26 BEST Issues To Do In Sedona, Arizona (2023)

There are many incredible issues to do in Sedona for all. Whether or not mountain climbing within the desert, purchasing downtown, or driving in a dune buggy by the desert, it’s powerful to get bored right here.

We spent a incredible 5 days within the desert and didn’t even scratch the floor of what Sedona has to supply. We all know we might be again in the future to dive deeper into all the most effective issues to do in Sedona!

The place is Sedona?

Earlier than we dig into the most effective issues to do in Sedona, let’s set up its location. Sedona is a gorgeous Arizona desert city nearly smack dab in the course of the state, 120 miles north of Phoenix. It’s one of the vital well-liked locations to go to in Arizona and has individuals touring from across the nation to face in awe of its magnificence.

Sedona is nestled completely amidst gorgeous Purple Rocks. The city is legendary for its arts scene with practically 100 artwork galleries. There are some spectacular festivals all year long, together with the Sedona Jazz Pageant and Sedona Arts Pageant.

There’s something for everybody in Sedona as there are incredible mountain climbing alternatives, mountain biking experiences, off-road jeep excursions, an incredible purchasing scene, and fantastic eating places.

There are a number of fundamental areas of Sedona, together with Oak Creek to the south, West Sedona and Uptown Sedona.

How you can Get to Sedona?

The closest main airport to Sedona is Phoenix, about two hours away. In case you are coming to Arizona to go to Sedona, it’s finest to fly in right here and hire a automobile on the airport to drive-in.

Sedona can also be close by to Flagstaff, reachable by automobile alongside the I-17. Nonetheless, should you go for this route, we advocate driving the Oak Creek Canyon by way of Hwy 89A.

The Finest Issues to do in Sedona

Hike Satan’s Bridge Path

Probably the greatest issues to do in Sedona is get out on a hike! Satan’s Bridge Path is a simple, 3.7-mile hike that takes between two and three hours to finish. You’ll see gorgeous desert surroundings alongside the best way, together with towering purple rocks.  After all, the 54-foot Satan’s Bridge is the highest attraction, and it supplies a possibility to seize wonderful photographs of the world. Many individuals prefer to face their fears and stroll out on the bridge for a photograph.

The very best time to hike is at dawn or after 5 PM when fewer individuals are round. Plus, this offers the most effective likelihood to catch even mild on the Devils Bridge if you’re into pictures.

You will discover the Satan’s Bridge Trailhead alongside freeway 89A within the Coconino Nationwide Forest.  In the event you determine to park on the Dry Creek Highway car parking zone, a Purple Rock Go is required, which prices $5.00. A cross isn’t required should you park on the Satan’s Bridge Trailhead. 

Drive Alongside the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Highway

A drive alongside The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Highway solely takes a few half-hour, however there’s a lot to see and do alongside the best way you may make a complete time out of it! As you drive by this space of excellent magnificence, you’ll see sandstone canyons and colourful rock formations similar to Steam Boat Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte.

There are a number of locations to cease for a refreshing swim, together with Grasshopper Level and Slide Rock State Park. Earlier than coming into the canyon, cease on the Oak Creek Canyon Vista.  Admire unbelievable views and store for Native American crafts on the on-site shows.  This scenic drive is positioned alongside Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff, and admission to the day-use areas is $8.00 per car. 

Go to the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Catholic chapel that was in-built 1956, and it’s located on the purple rock buttes excessive above Sedona.  It’s a hanging construction standing 250 toes towards the 1000-foot rock wall. Admire the stunning views and chapel artwork as you discover the property, you can even catch mass there at sure occasions.

Take a stroll alongside the Chapel Path, which begins within the car parking zone and runs alongside the bottom of the Purple Rocks. Ultimately, you’ll come to Little Horse Path, which is a brief hike to Rooster Level Overlook. The chapel is positioned at 780 Chapel Highway and it’s free to go to.

Go to the Sedona Heritage Museum

Sedona is steeped in historical past and the most effective place to find out about it’s on the Sedona Heritage Museum at 735 Jordan Highway. The museum, which is run by the Sedona Historic Society, is positioned in a preserved farmstead in Jordan Historic Park. Additionally on web site are a duplicate of a tent home and an outdated film set.

The displays contact on pioneer and cowboy life, native arts, business and the area’s movie manufacturing historical past. Remember to go to the on-site present store the place you’ll discover distinctive souvenirs and handcrafted presents. Admission for $10.00 for an audio tour and $7.00 for a self-guided tour. 

Go on a Night time Sky Tour

Throughout a Night time Sky Tour, You’ll be a part of knowledgeable astronomers on an unbelievable stargazing journey that’s each entertaining and enlightening. In the course of the tour, you’ll look by giant, high-tech telescopes to get a greater take a look at celestial wonders together with The Milky Means, planets, star clusters, Apollo moon-landing websites and faraway galaxies.

