Your comprehensive guide to Sedona, Arizona.
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For invigorating adventures in the desert Southwest, Sedona — the crown jewel of the Verde Valley — presents a range of offerings from spirituality-enhancing energy vortexes to an unexpected wine region, alongside exceptional hiking in the area’s renowned red rock scenery. With such historical attributes, it is essential for the approximately 3 million visitors annually to keep in mind a few key considerations: support small, locally owned enterprises, embrace the city’s Leave No Trace principles, and engage respectfully with the environment. Continue reading to discover additional activities, sights, and accommodations in Sedona, Arizona.
Things to Do in Sedona
Sedona’s vortex phenomenon attracts those seeking spiritual intention setting. Nevertheless, whether or not you participate in a desert meditation, breathtaking vistas await when visiting these extraordinary Red Rock locations. Popular vortex hiking locations include Airport Mesa for urban panoramas and Cathedral Rock‘s steep yet brief ascent. As with many popular trails in Sedona, these unique areas are sensitive to environmental impact and can often be congested. To enjoy a hike devoid of crowds, consider exploring one of the Secret 7 trails. For instance, The Aerie Trail is a moderately challenging hike that offers ample morning shade and expansive views of the Secret Mountain Wilderness.
A more straightforward spiritual environment can be found at the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which also serves as an official vortex site. This architectural marvel, designed by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, features a striking 90-foot-tall cross integrated into the landscape.
For the thrill of four-wheel driving among the buttes, characterized by distinctive formations such as Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, or Snoopy Rock, consider enlisting the expertise of professionals. Engaging with the operators at Pink Adventure Tours is advisable. Their two-hour Broken Arrow tour to Submarine Rock and Chicken Point traverses rocky paths and steep declines, creating memorable experiences.
For a refreshing escape during hot summer days, visit Slide Rock State Park, where you can enjoy the 80-foot-long, water-sculpted sandstone chute, enhanced by its slippery algae. (Note: using water shoes is highly recommended.)
If you wish to appreciate historical Indigenous sites with expert-led insights, the reservations-only Palatki Heritage Site offers an opportunity to explore cliff dwellings, sacred grounds, and an extensive array of pictographs created by the Sinagua people and other prehistoric cultures dating back 3,000 to 6,000 years.
Sedona Hotels
Numerous intimate, locally-owned lodgings in Sedona reflect the area’s quirky charm with genuine hospitality. The Red Agave Resort, which is adjacent to US Forest Service land, offers unobstructed views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. The property features a private trailhead that provides access to a variety of walking paths, including the Slim Shady Trail and the Bell Rock Pathway. Each A-frame loft chalet can accommodate five guests and is equipped with a full kitchen, which proves beneficial when procuring fresh provisions at the Sunday morning Sedona Community Farmers Market.
The Star Motel, located in Uptown Sedona, maximizes its original cinder block structure by combining mid-century decor with vintage Indigenous artifacts, including Indian blankets and ceremonial bows. The lodge derives its name from the clear, unobstructed view of the night sky in Sedona, which is recognized as one of the nation’s 20 official Dark Sky communities. Additionally, the nearby Jordan Road Trailhead provides excellent stargazing opportunities.
For those seeking upscale accommodations and amenities, numerous luxurious resorts in Sedona are available, ideal for discerning travelers looking for a memorable experience. Enchantment Resort offers guided excursions for hiking and mountain biking, as well as spa treatments that range from traditional massages to body therapies such as the Prickly Pear Butter Wrap, which includes an exfoliating scrub, shower, and moisturizing body butter.
Another distinguished option is L’Auberge de Sedona, which emphasizes immersive experiences and retreats, showcasing daily activities like Introduction to Crystals and guided Meditation sessions.
High-end hotel enthusiasts should definitely consider Amara, a hotel that preserves its rustic allure while offering a multitude of luxurious features, including a comprehensive spa, spacious suites, and an impressive infinity-edge pool with views over the lush scenery.
Skyranch Lodge is noteworthy for its elevated location, situated 500 feet above the town, set amidst beautifully manicured gardens. The resort grounds are recognized as an accredited botanical garden featuring rare and indigenous plants native to Airport Mesa. For the ultimate experience, consider the Rim View rooms or Cottage Suites, which boast luxurious furnishings, including four-poster beds and fireplaces, along with spectacular views from your own private balcony. Unlike other visitors who need to drive to Airport Mesa at sunset, guests at the Lodge can take a scenic 20-minute walk along the picturesque Sedona View Trail to arrive at the vortex in time for a beautiful twilight experience.
Sedona Restaurants
The most coveted dining reservation in Sedona is at the acclaimed Elote Cafe. The establishment specializes in traditional Southwestern and Mexican fare, honed by chef-owner Jeff Smedstad’s upbringing in Arizona and extensive travels throughout Mexico. Notable dishes feature fire-roasted corn with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese, as well as an incredibly tender lamb adobo braised in a rich ancho-chile sauce. Furthermore, the restaurant boasts an exceptional tequila selection, highlighting small batch producers such as the Camarena family’s G4 and exclusive barrels from Cascahuín.
Among other recommended culinary experiences in the Greater Sedona area, enjoy a delightful creekside picnic featuring cold-smoked salmon rillettes and truffled roasted vegetables paired with sustainably produced wines at Page Springs Cellars in the nearby Cornville.
The Osteria at Cottonwood’s Merkin Vineyards, owned by Mr. Maynard James Keenan, renowned winemaker and the frontman of the band Tool, offers authentic Italian cuisine, with dishes like airy potato gnocchi served in sage-and-prosciutto cream sauce. For those seeking innovative options, their chicken relleno “lasagna cupcakes” are layered with duck-egg pasta, roasted chicken, and poblano chiles sourced from the Merkin gardens.
For a more informal dining experience, the Cowboy Club in uptown Sedona presents a charming blend of Western decor with a menu that does not disappoint. Be sure to try the exceptionally tender bison pot roast served in a savory pan sauce, or the thick elk chops with a flavorful demi-glace.
Conclude your day at the old-fashioned ice cream parlor, Black Cow Cafe, where the aroma of fresh-baked pies and cookies fills the air. Select a scoop of the prized prickly pear or indulge in a classic butter pecan cone, handcrafted on-site.
Best Time of Year to Visit
If your preference leans toward tranquil, serene trails, consider visiting during summer, when temperatures can reach the 90s. Remarkably, this season is regarded as an ideal time to visit, especially for those escaping the extreme heat of cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Optimize your days by scheduling shorter hikes during the cooler early morning and late evening hours (notably, Sedona experiences its longest duration of daylight in July, with sunrise around 5:15 a.m. and sunset near 7:40 p.m.). Suitable trails for this timeframe include Fay Canyon (2.4 miles round trip) or Bell Rock (1.75 miles round trip). During the heat of the day, retreat to the cool, shaded patios and air-conditioned art galleries of Tlaquepaque Village. Visit Mountain Trails Gallery, which showcases Western art by local artists and sculptors, as well as Rowe Fine Art, renowned for its intricate bronze wildlife sculptures crafted by owner Ken Rowe.
Alternatively, consider timing your visit to coincide with one of Sedona’s many cherished festivals throughout the year. WineFest occurs in late September, celebrating the harvest from the Verde Valley. Seek treasures at the annual Sedona Rock, Gem, and Jewelry Show in October. While collecting rocks and natural artifacts from public lands is illegal, this event offers attendees the chance to discover rare gemstones, crystals, and fossils from numerous accredited vendors at this highly anticipated annual gathering.
