona on this guided, 3-hour, 4x4 tour. See this desert town's red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests — a scenic drive full of fun for the entire family. Along the way, learn about the history of the area, the rock formations, and the local traditions. Choose from one of several departure times throughout the day. Get off the beaten track in a 4x4 Jeep vehicle Choose from several departure times throughout the day Get inside tips and information from a local guide Ideal choice for the entire family.

Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Village of Oak Creek

Experience E-Bike with Wine Tasting Activity

Private Diamondback Gulch by Off-Road Jeep from Sedona

• 4x4 Jeep tour of Diamondback Gulch from Sedona
• Access the wilderness of Diamondback Gulch on an Extreme Jeep Trail, beyond what's available by car
• Comfortable custom Jeeps seat no more than 7 passengers
• Learn about the area’s history and wildlife from your guide as you go
• Admire unobstructed views of the desert wilderness far from other people
• Morning and afternoon departure times are available

Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel

Bliss Wine Tours - The Most Luxurious Vineyard Tour in Sedona

We are the most luxurious, customer-focused, wine tour company in Sedona! With extravagant limousines for larger groups and plush SUV’s for smaller groups. This tour helps you maximize on time while up in Northern Arizona, with a duration of 5+ hours. We spend an average of a little over an hour at each vineyard. Here’s one of many tips we will give you, after booking: You are able to imbibe on alcoholic beverages while traveling to and from the wineries and Sedona, with Bliss! This is a true day of pampering! This includes Excellent wine, Amazing food, Luxurious vehicles, Guides that want nothing more, than to make your heart Blissfully happy - Cheers!

Professionally Guided

Wine Tour from Sedona to the Verde Valley Vineyards in Luxury Transportation

Our tour to four wineries will be either in a luxury tour coach or in a luxury SUV depending on the size of the group going out that day. You may choose to enjoy tastings or bottles of award-winning wines. You will receive discounts for tastings and bottles of wine, at some of the wineries. Also, we are the only tour company that allows you to bring your own alcoholic (or nonalcoholic) beverages with you on the bus. At one of the wineries, we will have a picnic, outside next to the grapevines or inside depending on the weather. The picnic is served on linens, includes a personal charcuterie board. This includes French bread, gourmet cheeses, hard salami, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, grapes, nuts, and chocolates, for each individual person on the tour. At one of the award-winning wineries, we will be touring the production facility and barrel room. There we will discuss the wine-making process and what it takes to make a cluster of grapes into an award-winning bottle of wine.

Private Sedona Vortex Retreats

When you're ready to transform your life with Sedona's vortex energy while experiencing the best vacation of your life, you're ready for a Sedona Vortex Retreat. Sedona's vortex energy has been used for centuries by experienced shamans and other intuitive people for personal and planetary healing, refreshment and rejuvenation, spiritual ceremony and life acceleration, inspiration, enlightenment and getting answers to life's most pressing questions. Whatever your reason for retreat, our highly experienced, heart-centered guides will lead you through the vortex mystery to experience for yourself the life-changing transformation this energy is designed to provide to all who truly seek it.

This was absolutely one of the best experiences of my Life. The knowledge, clarity and deeper understanding of myself were truly priceless. This is not entertainment, this is the REAL DEAL and in my opinion no one could have assisted me with my journey better than the Sedona Vortex Retreats Team. --Sonya Friday

We customize our retreats just for you or your small group and orient your retreat to your specific interests (couples retreats, yoga, healing, girlfriend's getaway and more).

Visit our website through the links below and get a copy of our free 26-page special report on the secrets of using vortex energy for powerful spiritual transformation.

Vortex Experience | Professionally Guided | Custom Options Available

Boyton Canyon

Bell Rock Vortex

Family-Friendly | Vortex Experience | Professionally Guided

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You haven’t been anywhere quite like Sedona. Small-town charm, world-class beauty. Local shops, restaurants and lodging, epic views in every direction. We know you’ll love it here because we love it here. And we want you to enjoy it, appreciate it, and care for it like we do.

Discover Sedona. Rediscover yourself.

Feel yourself relaxed and energized at the same time. Hike the rocks, relax by the pool, take a tour, shop a little and wind it down with local eats. So much to love, and that’s just Day One. Looking for lodging? Keep it cozy or make it majestic. Hungry? Savor tasty treats cooked up by local chefs. Try a Jeep tour, a mountain bike ride or an epic hike. Spend a day at the spa. Visit a vortex. Or do nothing at all except be with yourself. Sedona is ready.

Love it like a local

Treat Sedona like you're coming back. You, yes you, play the most important role in preserving Sedona's future. If you think Sedona is worth visiting, please protect it so that it's worth visiting again. Here are some frequently asked questions and a few ways you can make a difference during your visit.

Enjoy everything Sedona has to offer. Uptown is home to historic shops, restaurants and places to stay, all within easy walking distance. West Sedona is more spread out but is also home to excellent dining, shopping, and lodging options. On Gallery Row, you'll find several galleries offering fine art paintings, sculptures, photography and more.

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10 fabulous experiences in seductive Sedona

Apr 9, 2024 • 8 min read

Moonlit hikes, desert photo shoots, hot-air-balloon rides, stargazing and more will help you tap into Sedona’s special energy © Vasil Dimitrov / Getty Images

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by Sedona ’s staggering scenery and unique vibe.

Every rambling trail of the geological wonderland seems to have a backstory that deepens every experience. It’s place that strikes a bold balance: a haven for visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment, or those wanting adrenaline-spiking adventure among the ancient red rocks and swaths of pine forest. 

The Arizona city’s location in the high desert adds to its distinctive – and authentic – allure, and cool convergences lie everywhere. Locally produced wines pair well with desert cuisine. Pine forests flank red rocks. And Buddhist shrines and natural-vortex sites crackle with good vibrations.

From among such exciting options, here are 10 experiences not to miss in Sedona.

1. Visit a Buddhist shrine and peace park  

Sedona’s natural sacred sites have long been lured those seeking spiritual enlightenment. The area’s history originates with Indigenous people, who consider this land a holy place intended for healing and transformation. Yet it might seem surprising to find a pair of Buddhist stupas – mound-like shrines filled with relics and ritual offerings – erected among the red rocks. Located near Chimney Rock at the base of Thunder Mountain, Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park spreads out across 14 acres of junipers and pinyon pines.  