The guides are tremendous educated so ask plenty of questions on what you’re seeing and the importance they should historical civilizations.

This tour takes place within the Worldwide Darkish Sky Neighborhood of Sedona and Massive Park and prices $117.00 per grownup. 

{Photograph} Cathedral Rock From Crescent Moon Picnic Web site

You’ll doubtless acknowledge Cathedral Rock the second you see it as a result of it’s one of the vital well-known pure landmarks in Sedona.  The sandstone butte is about to the backdrop of the city’s skyline is finest seen from the Crescent Moon Picnic Web site. 

There’s a path alongside Oak Creek the place you may get a greater view or you may hike to the highest of the hill by way of the path close to the doorway of the park. You’ll get the most effective photographs within the afternoon when the west aspect of Cathedral Rock is illuminated or within the night when the setting solar envelops it in spectacular colours.

You’ll discover the parking space on Purple Rock Crossing Highway and it prices $11.00 per car to park. 

Take a look at the Palatki Heritage Web site

As you discover the Palatki Heritage Web site, you’ll see many desirable issues of archaeological significance. Historical indigenous rock artwork relationship again 6,000 years and the ruins of cliff dwellings are among the unbelievable belongings you’ll see.

Get essentially the most out of your go to by beginning on the customer’s heart the place you’ll get an introduction to the positioning and use the three straightforward strolling trails to finest discover the world. This web site will be discovered on North Forest Service Highway.  The positioning itself is free to discover, however should you park a car, you’ll want a Purple Rock Go, which prices $5.00.

Sort out Sedona’s Mountain Bike Trails

Sedona is famend for its excellent mountain biking trails. A formidable community of trails works away across the area and presents some thrilling descents and difficult climbs. It’s a bucket-list vacation spot for any mountain biker on the planet. It advantages from distinctive trails, distinctive driving options, beautiful surroundings, and nice climate. Everybody from pro-level riders to newcomers can discover one thing in Sedona.

There are a selection of well-known trails in Sedona as we have been household I solely slipped away in the future to sort out the notorious Hangover Path. It presents the whole lot you might need from the area plenty of technical options, slabs, off-camber slick rock, flowy descent, white knuckle publicity, rock gardens, and beautiful surroundings.

Watch the Sundown from Airport Mesa

There are various locations in Sedona to observe the sundown, however Airport Mesa, which is a brief drive away from Sedona on Airport Highway, is among the many finest.

The loop path from the parking space to the most effective sundown viewing space is three miles and passes by Desk Prime Mountain to disclose spectacular vistas. Stick round after the solar units and catch a gorgeous moonrise too. It prices $3.00 to park. 

Take a Drive on the Purple Rock Scenic Byway

The Purple Rock Scenic Byway highlights the gorgeous desert panorama of Sedona. The byway begins after you are taking exit 298 from the I17, and as you drive alongside this 12-mile route, you’ll discover look-offs the place you may admire the purple rocks, buttes, and colourful landscapes. 

There are various mountain climbing trails, golf programs, eating places, and galleries alongside this route. Though it solely takes about 20 minutes to drive this route, it’s really helpful you are taking a number of hours to take pleasure in it. Among the day-use parks alongside the best way cost $5.00.

Discover the 4X4 Roads

If you wish to get off the crushed path in Sedona, one of the simplest ways to do it’s with a car with 4X4 capabilities, the most well-liked tour in all of Sedona is the Scenic Pink Jeep Tour.   Many 4X4 roads take you to locations that many individuals don’t get to see. Among the trails embody Schnebly Hill Highway, Damaged Arrow, Outlaw Path, DiamondBack Gulch, and Dry Creek.

Look ahead to wildlife as a result of it’s in these distant locations the place you’ll doubtless see deer, coyotes, bobcats, and plenty of species of birds. 

Hike to Cathedral Rock

Though the four-mile path from the Baldwin Trailhead on Again O’ Past Highway to Cathedral Rock generally is a difficult one, the views on the high make it worthwhile! Located within the coronary heart of Purple Rock Nation, you’ll see gorgeous vistas with distinctive rock formations.

Begin the hike a number of hours earlier than sundown for the final word Cathedral Rock expertise. You’ll see extra surroundings should you begin on the Baldwin Trailhead, however there’s a shorter 1.2-mile hike that begins on the Cathedral Rock Trailhead that’s stunning too. 

Hike the Bell Rock Space

Bell Rock is a tapered pure sandstone construction that may be explored by way of a system of trails. It’s 4,919 toes excessive so the path is steep and reasonably tough. Even should you don’t make it to the highest, the views are incredible anyway! Not many make it to the summit so this must be an encouragement to maintain going!

