Your Comprehensive Guide to Sedona, Arizona
For supercharged adventures in the desert Southwest, Sedona — the crown jewel of the Verde Valley — offers everything from spirituality-boosting energy vortexes to an unexpected wine country to world-class hiking among the area’s signature red rock landscape. Given such ancient assets, it’s important to note that if you’re among the 3 million visitors annually, you should consider supporting small, locally owned businesses, adopting the city’s Leave No Trace principles, and communing calmly with your surroundings. Keep reading to see what else you should do, see, and where you should stay in Sedona, Arizona.
Things to Do in Sedona
Sedona’s vortex phenomenon makes it a popular place for those looking to do a bit of spiritual intention setting. However, even if you skip a desert meditation, you’re still guaranteed transcendent views when you visit these remarkable Red Rock destinations. Popular vortex hiking spots include Airport Mesa for city vistas and Cathedral Rock’s virtually vertical yet brief ascent. Nevertheless, many of Sedona’s popular paths are environmentally fragile and often overcrowded. For a hike free from the crowds, consider exploring one of the Secret 7 trails. The Aerie Trail, for example, offers a moderately difficult hike with ample morning shade and panoramic views of the Secret Mountain Wilderness.
A more straightforward spiritual setting is the Chapel of the Holy Cross (also an official vortex site), showcasing stunning architectural design from 1956 by a Frank Lloyd Wright pupil and featuring a 90-foot-tall cross symbolically anchored into the earth.
Four-wheel driving over and around the buttes — such as Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Snoopy Rock — is best left to the pros. Therefore, consider taking a trip with the drivers of the jacked-up Jeep Wranglers at Pink Adventure Tours. Experience the two-hour, exhilarating Broken Arrow ride to Submarine Rock and Chicken Point, traversing rocky roads and steep descents that create lasting memories.
Don’t miss the summertime refreshing pools at Slide Rock State Park, where the 80-foot-long water-carved sandstone chute provides a thrilling aquatic experience. Moreover, to see Indigenous ruins up close, head to the reservations-only Palatki Heritage Site to explore cliff dwellings, ceremonial sites, and pictographs from the Sinagua people and other archaic cultures dating back 3,000 to 6,000 years.
Sedona Hotels
Sedona’s smaller, locally owned accommodations reflect the location’s funky vibe with heartfelt sincerity. The Red Agave Resort is adjacent to US Forest Service land, offering unobstructed views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. This property features a private trailhead leading to various walking paths, from the Slim Shady Trail to the Bell Rock Pathway. Each of the resort’s A-frame loft chalets accommodates five people and includes a full kitchen, which is handy after picking up local goods at the Sunday morning Sedona Community Farmers Market.
The Star Motel in Uptown Sedona creatively utilizes its original cinder block design with mid-century furnishings and vintage Indigenous art. Named for its clear view of the galaxies above Sedona—one of only 20 official Dark Sky communities in the nation—it is a perfect stargazing location.
If you’re seeking elevated accommodations and amenities, you can choose from several luxury properties in Sedona. The Enchantment Resort offers guided hiking and mountain biking trips alongside spa services, including the Prickly Pear Butter Wrap.
Notable is the renowned L’Auberge de Sedona, which specializes in immersive experiences and retreats, providing daily activities like Introduction to Crystals and Meditation.
Additionally, the Amara impresses with its rustic charm and luxury amenities, including a full-service spa, oversized suites, and a stunning infinity-edge pool overlooking the lush landscape.
Sedona Restaurants
The most coveted dining experience in Sedona is at the award-winning Elote Cafe, specializing in traditional Southwestern and Mexican cuisine. Signature dishes include elote (fire-roasted corn with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese) and lamb adobo, complemented by an unparalleled tequila program featuring small heritage productions.
Other notable dining experiences include a delightful creekside picnic at Page Springs Cellars and Italian cuisine at Osteria at Cottonwood’s Merkin Vineyards, offering scratch-made dishes combining traditional flavors with local produce.
For casual dining, the Cowboy Club in Uptown Sedona serves frontier food, including bison pot roast and elk chops—a perfect blend of rustic charm and culinary excellence. Wrap up your day at the nostalgic Black Cow Cafe for a scoop of house-made ice cream or fresh-baked pie.
Best Time of Year to Visit
If you’re looking for quiet, peaceful trails, then be prepared to venture out during the summer when temperatures can soar into the 90s. Surprisingly, summer is an ideal time to enjoy Sedona, which serves as a refreshing escape from the triple digits found in nearby cities like Scottsdale and Phoenix.
Make the most of your visit by planning morning and evening excursions (with long daylight hours in July, the sun rises around 5:15 a.m. and sets around 7:40 p.m.). Prime hiking spots include Fay Canyon and Bell Rock. During peak sun hours, seek refuge in shaded courtyards and air-conditioned art galleries in Tlaquepaque Village.
Attending one of Sedona’s popular festivals throughout the year is another appealing option. The WineFest, held in late September, celebrates the Verde Valley harvest. Alternatively, October’s annual Sedona Rock, Gem, and Jewelry Show allows you to explore countless rare gemstones and crystals from vetted vendors.