The peace park was created by Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC), a Buddhist organization and study center with roots in Tibet. The 36ft (11m) Amitabha stupa, built according to principles of sacred architecture and geometry, was completed and consecrated in 2004; a bronze image of its namesake Buddha of Limitless Light is inside the stupa’s faceplate. The 6ft (2m), white Tara Stupa is named for the female Buddha. Practicing Buddhists pray to her for health, longevity and compassion. Anyone can visit this site: the organization emphasizes that it’s a place for “prayer, meditation and the experience of peace,” regardless of one’s faith.

2. Sip local Arizona wines  

While you shouldn’t confuse it with Sonoma, Sedona sits in Central Arizona’s Verde Valley at almost a mile in elevation, making it a great region for grape growing. Downtown, the Art of Wine provides a primer on local wines with by-the-glass offerings. And this range is far-reaching: Bordeaux blends, a single-varietal malbec, the familiar chardonnays and rieslings, plus an Arizona fave, Malvasia Bianca, a fruity white with a floral bouquet. Less than half a mile away is Winery 1912 , which features Spanish and Iberian varietals grown at Dragoon Mountain Vineyard in the town of Willcox, one of Arizona’s three unique American Viticultural Areas (AVA) (the other two are nearby Verde Valley and Sonoita, south of Tucson ). 

Winemaking isn’t new to Arizona (Jesuit priests first planted grapes here in the 1690s) – or even to this desert city. Back in the 1880s, when Sedona was a budding village, a homesteader planted grape vines in the high-desert grasslands , where the combination of warm days and cool nights create favorable growing conditions. Sedona today is once again leaning into these agricultural roots, and a number of companies now offer tours to wineries along the Verde Valley Wine Trail .

Planning tip:  Skip the driving and learn as you sip.  Sip Sedona Wine Tours  offers customized excursions led by a wine-industry professional, while  Wine Tours of Sedona  has a range of fun tours, including a date night for two at one of the area’s estate vineyards.  

3. Photograph the desert landscape 

Featuring such evocative shapes as cathedrals, castles, bells – and even Snoopy reclining on his doghouse – Sedona’s landscape is like a city carved out of sandstone. The sheer diversity of these red-rock formations is a draw for photographers (pros and Instagrammers alike), with bright-blue skies providing contrast to the iron-rich rock and dark-green junipers that frame undulating trails. 

The desert’s drama softens in spring (late April through June) when delicate fuchsia and yellow flowers bloom from the paddles of prickly pears and branches of cholla cactuses, lending color and whimsy to these spiky plants. Visit in winter and you might witness a veil of snowy white to the ancient peaks. 

4. Go on a guided full-moon hike

Walking through the desert in the coolness of the evening when it’s aglow with moonlight puts a fresh spin on exploring Sedona’s terrain. You don’t need to wander alone to watch the last light of the day burn out as the moon makes its ascent: naturalists at Red Rock State Park offer guided interpretive hikes during the full moon. The tour covers two miles and you’ll learn about Sedona’s fascinating geology, history and plant life.

5. Taste high-desert cuisine 

“Southwestern” food is one of those all-encompassing terms that can describe multitudes. In Sedona, though, you’ll sometimes see the term “high-desert cuisine” on menus – with rattlesnake as an extreme example, alongside tamer examples like peach cobbler. Syrups made from agave plants and the ripe fruits of prickly pear (or “tuna”) cactus make welcome additions to cocktails, especially margaritas. The pads of those same cactuses, called nopales, turn up in a salad at award-winning Elote Café , and you’ll often find them sizzled up like fries, such as at Cowboy Club .

Local tip:  Linger at Cowboy Club to soak in some Hollywood history. Back in the day, celebrities like Elvis Presley, Joan Crawford, John Wayne and Rock Hudson hung out here, often when working on the Westerns filmed in the area during the 1950s and ’60s.

6. Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon 

Imagine the feeling of weightlessness and 360-degree views while drifting above Sedona’s buttes, mesas and pinnacles as the sun slowly climbs, bathing the red rocks in light. A hot-air-balloon ride offers an awe-inspiring way to get oriented to the sprawling landscape. Flights take off early, when the wind conditions are most favorable, and last for up to four hours. What’s more, this mode of exploration is a more environmentally sound way to see Sedona from above. In an effort to enhance the city’s natural peace and quiet as part of its Sustainable Tourism Plan , the city of Sedona has asked helicopter tour operators to adhere to no-fly zones . 

Planning tip: Tour operators such as  Northern Light Balloon Expeditions  and  Red Rock Balloon Adventures  provide year-round sunrise trips (the latter has some closures in summer), so check the schedule before you travel if you have your heart set on a flight.

7. Mountain-bike desert trails

The two million acres of national forest land and 200 trails traversing 400 miles in Sedona means the potential for riding single-track routes is boundless. People new to mountain biking can find plenty of wider and less-steep routes to get comfortable in the saddle, including parts of Slim Shady and the Bell Rock trail. Advanced riders might want to take on the Hangover trail or Cathedral Rock Big Loop , which gains 1054ft (321m) in elevation.

With Sedona’s mild weather, you can go mountain biking any time. (Be aware that heavy rainfall can create flash floods during the summer monsoon season.) Cyclists will enjoy visiting in March, for the three-day Sedona Mountain Bike Festival .

Local tip: Remember to never “ bust the crust .” These signs on Sedona’s multi-use trails are reminders of the fragility of the desert ecosystem – and to stick to the pathways.

8. Learn more about Indigenous cultures 

Indigenous people first settled in the fertile Verde Valley as far back as 650 BCE: first the Sinagua, followed by the Hopi, Yavapai and Apache. You can discover these cultures’ histories at Arizona’s national parks, and monuments and historic sites run by the US Forest Services, including Palatki , Honanki and Crane Petroglyph (formerly called V Bar V). At these living archeological sites, you can take a guided tour along unpaved pathways to see cave dwellings carved out of the sandstone, and discover the difference between petroglyphs and rock art. Before you go, brush up on your archeological site etiquette .

Another way to learn about Sedona’s thriving Indigenous culture is by – yes – shopping. Fine arts and crafts are for sale at a handful of top-quality galleries and boutiques, such as Sedona Artist Market & Gallery , Hoel’s Indian Shop and Garland’s , where staff are generous with their time and knowledge. Every vintage blanket, squash-blossom necklace and sand painting has a fascinating story of culture and craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Local tip: Shop carefully to make sure you’re purchasing truly Indigenous-made artifacts rather than knockoffs. 

9. Slide down a sandstone chute 

It’s not unusual to find a swimming hole near a clear creek – but one with a natural slide? To skim down an 80ft (24m) sandstone chute into Oak Creek, grab your gear and head to Slide Rock State Park . The park’s stone channel has a seven-percent decline and gets its slickness from algae, which helps slingshot swimmers into the creek’s cool water. 

