There many ways to experience the beauty of the outdoors in Sedona, Arizona.
Deborah Lee SolteszJust under two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona is seen by many as a spiritual haven. And it’s easy to see why a place with such natural beauty is so revered. Sedona’s most famed attractions are its striking red rocks — unique sandstone formations created about 3 million years ago. The city is also home to Oak Creek Canyon, a stunning riparian area carved out by, you guessed it, Oak Creek. Visitors can experience this natural beauty via a variety of outdoor recreational areas. Many also flock to Sedona for its robust art, food, spas and metaphysical offerings.
Advertisement
Article continues below this ad
Pro tip: Sedona is a small town (population: less than 10,000), but it’s also very spread out geographically. When you’re planning your days, pick out the attractions you want to see and then spend time in that area checking them off your list. Sedona is essentially divided into the following neighborhoods: Uptown, Oak Creek Canyon, West Sedona, Central Sedona or South of the “Y” and the Village of Oak Creek.
Here’s what to do, see and explore in Sedona.
Sedona weather
Although Phoenix is a hot city in the summer months — with temperatures routinely topping triple digits — Sedona is at a higher elevation, which means it experiences cooler weather. Keep in mind that being at a higher altitude can cause headaches and dehydration, among other symptoms. Many Phoenix residents will drive up north to get out of the heat, and Sedona temperatures tend to be very mild.
Things to do in Sedona
Take a hike
The city’s most famed attraction is its striking red rocks. One of the best ways to see those red rocks is on foot. Sedona is home to more than 200 hiking trails that traverse more than 400 miles. These hikes range in skill level. Some of the most popular hikes include Devil’s Bridge, which leads to one of the largest natural sandstone arches in the area, and Cathedral Rock, a challenging, 1.5-mile out-and-back hike where you can literally stand on the most photographed red rock formation in Sedona. Be prepared to scramble, or do some light rock climbing, if you hike this trail.
West Fork is a stunning hike in Oak Creek Canyon. Enjoy red rocks on one side and a babbling creek on the other. Parking here is a challenge. Head out early to nab a parking spot. Enjoy stunning scenery if you tackle this 6-mile out-and-back hike, which can also be stretched into a 14-mile rugged jaunt.
If you’re looking for an easy hike with scenic views, the Sedona Airport Loop Trail will do the trick. This relatively flat trail on Table Top Mountain offers views of nearly all of Sedona’s major red rock formations. The nearby Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout is a must-visit spot. Take in breathtaking views of the Capitol Butte red rock formation. Sunset is a great time to see the red rocks illuminated. Also, this location is near the site of a supposed vortex or an alleged energy center; his is one of four major Sedona vortices.
Located in the Village of Oak Creek, Bell Rock Pathway is a 3.6-mile trail that serves up views of some of this area’s most iconic red rocks like Bell Rock. West Sedona’s Crescent Moon Ranch (or picnic area) is a quiet, serene place with easy walking trails that’s also home to one of the most iconic views of Cathedral Rock.
Before you hike: Be sure to pack water and sunscreen. Some of these trails require payment to park. Other popular trailheads have a shuttle that service them. (Cathedral Rock Trailhead, for example, can be accessed via the Sedona Shuttle.) If you head into the wilderness, be sure to abide by the Leave No Trace ethic and leave the wilderness in the pristine condition you found it. Consider visiting the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center if you’d like more guidance on where to hike. Please note: The upper portion of Cathedral Rock will close temporarily on March 16. It’s slated to reopen on April 30, but it could potentially open sooner. (Read more at this link.)
Other ways to explore the outdoors
If hiking isn’t your thing, the city affords plenty of other recreational opportunities. You can go fly fishing, hot air ballooning, mountain biking, off-roading and even birding. Founded in 1960, the Pink Jeep Tour Company offers a variety of off-roading tours in its signature (and iconic) Pepto-Bismol pink Jeeps.
Head out on a scenic drive
If you’re not an outdoorsy person or are just short on time, Sedona has two iconic drives that are worth your time. The 14-mile Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive will take you through the canyon’s breathtaking scenery. Enjoy Sedona’s red rocks blanketed with green trees all around.
If you’re driving from Phoenix on Interstate-17, take exit 298 to AZ-179, which is also known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway. Driving down this road is the perfect first introduction to Sedona — with many of the city’s most iconic red rock formations like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte coming into view as you head into town.
Check out the Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a striking Catholic church built into Sedona’s red rocks. It was completed in 1956, and there’s simply no other place like it. View the chapel from the parking lot, and then walk up a steep and winding hill to see the entrance. Both vistas are spectacular. Head downstairs to peruse the gift shop. Admission is free.
Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
One place dedicated to spirituality in Sedona is the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. Tucked away in West Sedona, the 14-acre park features two stupas — or Buddhist shrines — plus a mahogany statue of Buddha and a Native American medicine wheel. Stroll the park that also has a red rock backdrop coupled with expansive blue skies. “It was conceived of and built for people of all faiths,” according to the park’s website. Admission is free.
Peruse the Sedona Heritage Museum
True to its name, the Sedona Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving Sedona’s history. The museum is housed in buildings that were occupied by the Jordan family, one of the city’s original homesteaders. See exhibits about the city’s thriving orchard history, its pioneers and the nearly 100 western films shot in town. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit an art gallery
Built in 1976, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is modeled after a “traditional Mexican village,” of the same name, according to the website Explore this charming place filled with cobblestone and arched walkways, fountains and sycamore trees.
