Welcome to Sedona, Arizona. Population 10,000. Whether you’re into natural scenery, adventure sports, spiritualism or fast food, there is something in this little town (and this post) for you. The Verde Valley destination has attracted humans for centuries, with its mild-ish, semi-arid climate and extraordinary red sandstone formations. Sedona is the perfect solution to a range of travel goals, including romantic weekenders and adventurous getaways.
My very first trip overseas, fully self-funded and independent was 3-weeks in the American Southwest with one of my dearest friends. The tour itinerary was packed with places and sights that needed no introduction to us. So the half-day stop in the town of Sedona was neither here nor there. I didn’t know what I would see, but I figured it must have had some merit if Contiki were putting it on their itinerary. If not, it was only an afternoon stop on the long desert road between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon!
Well, I couldn’t have been more pleasantly surprised. With no preconceived notions, Sedona quickly became a standout of the trip. I’ve raved about and returned to this Arizona town ever since. So what is it about the landscape, mysticism and fast-food in this desert town that may interest you? Let’s take a look.
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Best time to visit Sedona
The best time to visit Sedona, Arizona is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these transitional seasons, the climate is mild. Daytime maximum temperatures range from the high-teens to low-30s Celsius (mid-60s to low-80s Fahrenheit). If you really don’t like the heat, I recommend stearing clear of September and aiming for later in the season. We experienced a late-September heat wave during our second visit.
In spring, visitors can also enjoy blooming wildflowers. While in autumn, beautiful foliage adds extra dimension and colour to the already stunning scenery. These times of the year see a moderate flow of tourists, allowing for a balance between great weather and a peaceful experience without the peak-season crowds.
Summer (June to August) can be very hot. Temperatures climb to the high 30s (above 90°F), which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable. However, this is also when you can find lower accommodation prices as it’s off-peak for tourism.
Winter (December to February) brings cooler weather and small amounts of snow. Daytime temperatures peak at 10-15°C (50s to 60s°F), which is still comfortable for hiking, though nights can be chilly. Winter also sees fewer tourists, offering more solitude and lower rates, though some businesses may have reduced hours.
Additionally, Sedona hosts events like the Sedona International Film Festival in late February, drawing more visitors and potentially increasing prices during these periods.
What is Sedona best known for?
Red rocks
Let’s geek out for a minute on some impressive geological facts! Sedona is first and foremost home to a series of impressive red rock formations. The town is located on the southern slopes of the Colorado Plateau, formed by prehistoric upheavals of the earth. It’s still rising by a few millimetres every year!
The resulting exposed sandstone has been carved and sculpted by the forces of nature such as wind, water and ice. In Sedona, tall rock formations are left behind. These natural sculptures show off a timeline of the area’s geological history. Their different layers reveal this current desert ecosystem, was in fact, a sea approximately 250-million years ago. The red hue is due to the presence of iron, and looks spectacular when illuminated by the warm light of sunrise and sunset.
Each formation has its own name, usually at least a rough descriptor of its shape, such as Bell Rock and Snoopy Rock. These fascinating rock forms are the key attraction of this desert town, and there is no doubting why.
Energy vortexes
For anyone with an interest in spiritualism or just those with an open mind, Sedona is said to be the location of vortices (vortexes as the locals prefer). These are energy centres revered by believers for their inspirational, healing and balancing capabilities. They are supposed to be excellent sites for achieving a greater spiritual awareness through meditation.
Sedona was the chosen location of the Harmonic Convergence in 1987. The event saw 5000 people descend on the small town to meditate during an unusual astrological event in which eight planets of our solar system aligned. This was the beginning of the tourist influx into Sedona. Now there are specialist tours and facilities on offer to anyone with this special interest.
Teal arches
Sedona realised after the Harmonic Convergence of the late 1980s that the area’s natural beauty had serious tourism potential. As a result, the local government instituted strict codes to minimise how the town’s built environment would detract from the natural landscape. The code includes height restrictions and a colour palette that blends with the environment.
When fast food giant McDonald’s moved into town, they wanted to put their typical golden arches on their building. They fought the City of Sedona on their colour restricitons and lost. Instead, Sedona’s McDonald’s outlet is branded with teal arches. A move that drew national media attention and created a tourist attraction among fast food fans.
Top things to do in Sedona
Hiking, mountain biking, jeep rides, horseback and helicopter are just some of the many ways you can see Sedona. Depending on how much time, money, physical exhertion and risk you’re willing to invest, will determine your adventure. On the ground, a guide will help you get the best out of the fascinating geology or in locating a vortex.
Afterwards, you can relax in the tranquillity of your surroundings in a spa, gallery or holiday resort. Sedona has become a haven for the rich and famous to take time out on their million-dollar ranches. Therefore local facilities are generally good quality, but with the price tag to match. You may want to time your visit for one of a variety of festivals celebrating yoga and film, among others.