Local tip: With half a mile of the creek to splash around in, wildlife clusters in Slide Rock in summer. Think more than 140 bird species (look for hummingbirds and Steller’s jays), javelinas (aka “skunk pigs”), Coues (pronounced “cows”) white-tailed deer and even black bears.

10. Search for UFOs in an International Dark Sky Place 

With billionaires blasting off to explore space, would it be such a stretch to think that aliens are visiting us, too? Not in Sedona, which is considered a superb place to see otherworldly aircraft. First off, it’s ultra-dark in Sedona (Oak Creek Village is on the roster of International Dark Sky Places) , so it’s easier to pinpoint potential extraterrestrial activity pulsating in those clear, jet-black skies. Second, people believe Sedona has four vortexes – natural sites that emanate a type of energy. 

Sedona’s metaphysical community offers a number of educational tours that typically combine UFO sightings (many guarantee you’ll see paranormal activity) and vortex visits; you can only imagine what you might make out when staring at the stars while wearing military-grade night-vision goggles. Regardless of whether you’re a believer yourself, you’ll find out why so many people believe Sedona is such a mystical place. 

Keep planning your trip to Sedona:

When should you go? These are  the best times to go  All you need to know about  getting around See more of the desert with these  dreamy day trips

This article was first published Aug 12, 2021 and updated Apr 9, 2024.

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15 Best Things to Do in Sedona

Just a two-hour drive from Phoenix, the 19-square-mile city of Sedona is surrounded by scenic red rock formations and nearly 2 million acres of national forest. On a visit, you can immerse yourself in outdoor adventures like off-roading, browse art galleries, kick back at a resort, and so much more. Sedona also makes a great base for exploring the greater Verde Valley, including Arizona’s northernmost wine region.

Hike to the Devil’s Bridge

HagePhoto / Getty Images

There are more than 100 trails in the Sedona area, but for a hike with Instagrammable views that most fit hikers can tackle, look no further than Devil’s Bridge. From the trailhead, the first 3/4- mile to the trail’s namesake, a 50-foot-high arch, is relatively flat, but the steep, natural rock staircase to its top can be heart-pounding. You’ll be rewarded with outstanding views of the red rocks, though, and the chance to pose on the arch’s top.

Want to avoid the crowded trail to the Devil’s Bridge? Stop by the Hike House in Sedona, where their Sedona Trail Finder can recommend hikes based on your preferred distance, changes in elevation, difficulty, and time. Or visit the Sedona Red Rock Trails website for information on hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails in the area. 

Feel the Mystical Energy of a Vortex

Parker Deen / Getty Images

Technically, all of Sedona is considered a vortex—a pocket of spiritual energy that facilitates prayer, mediation, and healing—but some sites in the area, such as Bell Rock and Airport Mesa, allegedly have more concentrated spiritual energy. You can visit these and other vortex sites on your own using a map from the city’s visitor center or one found online . Or, hire a guide who can lead you in mediation, yoga, or healing rituals while you’re at the site. 

Indulge in a Spa Day

Courtesy of Mii Amo

Some of the state’s best spas are in Sedona. For the ultimate spa experience, book a room at Enchantment Resort. Its spa, Mii Amo, is only open to resort guests, but trust me, you won’t want to go anywhere after your treatment and visit the spa’s relaxing Crystal Grotto. Or, indulge in a Native American-inspired treatment at Sedona’s New Day Spa.

Looking for something even more unique? The Spa at Sedona Rouge specializes in treatments incorporating a Moroccan-style steam room, while True Rest Float Spa provides an anti-gravity experience as you float in saltwater for an hour. 

Gaze Into the Night Sky

John Sirlin / Getty Images

Stargazers worldwide come to set up telescopes along the forest roads outside of Sedona, a designated International Dark Sky Community, and peer into the dark sky looking for planets, stars, and other celestial wonders. You can see the Milky Way with your naked eye and even more with a pair of binoculars at Two Trees Observing Area, Boynton Canyon Trailhead, Merry-Go-Round Rock, and other sites on your own. Or, sign up for a stargazing tour through Sedona Stargazing or Sedona UFO Tours to glimpse the heavens through a telescope. 

Soar Over Sedona’s Red Rocks in a Hot Air Balloon

Jordan Ritchie / Getty Images

For a different perspective, take flight. Hot air balloons give a bird’s eye view of landmarks such as Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek, Bell Rock, and even as far north as the San Francisco Peaks, and because they can float slightly above the ground, it’s not uncommon to spot deer and other critters you wouldn’t normally on the ground. Consider booking with Northern Light Balloon Expeditions or Red Rock Balloons , the only two companies that can take off in the Sedona area; other companies take off near Cottonwood.

If the thought of an open-air balloon ride makes you uneasy, a helicopter tour gives a similar perspective.

Ride in an Iconic Pink Jeep

 Teresa Bitler

Chances are, at some point in your travels, you’ve probably taken a Jeep tour , and if that’s the case, you have Don Pratt to thank. Pratt began offering tours of the Sedona area in 1960 using a Jeep he painted pink, and the concept took off. Today, Pink Jeep Tours is the premier Jeep tour operator in the area.  

Book the Broken Arrow Tour for a breathtaking ride over rugged terrain, including a steep descent down The Road of No Return. Or, opt for the Ancient Ruins tour to 700-year-old cliff dwellings. Pink Jeep also offers vortex, wildlife, and winery tours, as well as a roundtrip journey to the Grand Canyon. 

Go On an Off-roading Adventure

Unlike the popular Jeep tours, you can go where you want when you rent an ATV for the day (or half-day) through companies such as Red Rock ATV Rentals and Sedona Off-Road Center . These street-legal vehicles come with a map so that you can navigate from the rental company’s parking lot to an ATV-friendly trail and back on your own. (If you’re more comfortable driving a 4x4 on the city’s streets, Barlow Adventures Sedona rents Jeeps.)

First-time off-roaders fare well on Forest Road 525 and Schnebly Hill Road. More experienced drivers can tackle the Broken Arrow Trail, the same route offered by Pink Jeep Tours. 

Shop for Keepsakes at Tlaquepaque

Bruce Yuanyue Bi The Image Bank /  Getty Images

Inspired by the Tlaquepaque shopping district on Guadalajara's outskirts, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village resembles a Mexican village with Spanish colonial architecture, stone-paved plazas, and sycamore trees overhead. Come to soak in the atmosphere or to look for the perfect gift. The village has more than 50 boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops, selling everything from gourmet food to handmade Christmas decorations. When you need a break, dine in one of the village’s five restaurants, such as the renowned Oak Creek Brewery & Grill. 

