Anchored in a sea of red rock, Sedona is both a consciousness-expanding energetic supersite and the adventure capital of the Southwest. Sedona sits in the middle of red rock buttes and monoliths peppered with ancient juniper trees. Whether you’re intrigued by a full-moon djembe circle, thrilling mountain bike single track, an off-road rock crawling tour in Sedona’s famous pink jeeps, authentic southwestern cuisine, or galleries featuring the region’s most-prized art, you’ll find it in Sedona.
Sedona serves as the premier base for exploring Northern Arizona. The once-remote ranching settlement is now surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, making it the jumping-off point for tours of the Red Rocks region in every direction.
Grand Canyon
A hundred miles south of Sedona lies the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world. You can reach it from Sedona by train, car, or air. Exploring the Grand Canyon is like taking a journey through millions of years of geological history, one layered band of red rock at a time. Visit the park’s most captivating viewpoints, such as Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station, and architect Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio or her Desert View Watchtower. If you’re strong and adventurous, take a hike to Bright Angel Falls at the canyon bottom. Watch the sunrise or sunset at Lipan Point, which offers expansive views of the canyon and the Colorado River, which carved this mile-deep and up to 18-mile-wide marvel.
Mogollon Rim
The craggy escarpment that marks the southern end of the Colorado Plateau offers a bird’s-eye panoramic view of Arizona, stretching to Phoenix. The Mogollon Rim meanders 200 miles from Yavapai County, Arizona to New Mexico. Two thousand feet down from the plateau edge, a dense pine forest extends towards the horizon. The plateau itself showcases visually captivating sedimentary, volcanic, and metamorphic rock dating back to the Precambrian era. Visitors can enjoy picnics, hikes, horseback rides on historic trails, hunting, rock climbing, cycling, boating, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the stunning scenery. The Rim features ten trout-stocked lakes and offers cabin rentals or campsites for those wishing to stay overnight. In winter, many also flock here for backcountry skiing.
Jerome, AZ
Once the largest copper mine in Arizona, Jerome transformed from a mining settlement into a city known for its colorful past and status as the wickedest town in the west. This National Historic District, located about 45 minutes from Sedona, offers visitors insight into its fascinating history. At Audrey Headframe Park, you can peer deep into a 1918 mine shaft through a glass viewing platform. Learn about Jerome’s rich history at the Mine Museum or tour Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 by a mining magnate, within Jerome State Historic Park. Today, the once-populated town has shifted from miners and taverns to artists, musicians, and local shop proprietors, making Jerome a ghost town with a vibrant art scene.
Flagstaff, AZ
Known as the City of Seven Wonders, Flagstaff is perched at 7000 feet in the high desert, encircled by mountains, desert, and towering ponderosa pine forests. It is the closest city to Grand Canyon National Park and embodies a relaxed mountain culture that attracts adventurers and athletes. The area is known for its tranquil alpine setting and cooler climate, providing a perfect atmosphere for training and recreation. Local attractions include Coconino National Forest, Grand Canyon, Oak Creek Canyon, San Francisco Peaks, Sunset Crater, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monument. Moreover, Flagstaff boasts light-pollution-free skies, drawing amateur astronomers. The downtown area exudes a laid-back vibe with coffee shops, live music, and a strong localvore movement, perfect for families and pet lovers alike. Flagstaff is conveniently located about 45 minutes from Sedona via AZ 89A N.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Located forty minutes from Sedona, the 1000-year-old, 40-story complex of pre-Columbian dwellings inhabited by the Sinagua people from around 1100 to 1425 AD welcomes visitors to explore its historical significance. The monument, dedicated to preserving Native American culture, features well-preserved architecture. Visitors can marvel at the stone-and-mortar structure via trails winding through a Sycamore forest, explore the monument museum, enjoy a self-guided loop trail, or partake in a 25-minute ranger-led tour that’s great for families. The castle is believed to have been built over three centuries and served as shelter during flood seasons. The monument’s multiple trails include one that visits an oasis utilized by the Sinagua people over six centuries ago. Entry is free for kids 16 and under, making it an accessible destination for families.
Verde Canyon Railroad
All aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad! This family-friendly trip from Sedona allows everyone to hop aboard meticulously refurbished cars for a four-hour journey through history and stunning landscapes. Guests will experience awe-inspiring views from climate-controlled cars, and picture windows, and can even enjoy open-air options. The 40-mile round-trip occurs aboard a ¼ mile-long renovated vintage train powered by a unique FP7 diesel locomotive, one of only ten left in North America. Built in 1953 for the Alaska Railroad, it was brought to Arizona in 1917 and received a refresh in 2019, showcasing an American Bald Eagle design. Interestingly, three regular American Bald Eagle passengers, alongside their handlers from Liberty Wildlife, charm visitors with their presence. The journey is narrated, featuring a soundtrack of classic railroad tunes, and offers a unique experience—one lucky guest gets to ride in the locomotive with the crew each day.
Verde Valley
Sip exquisite local varietals from Arizona’s burgeoning wine region, embark on a scenic trip on the historic Verde Canyon Railroad, or float along the Verde River. Located at the geographical center of Arizona, the 714 square-mile Verde Valley follows the meandering Verde River, one of the state’s last free-flowing river systems. The lush valley, which provides drinking water for all of Phoenix, particularly flourishes in autumn when the cottonwoods turn golden in the breeze, coinciding with the apple harvesting season at Slide Rock State Park. The 286-acre nature preserve features meadows, trails, and spectacular views of Sedona’s iconic rock formations. Cross the river to immerse yourself in nature at Dead Horse Ranch State Park, which boasts 20 miles of multi-use trails and picturesque lagoons. For adventure seekers, ditch your car and opt for a paddle on the Verde River. Various operators offer canoe, kayak, and paddleboard tours. Fishing enthusiasts might cast their lines from the shore, hoping to land a rainbow trout, large-mouth bass, or other panfish. Movie buffs may recognize Verde Valley as it served as the backdrop for William Shatner’s iconic 1977 sci-fi thriller, “Kingdom of the Spiders”.
