Top 15 Must-Try Tours in Sedona

Chock full of some of the country’s most remarkable landscapes and natural wonders, Sedona, Arizona is not only rich in fascinating history but also serves as a significant location for those who believe that its majestic mountains harbor enigmatic forces that transcend explanation.

Sedona is also a prime destination for individuals eager to delve into the region’s art and wine scene, or those seeking a picturesque starting point for expeditions to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and the renowned Meteor Crater.

While the multitude of choices may seem overwhelming, rest assured that every decision made during your visit will yield memories that will last a lifetime.

1. Grand Canyon Classic Tour from Sedona

With the breathtaking scenery abundant in Arizona, selecting activities can be a challenge.

This 10-hour tour from Sedona simplifies your choices by transporting you to one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders: Grand Canyon National Park.

Offering a one-of-a-kind experience, this tour includes lunch, park admission, and a professional guide featuring extensive knowledge about the area’s captivating history and geology.

This excursion necessitates moderate physical exertion, so ensure you have a hearty breakfast and dress in layers, as the weather can change unexpectedly.

A personal recommendation: acquire a copy of the book Sunk Without a Sound from the gift shop.

2. Sedona Jeep – Helicopter Combo Tour

From various modes of transportation, including helicopters, Sedona’s renowned red rocks are best admired from diverse perspectives, and this 3-hour tour allows precisely that.

You will encounter Native American cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and the vibrant rock formations, which transform in color before your eyes as sunlight strikes them at different angles.

This compact tour is an efficient approach to make the most of your valuable vacation time.

It is advisable to reserve ahead of time as these tours tend to fill up quickly.

3. Antelope Canyon Full-Day Tour from Flagstaff or Sedona

Situated on ancestral Navajo territory near Page, Arizona, Antelope Canyon showcases the astounding impact of eons of wind and water erosion on the landscape, which you will learn about from a Navajo guide.

The iron content within the rocks causes them to shimmer and transform sunlight into an array of vibrant colors that challenge conventional perceptions of nature.

Your guided excursion will also encompass Oak Creek Canyon, the Painted Desert, and the San Francisco Peaks located near Flagstaff, which constitute a mountain range featuring many of Arizona’s tallest peaks, some exceeding 13,000 feet.

4. Pink 4×4 Touch the Earth Jeep Tour from Sedona

The Arizona desert is perfectly suited for off-road adventures, and this Jeep tour in Sedona will transport you to some of the region’s most breathtaking sites, including Vultee Arch and Airport Mesa.

It is said that Sedona is home to unique vortices that channel energy into those open-minded enough to receive it.

Regardless of personal beliefs, experiencing the breathtaking desert landscape and extraordinary rock formations via a Jeep Wrangler enhances the enjoyment of this excursion.

5. Full-Day Colorado River Float Trip from Flagstaff

If you took my recommendation to acquire a copy of the previously mentioned book, you would be aware that the Colorado River is steeped in myths, legends, and unexplained mysteries that have captivated visitors for centuries.

This 10-hour floating excursion will guide you through some of the river’s most iconic and historically significant stretches, including Glen Canyon, the Glen Canyon Dam, and the Navajo Nation.

Equipped with all necessary training and gear for a safe journey, your guides will provide extensive information about the area that may exceed your expectations.

6. Grand Canyon Railroad Tour from Sedona

This professionally led Grand Canyon Railroad tour departs from Sedona and encompasses park fees, lunch, and door-to-door transportation to and from your hotel.

The train cars are designed with expansive windows and comfortable seating, allowing you to experience the majestic surroundings comfortably, and they are equipped with an audio system that enables your guide to relay insights about the sights you encounter.

Leisurely hikes are available at train stops should you wish to explore new vantage points, and it is prudent to dress in layers due to the rapidly changing weather in Arizona’s high country.

7. Soldiers Pass 1.5-Hour Jeep Tour

If your schedule is tight, this 1.5-hour Jeep tour to Soldier’s Pass in Sedona represents an efficient way to utilize a few morning hours.

In a surprisingly brief time, you can see many of Sedona’s most popular and picturesque attractions, including the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and Apache’s Seven Pools.

Additionally, you will learn about the area’s Native American heritage, pioneer history, and geological background from your driver-guide, and if you are part of a fit group, you will have the opportunity to stretch your legs on several notable Sedona trails such as the Teacup and Thompson trails.

8. Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Monument Valley 3-Day Tour

If you are prepared to dedicate three solid days to uncover the vastness and magnificence of Arizona, this comprehensive 3-day tour is tailored for you.

Along with the abundant sights, the tour package includes all park fees, two nights of hotel accommodation, and breakfast.

A knowledgeable guide will escort you through many of the state’s key attractions, such as the Valley of Fire, Antelope Canyon, and the Navajo Nation, with guidance provided by a Native American expert.

Stops in Sedona and Las Vegas will complement this thorough tour, leaving you amazed at how much territory you cover in such a short period.

9. 4-Hour Stargazers Desert Tour

Thanks to its low population density and high altitude, the regions surrounding Sedona and Flagstaff offer some of the finest locations for stargazing, free from urban light pollution.

Your guide will be a skilled astronomer who will highlight lunar features that become remarkably distinct when weather conditions are favorable.

All necessary equipment will be provided, so all you need to do is gaze into the telescope to view moons, meteor belts, and planets that are light-years away.

It is wise to dress warmly, as desert temperatures can become quite cool at night, even during summer.

10. Castles of the Southwest Full-Day Tour from Sedona

Although distinctly different from their European counterparts, Arizona’s castles represent incredible human ingenuity.

Constructed by Native Americans who opted for high cliff dwellings for safety, the ruins at Tuzigoot and Montezuma’s Well stand as remarkable and well-preserved examples of this unique southwestern architectural style.

This tour encompasses park fees, lunch, and water, culminating at the Wupatki ruins near Sunset Crater, located east of Flagstaff.

This tour is contingent upon four or more guests being scheduled concurrently; thus, gather a few friends to participate.

11. Sedona Intimate Wine Tasting Tour

If you are unfamiliar with Arizona, you might be surprised to discover that it boasts an emerging wine industry, which has gained considerable recognition lately as a prime location for high-quality wines.

This tour commences in Phoenix, gradually making its way northward through the Verde Valley and Black Canyon hills, with a notable stop at the impressive cliff dwelling ruins of Montezuma’s Castle National Monument.

Your experience culminates with an intimate tasting at a local vineyard and tasting room.

12. 2-Hour Mogollon Rim Scenic Tour from Sedona

The Mogollon Rim represents a vast arc of volcanic mountains that are the most prominent geological features in northern Arizona.

From Sedona, you will embark on a Jeep adventure following a pioneer trail into the expansive Arizona backcountry, where the breathtaking beauty will leave you astonished.

The rim forms the southernmost edge of the Colorado Plateau and comprises stunning sedimentary and volcanic cliffs that create striking contrasts in the landscape.

Your guide will share insights about the area’s early settlers and the geological history behind the majestic formations.

This excursion presents an effective and reasonably priced means to appreciate the sites swiftly.

13. Jeep Tour, Horseback Ride, and Dinner Show from Sedona

As if Jeep and horseback adventures in Sedona were not sufficient, the creators of this entertaining tour have incorporated a dinner show as well.

The tour package comprises transportation, meals, beverages, and the dinner and show at the conclusion.

Do note that age restrictions apply to the horseback component of the tour.

You will navigate semi-rugged trails leading through Dead Horse Ranch State Park, followed by a 1.5-hour horseback riding segment, culminating in a western-themed dinner that is comedic, authentic, and family-friendly.

14. 3-Hour ATV Tour to West Sedona Canyon

Another mode of transportation that has yet to be mentioned is the highly favored ATV.

These robust vehicles are expertly designed for the rugged terrains typical of Arizona, providing a thrilling and secure means to explore the area.

This tour covers over 20 miles and allows you to witness impressive formations and the filming locations of numerous movies partially shot in the vicinity.

Excursions can be tailored to the riding capabilities and comfort levels of participants, so feel free to voice your preferences.

Before departure, a briefing on vehicle operation and safety procedures will be provided.

15. 2½-Hour 4×4 Tour of Diamondback Gulch from Sedona

This relatively short excursion includes door-to-door transportation from your Sedona hotel and explores the rugged, high-desert regions of Arizona, featuring captivating names such as Doe Mesa and Bear Mountain.

Diamondbacks are the prominent western diamondback rattlesnakes that inhabit much of the desert southwest, and you may just encounter one of these formidable creatures, which can grow up to 7 feet long.

The stunning scenery and rich local history will captivate you, thanks to your knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.

Prepare for a bumpy ride through this thrilling off-road adventure.