Marvel at the Chapel of the Holy Cross

 Buddy Mays / Getty Images

Originally intended to be built in Budapest under the direction of Frank Lloyd Wright’s son, Lloyd Wright, this eye-catching chapel overlooks the valley below from its perch on the red rocks just off SR 179. Drop by any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to admire the architecture, inside and out. While admission is free, parking at the 45-space lot can be an ordeal. Most visitors have to park on the road below and walk up the winding drive to the church’s entrance. It’s well worth it, though, for the view. 

Cool Off at Slide Rock State Park

DeepDesertPhoto / Getty Images

Located in Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Sedona, this state park features an 80-foot-long natural water slide made slick with algae and a half-mile long swimming area perfect for splashing in on hot summer days. Arrive early to make sure you can get in the park, especially on weekends or during warm-weather school breaks, and plan to spend the day. Between swims, hike the easy 1/4-mile trail to the Pendley Homestead, where you’ll see the house, apple packing barn, various farming implements.  

Stroll Through Sedona’s Art Galleries

Art galleries line State Routes 179 and 89A and populate shopping plazas, including Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village and The Shops at Hyatt Pinon. You’ll find a good mix of mediums represented, everything from watercolors to metalwork and Native American art in the galleries. Come on the first Friday of the month for First Friday in the Galleries when galleries open their doors after hours with drinks, small bites, and live music. You may even meet an artist or two.  

Create Your Own Masterpiece

Sedona’s natural beauty inspires creativity. Unleash yours during a glass-blowing class at The Melting Point . No experience is necessary, although instructors are on hand to help you pick the right project for your skill level and walk you through the process. Projects range from a simple glass flower ($80) to a cactus or large, floppy bowl ($200).

Looking for other ways to get creative? The Sedona Arts Center offers workshops on everything from acrylic painting to plein air, ceramics, photography, and writing. Although the workshops typically run three days, some are just one day. Check the calendar and register before you visit. 

Dine With a View

Sedona boasts some of the state’s most incredible scenery and some of its best restaurants, so dining at an exceptional restaurant with a postcard-worthy view is a must when visiting. For a meal and panoramic view you won’t forget, make a reservation at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill .

Whether you dine inside, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the red rocks, or on the patio, chef Lisa Dahl dazzles with fish dishes, perfectly cooked steaks, handmade empanadas, and similar Latin American fare. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s 600-bottle vault.  

Explore Sinagua Ruins and Petroglyphs

The Sinagua people lived in the Sedona area from roughly 1150 to 1400 A.D., and although no one knows exactly why they left, their ruins and petroglyphs dot the landscape. You can visit the largest cliff dwellings in the region at Palatki Heritage Site , tour more ruins at Honanki Heritage Site , and see petroglyphs at V Bar V Heritage Site .

All three sites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service and require a Red Rock Pass, purchased from an onsite vending machine, to visit. Uncomfortable navigating the forest roads? Several Sedona tour companies offer guides to the sites. 

Tour Arizona Wine Country

Sedona is a short drive to one of Arizona’s premier wine regions, the Verde Valley. Most of the wineries and tasting rooms are in nearby Cornville, Clarkdale, Cottonwood, and Jerome, making it easy to download the Verde Valley Wine Trail map and visit on your own. If you’d rather leave the driving to someone else, Sedona Wine Adventures offers all-inclusive wine tours, or you can kayak the Verde River to Alcantara Vineyard for a tasting on the company’s Water to Wine tour.   

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14 Absolute Best Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: August 14, 2023

Visiting Sedona in Arizona and looking for inspiration for the best places to see and things to do in the area? In this guide, you can read about all the musts, the very best things to do in Sedona that you shouldn’t miss on your first visit. Find out!

The first time you drive through the Coconino National Forest and approach Sedona, you will start to notice the majestic glowing red rocks taking over the landscape. Mother nature will take your breath away! As the landscape changes, you feel like you are entering another planet. The energy shifts as the glow of the red rocks take over.  

Speaking of energy, one of the things Sedona is most famous for is the energy vortexes that are said to heighten spiritual and metaphysical growth. Some of these vortex sites happen to convene at some of the top attractions of Sedona. So while not the focus of this guide, you’ll find the best vortex sites mentioned in our article as well because they are worth a visit either way!

Good to know: This guide to the best Sedona attractions is written with the help of our writer Rosie Queen. She has been to Sedona multiple times and absolutely loves it. In this article, she shares all her favorite places in Sedona and experience-based tips for your visit. Read on!

TIP: To help you plan your visit, we also included a map of the best places in Sedona . You can find it at the bottom of this article and save it to your computer and smartphone.

Scroll down for the full list of top things to do in Sedona, Arizona!

These are the very best things to do in Sedona:

1. Jeep Tours

Jeep Tours are among the most epic things to do for any first-time visit to the area! It’s also the most popular tourist attraction in Sedona.

The 4WD tours take you on an off-road adventure where you can get deep into the glowing red-rock landscape of the area. This is a fantastic opportunity to see some phenomenal scenery that you wouldn’t be able to easily access otherwise. Even if you only visit Sedona for one day , this is an absolute must!

There are so many tour options to choose from that it might get overwhelming to know which one to pick. One of the most popular is this outback trail jeep adventure . It’s also very good price/quality-wise. This is a not-too-extreme off-road adventure that brings you to some amazing places including Cathedral Rock, Bear Mountain, Thunder Mountain, and more.

No matter which tour you choose, you are sure to get some great photo ops and amazing views!

Good to know: It can be a very bumpy ride, but most jeep tours are family-friendly, so most people can participate (even kids from the age of 2). However, if you have any medical conditions, be sure to read the tour details to see if it is safe for you. 

TIP: Be sure to bring some water, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses to keep the desert sun at bay.

PRO TIP: Be sure to book jeep tours in advance. Even though the tours run daily, throughout the day, they tend to book up, sometimes even weeks ahead of time.

2. Sedona Trolley

Often referred to as “The Best First Thing To Do In Sedona”, the Sedona Trolley tour is a good way to start your visit and get acquainted with the area. If you are in Sedona for a few days, do this on the first day of your visit to learn the lay of the land.

Tour “A” takes you through South Sedona through town and up to the infamous Chapel of the Holy Cross for a pitstop and positively incredible views.

Tour “B” will take you through the West side of Sedona into the towering red rock walls of Boynton Canyon . Here, you can see some well-known rock formations such as Thunder Mountain and Chimney Rock.