Tlaquepaque (pronounced “tah-la-key-pa-key”) is home to more than 50 shops and art galleries. Find western art at Mountain Trails Gallery, art and sculpture that celebrates nature and wildlife at Rowe Fine Art Gallery, a plethora of photography at Eclectic Image Gallery and spirituality-focused art at both of Honshin Fine Art Galleries. Renee Taylor Gallery has three different art galleries stocked with a variety of unique goods like fine jewelry, paintings, sculpture and men’s accessories.
Another art gallery of note that’s just south of Tlaquepaque is Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art. For more than two decades, Exposures has brought a wide range of art to town in its sprawling 20,000-square-foot gallery. Find fine art ranging from classical to contemporary here.
Pro tip: On the first Friday of every month, many of Sedona’s art galleries will host receptions in honor of their latest show that often feature complimentary food and drink.
Head to Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona is chock full of plenty of shops and art galleries. The main road in Sedona — Arizona State Route 89A — cuts through Uptown. Find polished crystals in addition to a variety of crystal jewelry like earrings, rings and bracelets at Sedona Crystal Vortex, surrealist, fantastical paintings at Bearcloud Gallery and spa-quality, locally made products at Body Bliss Factory Direct.
Enjoy a spa day
Sedona is a true wellness destination, and the city is home to many renowned spas. Perhaps the most notable is Mii amo. This luxe destination spa reopens Feb. 2 following a $40 million renovation. It will include 21 treatment rooms, a 3,300-square-foot fitness and movement studio, three new casita suites and refreshed indoor and outdoor areas. The spa also has a new restaurant, Hummingbird at Mii amo, that will serve seasonal, local produce.
The spa is surrounded by the tall red rocks of Boynton Canyon and has a serene, soothing feel to it. Guests of Mii amo can book three, four, seven or 10-day all-inclusive “journeys.” Spa guests can enjoy guided meditations and restorative treatments like chakra balancing, massages, facials, body wraps and sound baths that are all 75 minutes or longer. In order to book a treatment, you must either be a guest of Mii amo or Enchantment Resort.
Other spa options include the quaint yet luxe six treatment rooms at Amara Resort & Spa.
The Wilde Resort & Spa has a spa menu with treatments like the Mountain & Sea bathing "ritual."
The 25,000-square-foot eforea spa at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock has plenty of energy work offerings along with custom treatments like facials.
L’Apothecary Spa at L’Auberge de Sedona is “truly nature’s spa,” according to its website. One spa treatment that reflects this is the seasonally available Creekside Massages, where guests can indulge in massages in an outdoor cabana by Oak Creek.
Sedona hotels
Being a town that’s mostly run on tourism, Sedona has a healthy mix of lodging options. These range from major chain hotels to boutique properties with just a few rooms.
Just a few steps from Tlaquepaque, El Portal Sedona Hotel is an arts and crafts boutique hotel with 12 guest suites. Each room of this quaint property is one of a kind. For example, The Hile suite features high ceilings, a fireplace, a tiled shower, and a private outdoor patio, and it is filled with furniture by designer Warren Hile.
West Sedona’s Courtyard by Marriott Sedona offers contemporary lodging. Rooms are spacious and modern. Anticipate comfy beds, a flat panel TV, a coffee maker and large bathrooms. Property-wide amenities include an outdoor fire pit surrounded by lounge chairs, an outdoor pool and a Jaccuzi in addition to an onsite restaurant and café called the Bistro that serves Starbucks coffee.
Pro tip: Ask for a room on the second floor to enjoy expansive red rock views.
Located in the Village of Oak Creek, Element Sedona Hotel is an all-suite hotel. Rooms are modern and all come equipped with a kitchenette, a fridge, a microwave, a desk, expansive windows and Westin’s signature Heavenly bed. This hotel is also located in the Sedona Vista Village shopping center and is within walking distance to many shops and restaurants.
Uptown Sedona’s Orchards Inn is located within walking distance to many shops and restaurants, and features stunning scenery. Contemporary rooms have either private balconies or patios overlooking Sedona’s red rocks. Rooms are outfitted with plush beds, a sitting area and a spacious shower.
Sedona restaurants
Sedona has a thriving local food scene. Diners can find plenty of sophisticated cuisine in this relatively small town.
Elote Café serves inventive Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Chef Jeff Smedstad went to cooking school in Oaxaca and has spent the past two decades traveling throughout Mexico to find inspiration for his cooking. Dig into carne asada, lamb adobo, grilled halibut and buffalo mole poblano. The signature elote appetizer — made with fire-roasted corn,spicy mayo, lime and cotija cheese — is a savory, must-order plate. The large tequila selection here is of some note, and the margaritas are stellar.
Established in 1978, René Restaurant in Tlaquepaque is a fine dining restaurant with an award-winning and extensive wine list. René is renowned for its Mediterranean fare. Diners can enjoy charred Spanish octopus, classic escargot and seafood risotto. When the weather’s nice, you’ll want to snag a table on the charming outdoor patio that comes complete with trees wrapped in white, twinkling lights.
Chef Lisa Dahl’s Mariposa is known for its vibrant Latin-inspired cuisine and striking red rock views diners can take in via the restaurant’s expansive windows or open-air patio. House specialties include steelhead salmon, wood-roasted chicken and the bone-in ribeye.
Find New American fare in a contemporary setting at The Hudson. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase Sedona’s red rocks. Signature dishes include Thai scallops, butternut squash ravioli and barbecue-braised pork tacos. Cocktails are also of some note. Find creative libations like a Juniper gin and tonic along with the Spicy Hibiscus Rita. To cap off your meal, consider ordering a slice of the decadent Ellie’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.