It takes about 2.5 hours, however the views of Courthouse Butte and the Sedona Valley make the problem price it.  To search out the trailhead, take Freeway 179 for 5 miles. Parking is on the Scenic View Signal. 

Go to the Sedona Vortex Websites

Mysterious forces radiate from the purple rocks round Sedona. This vitality will be present in larger concentrations in a number of areas referred to as Sedona Vortexes.  Boynton Canyon Vortex is essentially the most highly effective, however Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock are additionally high vortex websites.

You’ll doubtless see individuals meditating or performing rituals as you discover these magical locations. Vortex excursions can be found by a number of native corporations, however the websites are simply accessible should you want to discover by yourself. 

Get a Psychic Studying

As a result of Sedona is a spot of such excessive vitality, it is smart that should you have been ever to have a psychic studying, this could be the place to do it! The serenity of this desert sanctuary is ideal for connecting with psychic vitality. 

Some corporations providing these providers embody Sedona Intuitive Astrology, Sedona Crystal Vortex, Sedona Metaphysical Non secular Affiliation, and Sedona Therapeutic and Hypnotherapy. Some corporations present readings over the cellphone, so you may obtain one whereas visiting one of many highly effective vitality vortex areas. 

Go Procuring At Tlaquepaque Arts And Crafts Village

Within the historical Aztec language of Nahuatl, Tlaquepaque means “the most effective of the whole lot,” and that’s what you’ll discover on the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This out of doors market has greater than 40 galleries, outlets, and eateries. 

As you stroll the cobblestone paths, you’ll discover handcrafted jewellery, crafts, clothes, and distinctive presents. Varied occasions happen all year long together with particular galleries and Cinco de Mayo Celebrations. 

Go to Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

Whether or not you’re looking for a religious expertise or not, the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park, which is positioned on Pueblo Drive, is a well-liked out of doors gathering place. Inside this park are two Buddhist Stupas, together with the enlightenment stupa that stands 36 toes. Additionally on web site is a Native American Medication Wheel.

The park primarily serves as a sanctuary for meditation, however many come to expertise the peaceable ambiance that shrouds it.  Group shows that train The Inside Story of the Amitabha Stupa will be organized prematurely.

Loosen up at Slide Rock State Park

There’s a lot to do in Slide Rock State Park on State Route 89A, however the most well-liked attraction is the 80-foot pure water slide you can slide down. To do that, you climb some purple rocks and slide again down on the slippery algae that turns the graceful rock right into a pure slide.

Additionally on web site is a swimming gap with a number of cliffs to leap off and a number of other trails, together with Pendley Homestead Path and Clifftop Nature Path. Remember to examine the park’s historic options, together with the informative displays and the outdated Pendley Homestead. Entry to the park is $20.00 per car or $5.00 per particular person. 

Go to the Wineries on The Verde Valley Wine Path 

Sedona is residence to among the finest wineries in Arizona, and plenty of of them are discovered on The Verde Valley Wine Path alongside freeway 89A.  The wineries alongside this scenic route spotlight the distinctive wines of the area.

Alongside the best way, you’ll cross by the cities of Cottonwood and Jerome and discover 25 wineries together with Burning Tree Cellars, Vineyard 101, Echo Canyon, Chateau Tumbleweed and Javelina Leap. Passports can be found and after you fill yours with stamps, you may win prizes. Guided Sedona Winery Tour are additionally out there and prices round $110.00.

Take a Day Journey to Flagstaff

The town of Flagstaff is simply 27 miles away from Sedona and is the right vacation spot for these on an Arizona street journey. Alongside the best way, you’ll take pleasure in spectacular mountain and desert surroundings.  As soon as within the metropolis, you’ll discover many sights, together with Riordan Mansion, Lowell Observatory, Museum of Northern Arizona, Wupatki Nationwide Monument and The Arboretum.

Discover historic downtown Flagstaff the place you’ll discover quaint little cafes, distinctive outlets, and plenty of eating places. 

Discover the City of Jerome

Again when Jerome was a mining heart, it earned the nickname” The Wickedest City within the West.”  As of late, Jerome, a 40-minute drive from Sedona, is a ghost city in comparison with these wild days, however there’s nonetheless a lot to see and do.

The city’s historical past will be explored at The Mine Museum, Douglas Mansion in Jerome State Historic Park, Gold King Mine and Jerome’s Sliding Jail. Downtown you’ll discover classic outlets, wineries, and artwork galleries. Take a look at the glass viewing platform that appears out over an outdated mine shaft in Audrey Headframe Park. 

Dine at Sedona’s Finest Eating places

There are various eating places in Sedona to go well with each style and funds. You’ll discover fast-food joints and high quality eating institutions serving the whole lot, together with conventional Mexican delicacies, pizza, and vegan dishes. 