You can choose from their two tours or do both. They each take about 55 minutes and the Boynton Canyon tour (tour B) is more popular. You could do each tour separately and take a break in between for lunch or stay on board and do it all in about 2 hours. To combine both tours, you need to sign up for the “Full City” combo tour here .  

TIP: You need to buy tickets ahead of time. They run daily between 9 AM and 5 PM.

3. Chapel of the Holy Cross

One of the main landmarks you have to see in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross . This architectural wonder is nestled in red rocks and perfectly sculpted into the landscape. The views from the top are also amazing!

The Chapel was inspired and commissioned by a local sculptor, Marguerite Brunswig Staude. After many changes in plans due to WWII and with the help of architects Richard Hein and August K. Strotz, her dream became reality and the chapel was completed in 1956.  

It will take your breath away when you walk in the door and see the gorgeous massive crucifix with the large glass windows behind it looking out onto the rocks of Sedona. There are some candle/prayer stations where you can make an offering or pray for someone you love.

Good to know: The Chapel is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is free of charge (see their website for more info). However, keep in mind that the parking lot is very limited. There is a steep winding walkway from the parking to the chapel and they also have golf carts available for people that need assistance up the hill. 

TIP:  Bring some dollar bills to tip the golf cart drivers or use for candle offerings. 

4. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is another place that should definitely be on your list of the very best things to do in Sedona. It’s not just an ordinary tourist attraction, but a truly nice place that’s worth a few hours of your time.

Fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, Tlaquepaque (pronounced T-la-keh-pah-keh), which means the “best of everything”, it has been a landmark in Sedona since the 1970s. This quaint charming village is also known as the most distinctive shopping experience in the Southwest.

Stroll through the cobblestone walkways, stucco walls, and beautiful architecture and feel like you are in another country.  If you are lucky, you might even catch one of the artists working on their latest pieces. Unique shopping and tasty restaurants will give you a lot to explore.

If you know someone who’s looking for a gorgeous place to have a destination wedding, the Chapel in the village is a premier wedding spot. But even if you have no wedding plans, definitely check it out!

Good to know: Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village is open daily from 10 AM to 5-6 PM. Some restaurants remain open for dinner. For more info, please see the official website .

TIP: For more ‘action’ and entertainment, visit in the afternoon.

5. Energy Vortex Sites

Sedona vortex sites are widely known for possessing physical, emotional, and spiritual healing properties. Many people come to the area just for that. But these places are also worth a visit for their incredible scenery. So even if you don’t believe in any of the above, don’t miss them either way!

Is the Earth’s energy really swirling in these specific spots of Sedona? Some New Age enthusiasts say the kinetic energy twists around trees causing them to change shape, rock formations vibrate and can make visitors’ bodies tingle. Others say that the power of a Sedona vortex is simply a state of mind and a perception of a location where we can experience energy larger than ourselves.  

Sedona is also filled with psychic centers and new age shows for those that want to be enlightened to a higher place during their visit. There are also spa centers where you can book a detox spa and similar.

Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa are four of the main vortex sites in Sedona. And whether you believe in vortex energy or not, you cannot argue that the beauty of these landmarks is undeniable.

Don’t be surprised to find free thinkers meditating or doing yoga at these vortex sites. So take a pause, soak in the energy, and decide for yourself.  

You can visit many Sedona vortex sites with organized tours , and you can also explore most of them yourself. Below, you can read more about each of the best places that you can easily visit on your own. We listed them as separate items on our list of the best things to do in Sedona because each location is truly worth a visit in itself.

Important: Red Rock Pass is required for visiting most of the places mentioned below. See the ‘practical tips’ section at the end of the article for more information.

6. Cathedral Rock

One of the most energetic and scenic places in Sedona is Cathedral Rock . It’s a beautiful area for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.

If you want to experience it with a sense of ease, take the Templeton Trail to Oak Creek. Once you reach the creek, look for Buddha Beach where visitors have built hundreds of Rock Cairns. Another short and easy walk is the Baldwin Trail .  

If you are up for an adventure and are an experienced climber then you need to hike the Cathedral Rock Trail. This moderate hike is just 1.2 miles (1.9km) round trip and takes about 1-1,5 hrs in total. It ends with a steep climb up to the saddle of Cathedral Rock, with an elevation gain of about 740 ft (225m) over a short distance. So it’s not for everybody and you definitely need good hiking shoes for it.

Good to know: You can access the trail from small parking at Back’O’Beyond Road, but it’s usually extremely busy. Alternatively, the trail can also be accessed from the above-mentioned Baldwin and Templeton trails.

TIP: This is the best hike in Sedona, so if you can handle a steep short climb, definitely give it a try. Also, try to come very early in the morning – it’s not as hot and you’ll avoid the crowds. During the busy season, the parking area fills up at around 7.30-8 AM. But since the hike isn’t very long, people come and go all the time.

7. Bell Rock

Bell Rock is a massive red rock and is another popular place to see in Sedona. The site is rich in energy that is considered to be very powerful. As its name suggests, it is shaped like a gigantic bell.

You can see the rock from many pull-offs on Hwy 179, but you can also take a walk in the area and explore it closer. There are nice hiking trails and also mountain biking trails here as well.

There are two parking areas from where you can access the Bell Rock Trailhead. You can walk the loop around the rock and even climb to the top, but there are so many trails crisscrossing the area that you can decide there how far and where you decide to hike.

TIP: We suggest you park at the North Bell Rock parking area (indicated on our map further below). Because if you park at the south lot, you will need to hike 1 mile north to avoid a steep hike up the south side of Bell Rock. Find a quiet spot to close your eyes and feel the energy and vibrations.

8. Boynton Canyon

Boynton Canyon is one of the best vortex sites to visit in Sedona. What makes it special is that you can actually reach out and touch it.  Boynton Canyon Vortex is located half a mile from the Boynton Canyon parking area and is easy to get to.

The hike to the vortex is intermediate as it requires some uphill climbing, but can also be done with young kids.

TIP: You can also choose to hike around the Enchantment Resort and off deeper into the canyon to see some of the cool energy circles and rock cairns that people have built over the years.  This canyon is a very special place to explore and one of the favorites in Sedona.

9. Airport Mesa

Airport Mesa is one of the most visited vortex sites in Sedona because it is close to the center of town and is very accessible. The 360-degree views from here are well worth a short drive!

Drive up some winding roads to the parking lot, but to get to the very top you will need to do a bit of hiking. You will find many examples of twisted trees along your way. Some new-age believers even claim to see colored orbs floating in the desert sky. 