Hiking
One of the best ways to take in Sedona’s incredible landscapes is on foot. Here are some of the easiest hikes in Sedona combining minimal distance and elevation gain, with maximal views:
- Yavapai Vista Trail – Distance 0.8-km (0.5-mi) Elevation gain 25-m (82-ft) easy, out and back trail to a viewpoint.
- Secret Slickrock Trail – Distance 1.1-km (0.7-mi) Elevation gain 24-m (80-ft) easy, out and back to standing water that reflects Cathedral Rock. Great for photographers!
- Red Rock Crossing via Baldwin Trail – Distance 1.6-km (1-mi) Elevation gain 20-m (65-ft) easy, loop with Cathedral Rock views. Great for picnics or sunset viewing.
- Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass – Distance 1.8-km (1.1-mi), Elevation gain: 33-m (108-ft) easy, out and back trail with seven natural pools along the way.
- Fay Canyon – Distance 3.8-km (2.4-mi) Elevation gain 92-m (300-ft) moderate out and back trail for cool rock formations, canyon walls and the Fay Canyon Arch.
In addition, to these easy hikes, here are some more moderate trails that offer fewer crowds, unique vistas and sunrise/sunset viewpoints. These are some of the best hikes in Sedona:
- Doe Mountain – Distance 2.5-km (1.5-mi) Elevation gain 155-m (511-ft) moderate, out and back trail with panoramic views. You might even catch sight of hot air balloons at sunrise.
- Birthing Cave – Distance 3.2-km (2-mi), Elevation gain 74-m (242-ft) moderate, out and back trail to a site where Hopi women once gave birth.
- Fay Canyon – Distance 3.8-km (2.4-mi) Elevation gain 92-m (300-ft) moderate out and back trail for cool rock formations, canyon walls and the Fay Canyon Arch.
- Cathedral Rock – Distance 4.2-km (2.6-mi) Elevation gain 117-m (383-ft)
- Bell Rock Pathway – Distance 4.5-km (2.8-mi), Elevation gain 145-m (475-ft) moderate hike out and back with views to Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Can be easy if you only go to the base of the rock, but more difficult if you plan to climb Bell Rock.
- Devil’s Bridge via Dry Creek Road – Distance 6.3-km (3.9-mi), Elevation gain 159-m (521-ft) moderate, out and back trail to the largest sandstone arch in the Sedona area. A sunset-watchers’ favourite. It’s important to note that you’ll need a 4WD to access the trailhead.
- Chicken Point – Distance 7.4-km (4.6-mi) Elevaiton gain 170-m (557-ft) moderate loop to an overlook with sweeping vistas. It has some technical sections and you may encounter jeep tours at Chicken Point.
- Boynton Canyon – Distance 10.5-km (6.5-mi) Elevation gain 280-m (920-ft) moderate, out and back trail with great scenery and offshoot to Subway Cave and cave dwellings.
- West Fork Trail – Distance 10.5-km (6.5-mi) Elevation gain 172-m (565-ft) moderate, out and back trail with 13 shallow creek crossings as you trace the West Fork into a narrowing canyon.
Explore indigenous history
Long before colonial settlement, Sedona was once home to the Sinagua people. Their prescence is evidenced by petroglyphs and cave dwellings around the Verde Valley. Sedona is thought to have been an ancient ceremonial meeting spot and crossroad where trading routes from North and South America intersected. Visit Honanki Heritage Site, Palatki Heritage Site and Boynton Canyon to explore remnants of these ancient people. Plus, on the road between Sedona and Phoenix, you’ll find more at Montemzuma’s Castle National Monument and Tuzigoot National Monument.
Take it to church
Drop into the unique Chapel of the Holy Cross. The woman-designed and funded chapel was built in the 1950s. Hungarian-born architect, Marguerite Brunswig Staude had a vision for a cruciform-shaped church, after seeing the Empire State Building in 1932. The student of revered architectu, Frank Lloyd Wright, intended to create a large church in Budapest. However, WWII halted the project. Having bought a ranch in Sedona, Staude decided to build a smaller version closer to home. She chose this location on U.S. Forest Service Land, built with special permission on the southern aspect of Twin Buttes. The church does not hold regular services and is open to all for meditation, reflection and architectural appreciation.
Mountain bike
I’m no cyclist, so I won’t comment on the quality of mountain biking in Sedona. However I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there are designated bike trails. You’ll get the same great scenery but on two wheels. For more, check out this roundup of top trails. Plus, you can go to the Forest Service Website for all the available trails with details such as difficulty, length, elevation and maps.
Jump on a Jeep tour
If you’re visiting on an off-weather day, have lower mobility, or just don’t have a lot of time to explore, take a jeep tour. Ranging 2-4-hours these tours will take you to top viewpoints and sights around Sedona. Remember, these are off-road adventures so choose your tour route wisely if you have issues with heights/steep terrain or bumpy rides.