Among the city’s finest eating places are Elote Cafe, Dahl and Di Luca, Mariposa Restaurant and The Hudson. Head to the Cowboy Membership and take a look at rattlesnake sausage for an genuine American Southwestern expertise. 

20 BEST Sedona Eating places to Eat At

Play a Spherical of Golf

There are various scenic 9-hole and 18-hole golf programs in Sedona and each course is exclusive. Coyote Trails, Seven Canyons, Oak Creek, and Canyon Mesa are just some of the programs round Sedona. Sedona Golf Course is a well-liked selection positioned at 35 Ridge Path and a few programs provide afternoon charges for $50.00 should you’re looking for a deal.

Take a Yoga or Meditation Class

One of many distinctive issues to do in Sedona is have a mediation session in the course of the desert. Yoga and meditation are well-liked in Sedona, and you’ll take indoor or out of doors lessons or retreats by many native companies. Work with knowledgeable alone or in a bunch setting and learn to faucet into the area’s distinctive therapeutic energy.

For a really distinctive expertise, take a course that’s supplied outside close to one of many 4 highly effective vortexes. Well-liked experiences are supplied by Sedona Meditation Experiences at 203 Sundown Drive.

Go Horseback Driving

Probably the greatest issues to do in Sedona with youngsters is benefit from the desert from on high of a horse. A guided tour by the backcountry of Sedona is among the finest methods to take a calming journey round among the most scenic areas of the city. You’ll expertise Sedona in Outdated West-style and see stunning locations together with Purple Rock Nation, Mogollon Rim and Verde Valley.

Horsin’ Round Adventures on Dancing Apache Highway presents among the finest driving excursions round.  Be a part of one in all their full-day excursions that embody a standard western cookout for the final word journey. Excursions price 119.00 to $459.00 relying on the kind of tour you select. 

Kayak Down the Verde River

Floating down the Verde River in a Kayak is a well-liked exercise supplied by a number of corporations, together with Verde Adventures, positioned about 25 minutes from Sedona.  No expertise is important, and also you get skilled steerage to make sure your security on the river.

Take the five-mile, self-guided tour in an inflatable kayak so you may take your time and cease to benefit from the pure wonders. This tour prices $71.00 per grownup.

Tricks to Go to Sedona

1. How lengthy to spend in Sedona: We spent 4 days in Sedona, which was method too brief for me to do all the most effective issues to do in Sedona. In a perfect world I might have beloved a complete week. Some individuals solely have in the future. I believe 3 days is the naked minimal if you wish to do plenty of mountain climbing and out of doors actions.
2. Plan forward: Sedona can get fairly busy, particularly throughout peak vacationer season, so it’s finest to plan your journey properly prematurely and make reservations for lodging, excursions, and actions.
3. Gown in layers: Sedona’s climate can change rapidly, so it’s necessary to decorate in layers to be ready for each heat temps throughout the day and funky temperatures at evening.
4. Deliver sturdy footwear: Sedona is understood for its stunning purple rock formations and mountain climbing trails, so make sure that to carry good mountain climbing footwear should you’re getting ready to hike quite a bit.
5. Deliver sunscreen, sun shades, and a hat: Sedona is positioned within the desert, so it may well get fairly sunny and scorching. Solar safety is completely important.
6. E-book a guided tour: Sedona is residence to many stunning and distinctive websites, and a guided tour might help you get essentially the most out of your go to and be taught extra in regards to the space’s historical past and tradition.
7. Be respectful of the land: Sedona is a novel and fragile atmosphere, so please be aware of your influence and at all times observe Go away No Hint rules when visiting.

Purple Rock Go

A Purple Rock Go is a allow required for sure leisure actions on sure lands in Purple Rock Nation (it’s totally different than the America The Stunning Go). The cross have to be displayed within the windshield of the car or bought on-line right here. The Purple Rock Day Go is required for car entry to make use of 19 particular day-use websites on the Purple Rock Ranger District. You possibly can see these right here.

The cross will be bought at ranger stations and customer facilities all through Sedona, in addition to on-line. Costs are:

• Every day: $5
• Weekly: $15
• Yearly: $20

When is the Finest Time to Go to Sedona?

The very best time to go to Sedona is between March and Could, when the temperatures are superb (we’re speaking 70s). Earlier and the temperature could also be a bit chilly, whereas June to September could also be too scorching scorching for you.

March-Could is right for hikers and people seeking to get outdoors as a lot as potential. June to August is the most popular time of the 12 months; Sedona additionally experiences 18 inches of precipitation per 12 months, with most of it falling throughout the summer season monsoon season.

The good information is you may typically rating a deal on lodging throughout this time. September-November sees nice temperatures and is a well-liked time to go to, whereas December-February is winter in Sedona, and though it doesn’t get too chilly, you’ll nonetheless need a jacket!

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