To follow the best trail from the car parking, turn left about 200ft from the lot at the market sign and follow the trail to the “Overlook”.  The trail is short and steep, so be sure to wear good hiking shoes.  

Good to know: Airport Mesa is one of the best spots to stargaze and feel like you are one with the galaxy. The International Dark-Sky Association has given Sedona the “Dark Sky Community” title. During a new moon phase, you will likely be able to also catch great views of the Milky Way.  This is a great place to pull up a chair, look through a telescope, bring your night photography gear, and enjoy the stars.

TIP:  Download a stargazing app so you can identify the constellations. Also, check the moon phases & weather for the best time to stargaze. Or simply join a stargazing tour and they’ll take you to the best locations and tell you all about the stars.

10. Oak Creek Canyon

Some of the best views in the Sedona area are nestled right here. Oak Creek Canyon , is a river gorge between Sedona and Flagstaff. And the best way to soak up the views is by simply driving the State Route 89A, between Sedona and Oak Creek Vista , which is the top viewpoint.

This is one of the most scenic drives in the US and a must-do near Sedona. It is also quite a dramatic way to enter Sedona if you come from Flagstaff. You will feel the energy shifting and the scenery popping.  

Depending on the time of year, this road can get very busy with many other travelers. So be patient and take a deep breath to enjoy the views. You can also do this drive with a tour – that way, you can enjoy the views without having to worry about the traffic.

This canyon is a photographer’s dream, so it’s worth planning more time to explore. You can pull over to the different lookout areas to take in the views. There are also some unique shopping opportunities from artisans who sell authentic Native American jewelry and other gifts up at the top overlook. 

TIP: If you feel like hiking, the best hike in Oak Creek Canyon is West Fork Trail . Slide Rock along this route is a fun place to bring the kids. See below for more info.

11. Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park along the scenic Oak Creek is a great place for all ages. It’s a lot of fun especially if you like water, natural slides, easy hiking, and jumping off rocks.

Slide Rock got its name because the water running through the rocks made areas very smooth & slippery, so they function like natural water slides. It’s a great place to cool off from the hot Arizona temps. However, the water is crystal-clear and very cold, so if you are planning to go swimming, you’ll have to come in the warmest months. I would also suggest wearing water shoes or sandals of some sort.

There are a handful of natural pools where you can just hang out and multiple slides that you could enjoy. There are also two “cliff” jumps that you can do (one about 10-12’ and another that is much higher). 

If you don’t want that much action, bring a chair and enjoy the sights. Alternatively, you can hike up & down the river to check out nature’s beauty. You can easily spend an entire day here, especially if you are visiting Sedona with kids. You won’t regret it!

Good to know: Slide Rock State Park is located 11 miles north of Sedona. There is a steep $20-30 per car (cash only!) entry fee. It is about a 5 min walk down to the river to access all the fun. More practical info and opening times here .

TIP: Try to go early as it gets crowded mid-day. Alternatively, come in the late afternoon as it thins out towards sunset (but it’s also colder for swimming). Make sure to bring towels, swimming clothes, water shoes, and also pack a lunch.

12. Devil’s Bridge Trail

Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area and positively one of the best hikes in Sedona. There are several ways to get there and it depends on whether or not you have a 4X4 vehicle. We also indicated all these locations on our map. Below, are the two best options:

If you have a 4×4, you can drive on Vultee Arch Road straight to Devil’s Bridge Trailhead . From there, the hike is just about 2 miles round trip. 

Without a 4X4 , it’s best to park the Mescal Trailhead on Long Canyon Road. From there, it’s about 1 mile to the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, plus a mile to the natural bridge itself. The entire hike is about 4.2 miles round trip. 

At a reasonable pace, it will take you about 1 hour to reach the bridge from the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. It’s a medium hike, but worth every step, and all very manageable for someone in decent shape. When you approach the climb to the bridge, there are some very steep stairs and a little bit of “real” climbing that might put you on all fours. This is the most challenging part of the hike. 

Be aware, there aren’t any guard rails on the ‘bridge’, so you are at your own risk. But the surface is large enough to feel safe. However, you will likely have to wait in line at the top to get that epic Instagram-worthy shot.  Be sure to make friends with a fellow hiker or bring a portable tripod, a selfie will simply not do it justice.   

TIP: Be sure to bring a hat and pack lots of water! When you think you have enough water, pack at least a bottle extra; per person!

Good to know: Be sure to purchase your Red Rock Pass and display it on the windshield of your vehicle (more info further below).

13. Crescent Moon – Red Rock Crossing

Sedona has many unique swimming holes scattered around its land that make for some fun in the sun. If you want to avoid the crowds at Slide Rock State Park, be sure to check out this swimming hole with a swinging rope in Red Rocks Crossing and Crescent Moon Ranch . It’s a real hidden gem near Sedona!

The location is excellent with a gorgeous view of Cathedral Rock off in the distance. The water here is also a bit warmer than at Slide Rock and there are nice shady areas as well. Look toward the east end of the park and follow the trail to get to the swimming hole. See our map for the exact location.

TIP: Also here, you have to come early as the parking area fills up quickly. If you are planning to go swimming, bring towels, swimwear, and water shoes. The area is also very beautiful at sunset and there are some great photo opportunities.

14. ATV tours, Air Tours, Wineries & More

In addition to the above-mentioned places and activities in Sedona, there are so many more fun things to do in the area. So depending on the time you have, you can explore the area deeper and find plenty of really nice things to do. Here are some examples:

• ATV tours. This is a great way to get off the beaten path and explore more of the area. You can book an organized tour or even rent an ATV and explore at your own pace.
• Air tours. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind Sedona experience for a special occasion or just to simply treat yourself to the beauty of the red rocks, then definitely consider an air tour. There are hot air balloon tours and also helicopter tours are very popular. There is nothing quite like this experience. Seeing this beautiful area from the air is one of the most unique things to do in Sedona! 
• Wineries. There are also some nice winery tours that you can do when vacationing in Sedona.
• Kayaking. While there is no kayaking in Sedona itself, there are nice kayak tours from Cottonwood, about 20 miles/25 minutes drive from Sedona.
• Day trip to Grand Canyon. If you are vacationing in Sedona, you can easily visit the nearby Grand Canyon for a day . If you don’t want to drive, one of the nicest ways to visit is by taking a railroad tour to Grand Canyon. Riding this historic railway is an experience in itself, but this tour combines the trip by train and by car in one. So you get to visit some of the nicest places along the South Rim and also the East Rim. Absolutely worth it!
• Day trip to Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend. This is another stunning area to visit when in Sedona. There are organized tours and they take care of all the permits. It will take a full day, but it’s definitely worth it too.