Go off-road (OHV)
Partial to some off-roading? There are plenty of designated OHV trails around Sedona to keep you busy. There’s also several rental companies to supply you with the right wheels. If you’re a couple, small family or group you might find this self-drive option more, or equally affordable as a jeep tour.
I’m not so thrilled with how the noisy, dusty, gassy ride came between me and the serenity of nature. However, it did offer us an opportunity to explore parts of Sedona we could not reach in our rental car. Just make sure you stick to designated trails and speed limits.
Observe golden hour
Sunsets are next-level in Sedona. Not only do you have the view of the sunset itself, but the amazing glow illuminating and enhancing the red rocks. Choose a viewpoint that suits you:
- A restaurant with vistas such as The Vault Uptown or The Hudson. Make a booking if you want a prime sunset watching spot.
- The popular Airport Scenic Overlook. Get there early because there’s only one road in and out. Parking is $3.
- Find some serenity out on a trail, for example Cathedral Rock or Red Rock Crossing. Don’t forget a flashlight for the hike out!
- For a picnic dinner, try Crescent Moon Picnic Site that boasts views of Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek.
Tip: Due to the hill-and-valley nature of the Sedona landscape, it is best to arrive at your sunset viewing at least an hour before sundown. You want to get the best of that golden-hour glow before the shadows creep across from the surrounding mountains.
Stargaze
With low light pollution and a high proportion of clear skies, Sedona is a great place for stargazing. Outside the local monsoon season (July-August), you can take advantage of sunny days and cloudless nights. Beaverhead Flat Scenic Overlook, Aerie Trailhead and Jordan Trialhead Observation Area are popular stargazing spots accessible by car. If you’re into night hikes – here’s a few more.
How long to spend in Sedona
Sedona is reasonably compact and it’s easy to get a feel for the town in a day. However, it will likely leave you wanting more, especially if you’re a hiker. My first visit was just a few hours and I spent many years trying to get back there. If you really want to soak in what Sedona has to offer, it is best to budget 2-4-days.
Getting to Sedona, Arizona
Yes, Sedona has its own airport, but it’s not much good to you unless you have a private plane. Instead, fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX), Prescott Regional Airport (PRC) or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). These range from 1-2-hours drive from Sedona.
Once you’re on the ground in Arizona, you could rent a car, or make use of regular shuttles from all three of the aforementioned airports. Sedona has only three main roads in, and they all collide at the same disastrously busy roundabout—so the fewer vehicles on the road, the better for everyone!
Navigating Sedona
Again, there are three major roads in Sedona radiating out from one central roundabout and each has a commercial district that has formed around it, with accommodation, restaurants and shops.
- From the north (Flagstaff) – State Route 89A along which you’ll find Uptown.
- From the south (Phoenix) – State Route 179 runs in/out through South Sedona.
- From the southwest (Cottonwood and Prescott) – Also, State Route 89A running through West Sedona and the village of Oak Creek.
Due to the escalating traffic and parking situation in Sedona, the town have instituted a free shuttle bus system. The shuttles link park and ride lots with the most popular trailheads. There is also a hop-on hop-off bus, called the Verde Shuttle, to help you get around town. Check the routes and schedule here.
Top tips for exploring Sedona
- Time Your Visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather for outdoor activities. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for hiking to avoid the midday heat.
- Book Accommodations Early: Sedona can be busy during peak seasons and special events, so it’s a good idea to reserve lodging well in advance.
- Use the shuttle bus: As Sedona’s popularity grows its roads and car parking doesn’t always keep up. Make use of the shuttle bus network to get to trailheads and around town – it’s free!
- Red Rock Pass: If you’re not using the shuttle and will be parking your vehicle at a trailhead, you may be required to purchase a Red Rock Pass. An America the Beautiful Pass (National Parks Annual Pass) can substitute for a Red Rock Pass in some areas. Check the official Forest Service website for details.
- Go prepared: When spending time outdoors, make sure you go pack a map, oodles of water and sun protection. The desert can really sap you, even on a short walk.
- Explore Off the Beaten Path: While Sedona’s iconic landmarks like Cathedral Rock are a must-see, check out less crowded trails like Soldier Pass or Boynton Canyon for a more serene experience.
- Respect the Vortex Sites: Sedona is known for its spiritual energy vortexes. Whether you’re a believer or not, these areas are special to many people, so respect the space and atmosphere.
- Bring Layers: Even in warmer months, mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack layers for comfort.
- Visit Local Art Galleries: Sedona is home to a thriving art scene. Take time to explore the galleries in Uptown and the nearby Village of Oak Creek.
The natural history and landscapes of Sedona are a must-see in the American Southwest. It’s easy to get stuck on the glorious Grand Canyon, but this lesser-known site is worth a look too. Sedona is a scenic retreat bound to inspire!
There are so many ways to enjoy the fresh air and arid landscape in search of your duende. Find more inspiration for your Southwest journey with this 10-day road trip itinerary.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