Map of Top Things to Do in Sedona

Below, you can see our custom-made map with the exact locations of all the best places and things to do in Sedona mentioned in this guide.

For the hikes, we indicated the location of the trailheads.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Tips for Visiting Sedona

• Red Rock Pass is required when leaving your vehicle unattended while recreating on National Forest land around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. This pass must be displayed on your windshield. Daily passes cost $5.00, weekly- $15, and annual- $20. More info here . You can purchase these passes at various locations in town or at the self-serve kiosks located at each trailhead. 
• The best time to visit Sedona is in the shoulder season between March to May and mid-September to November. That’s when the weather is best allowing you to enjoy everything to the fullest and it’s not too hot for hiking. Also mild temperatures in the winter months are great for outdoor activities; not so much for swimming.
• Depending on the time of year you visit, it can get VERY HOT in Sedona . So be prepared and armed with plenty of water, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. 
• The most popular and busiest time in Sedona is in the spring and three-day weekends like the 4 th of July or Memorial Day. They draw a lot of tourists into town and make it challenging to navigate the traffic.
• Plan at least 3-5 days for the Sedona area. This will allow you to explore the best of Sedona and some of the nicest areas nearby.
• If visiting between April and October, definitely book a hotel with a pool! There are many hotels and accommodations in Sedona for all budgets. Arabella Hotel Sedona is a great choice in the mid-range budget. If you are looking for some more luxury, The Wilde Resort & Spa is one of the best options with an excellent location.

So, this is our guide to the very best things to do in and near Sedona. As you can see, the possibilities are endless.

If you are visiting for just a few days, start with the top of this list and make your way down choosing those places and activities that interest you the most. If you have 3-4 days, you should be able to see and do everything on this list, including some hiking. If you are also planning to explore more of the area and maybe take a day trip to Grand Canyon or similar, then definitely plan at least 5 days.

TIP: If you only have a day and wonder how to make the most of your time, please see our guide to how to see the best of Sedona in one day . It also has some additional suggestions for places to see between Sedona and Phoenix. Check it out!

READ ALSO: Best Places to See in Arizona Phoenix – Scottsdale Itinerary

More Travel Tips for Utah & Arizona:

• Best Hikes in Zion National Park
• Best Things to Do in Arches National Park
• South Rim of the Grand Canyon
• Best Things to Do in Canyonlands National Park
• Things to Do in Moab
• Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend & Antelope Canyon Road Trip Itinerary
• Monument Valley Scenic Drive

Las Vegas & nearby:

• Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
• Las Vegas Tips for Your First Visit
• How to Spend One Day in Las Vegas
• Best Places to See Near Las Vegas
• Top Places to Visit in Death Valley National Park

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Image credits: Featured image- littlenySTOCK/Shutterstock.com// Pink Jeep- Autumn Sky Photography/Shutterstock.com// Sedona Trolley- Wollertz/Shutterstock.com// Chapel- meunierd/Shutterstock.com// Tlaquepaque & Slide Rock- fotoluminate/Depositphotos.com// Vortex & Boynton Canyon  twildlife/Depositphotos.com// Cathedral Rock-Alexey Stiop/Shutterstock.com// Bell Rock-hstiver//Depositphotos.com// Airport Mesa- sepavone/Depositphotos.com// Oak Creek Vista- nflane/Depositphotos.com// Devils bridge-AVFC/Depositphotos.com// Red Rock Crossing-jjvallee/Depositphotos.com// Grand Canyon- Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com// Red Rocks-cpaulfell/Shutterstock.com//

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About Sedona

Email signup, green travel, sustainable tourism plan, digital advertising, almost the entire world knows that sedona, strategically situated at the mouth of spectacular oak creek canyon, is a unique place., community profile.

Located in Arizona’s high desert under the towering southwestern rim of the vast Colorado Plateau, the city of Sedona is blessed with four mild seasons marked by abundant sunshine and clean air. Ideally, the annual average high and low temperatures are 74.7 and 45.7 degrees, respectively.

Almost the entire world knows that Sedona, strategically situated at the mouth of spectacular Oak Creek Canyon, is a unique place. Characterized by massive red-rock formations, as well as the contrasting riparian areas of Oak Creek Canyon, the area surrounding this beloved community is considered at least as beautiful as many national parks. Learn more about why Sedona’s natural beauty goes so much deeper than the stunning rock formations.

The story about how Sedona was named is well known; nonetheless, a brief telling is appropriate. As the story goes, after Theodore Carl Schnebly and his wife, Sedona, moved to Sedona from Gorin, Missouri, the few families living here convinced T.C. to establish a post office in his large home, which already had become the community’s hotel. Various interpretations of this story suggest that he asked the government to name the post office Schnebly Station or Red Rock Crossing. Subsequently, he was told the names were too long, and following a suggestion by his brother, Dorsey Ellsworth Schnebly, he submitted his wife’s name, Sedona. And so it was.

The city of Sedona, one of Arizona’s premier tourism, recreation, resort, retirement and art centers, was incorporated in 1988. Historically, it was a rural ranching community located far off the beaten path, but its unsurpassed natural beauty became nationally known through the motion picture industry. Today, commercials and television shows still are filmed in the unsettled areas surrounding this city, which annually attracts more than three million tourists from around the world.

Curiously, this 19-square-mile city is split between Coconino and Yavapai counties, and only 51 percent of its area is privately owned – the rest is part of the Coconino National Forest. The average age of Sedona’s population, which totals approximately 10,000 within its incorporated limits, is 50 and the elevation generally is considered to be 4,500 feet, though well-known red-rock formations extend to more than a mile-high elevation. Even this city’s airport, high on a mesa, is situated at an elevation of more than 4,800 feet, and when airplanes zoom off the end of the runway, the term airborne takes on new meaning.

Educational Facilities

The 12-year-old Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District includes Sedona Red Rock High School, an extremely handsome facility at the base of Schuerman Mountain, as well as West Sedona Elementary School. Also, numerous private elementary and college prep schools serve students in this area. Founded in 1995, Sedona Charter School is the oldest charter school in Arizona. Over the years, this school has established a place of honor within the educational reform movement and among families who value excellence in education and now houses 160 students. In this small-school atmosphere, the students reach high levels of academic achievement, scoring well on standardized tests, winning in national and regional language, arts, science, and math competitions, and going on to become leaders and high-performing students in high schools and universities across the country. The Montessori method forms the foundation of the Sedona Charter School curriculum. The high teacher-student ratio, which ranges between 1:10 and 1:15, enables the students to receive ongoing individualized assistance. For more information, visit their website .

Yavapai Community College has a campus in Sedona, and Coconino Community College also offers its curriculum to local students. Northern Arizona University is located in nearby Flagstaff, and Arizona State University in Tempe is approximately 100 miles away.

Medical Facilities

Northern Arizona Healthcare is the parent corporation of Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, Sedona Medical Center and Northern Arizona Homecare. Whereas the Flagstaff and Verde Valley hospitals include complete inpatient services, Sedona Medical Center is an outpatient facility that specializes in primary healthcare, emergency services and cancer treatment. Northern Arizona Healthcare also provides additional services, including emergency search and rescue complemented by a medical evacuation helicopter. Residents of Sedona also are served by numerous skilled practitioners who operate in private offices and clinics throughout this immediate area, as well as Sedona Urgent Care. View Sedona Medical Information .

Community Facilities

A full complement of public services are rendered by impressive institutions such as Sedona Public Library, Sedona Center for Arts & Technology, Sedona Creative Life Center, Sedona Historical Society, Sedona Main Street Program and Sedona Humane Society of Sedona, plus a long list of extremely effective charitable organizations. In fact, volunteerism essentially is a profession in this community especially because so many corporate executives, educators and private entrepreneurs retire in Sedona. Visit the City of Sedona website .

More than 30 churches, many in beautiful buildings specifically oriented to capture inspirational views of this spectacular area, are located in Sedona. View churches and places of worship .

Real Estate

The quality of uniquely situated real estate in Sedona never has been questioned. This area has location, location and more location! What has been of concern is availability. However, due to the diligence of courageous developers who acquired parcels of land previously not known to be available, this city is home to a selection of the finest, new residential communities found anywhere in the world.

Financial institutions with nationally prominent names, including seven banks some in recently constructed, enlarged headquarters, are located in Sedona. Services provided by Arizona Department of Commerce, including assistance with financing fixed assets and information related to the establishment of new businesses, also are available by calling (800) 542-5684 or contacting Arizona Business Assistance Center, 3800 N. Central Ave., Suite 1650, Phoenix, AZ 85012.

Property Taxes

Though the fact that parts of Sedona are located in both Coconino and Yavapai counties complicates the matter, it generally is considered that property taxes in this city are fair and reasonable. For example, taxes on residential properties total approximately 1 percent of the selling price. For complete information, consult with the assessor of either county or contact a real estate firm.

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California woman died after falling down a cliff while hiking in Sedona

• April 17, 2024

As housing costs skyrocket, Sedona will allow workers to live in cars. Residents aren’t happy

• March 18, 2024

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• February 18, 2024

Arizona City Lets People Live in Their Cars as a 'Last Ditch Effort' Because There Is Not Enough Housing

Posted: June 19, 2024 | Last updated: June 19, 2024

Sedona’s City Council has legally allowed locals to live in their cars in what they call a “last ditch effort” as the Arizona city faces a housing crisis.  

This decision came about as a result of a vote conducted by the city government. Now, local Sedona citizens who work in the town can legally sleep in their cars at night without getting in trouble with the law.    

A Housing Shortage in Sedona, Arizona

For years now, Sedona, Arizona has increasingly faced a housing crisis, as many local workers have continued to be completely priced out of the housing market.    

Now, many regular working residents can no longer afford a home in the city. Left with no choice, these people have decided to sleep in their cars on city streets. Some have also chosen to sleep in parked cars near the National Forest.  

Sedona’s Housing Prices

Sedona has become a tourist attraction in Arizona, as many travelers have chosen to visit the picturesque town. This has resulted in many homes being used as short-term rentals.    

It’s also led to housing prices skyrocketing in a short time frame. According to Zillow, the median home price in this Arizona hotspot is almost a whopping $952,000.  

Tourism Has Harmed Sedona’s Housing

While tourism in Sedona may help many local businesses, it has also completely harmed the city’s overall housing situation. Now, homes are too expensive for many working residents.   

Many homes in the area have also been turned into short-term rentals. This has led to a council agenda item stating that this has resulted in “decreasing housing availability for locals.”    

No Affordable Homes

Simply put, there aren’t any affordable homes left in Sedona. This has pushed many residents to sleep in their cars, as they cannot afford to find a place to live.  

According to a 2020 housing assessment conducted by the city, Sedona is about 1,260 short of affordable housing units for its population.

This ongoing housing crisis has forced city policymakers to act. In March, a plan to allow locals to sleep in their cars was passed.   

The city is allowing residents who work in Sedona to park in a lot with 40 spots during the evening. This lot is on city-owned land.  

A Last Ditch Effort

Many have criticized the passing of this plan, for a variety of reasons. Sedona’s Mayor Scott Jablow opened up about why this plan was agreed upon.  

"I don't think there's anybody up here or staff that are extremely proud of this. This is a last-ditch effort," Jablow explained . "No one's really proud because this isn't really the answer. It's one of many answers."

Requirements

Residents who want to be a part of this program must be eligible and reach a few requirements. Only those who work in Sedona — or who go to school in the city — can park their cars in this lot and sleep there. 

Many locals who have already expressed interest in this plan are workers at a coffeehouse, Whole Foods, a pizza restaurant, and Safeway.  

The Lot’s Amenities

The program doesn’t allow locals to keep their cars parked in this lot all day. During the day, the lot must be vacated. Therefore, it can only be used at night.  

However, the lot will also have certain amenities to help those who sleep in the area, as it will have portable restrooms, showers, and trash bins.

Immediate Backlash

Already, the city has faced immediate backlash to the passing of this program. Some residents of the area disagree with the location of the program, as they’re worried it could lead to issues in nearby neighborhoods.   

Others are concerned about the overall vetting of those who will be deemed eligible to sleep in these lots.   

A Referendum

Opponents of this program have submitted more than 1,000 signatures, which is over the minimum that is needed for a referendum to take place on whether this program should truly occur. This vote will take place in November.   

Critics of this program have also stated that this isn’t a humane way to deal with this problem. A website dedicated to opposing this plan says , “The City’s proposal for a homeless car camp at Cultural Park does nothing to address the true problem of assisting homeless workers to have a permanent, affordable INDOOR place to live. Their approach is not caring, it is not humane.”   

Struggling to Survive

Many residents who are living in their cars have simply asked for help. Jodi Jackson, who works at a local laundromat, explained her state of mind during these difficult times.  

“We may not be housed and living in town, but we’re the ones who are doing your laundry, working at your gas stations, working at your restaurants — all of the lower-wage jobs — delivering your pizza, for God’s sake,” Jackson said . “We’re not bad people. We just need a little bit of help.”   

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