What to do in Sedona
Sedona
Sedona is a desert town in northern Arizona, just under an hour south of Flagstaff. Sedona is surrounded by breath-taking red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests. Sedona is a part of Coconino National Forest and is also home to Red Rock State Park. In uptown Sedona you can find various gift shops, restaurants, art galleries, and even a few spas! On the outskirts, Sedona is home to many hiking trails that take you through the canyons and around the red-rock buttes.
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What is Sedona Known for?
Sedona is known for its large and colorful rock formations surrounding the uptown area as well as its many hiking trails scattered around the area that range from as easy as a a quarter mile walk to an overlook to an extremely difficult full-day hike. There’s a trail for everyone when visiting this beautiful town. Sedona’s many vortexes are also growing in popularity.
what’s the temperature in Sedona?
Sedona’s hot season lasts from June to September averaging a daily high of 86°F with the hottest month being July, which averages a daily high of 93°F. Sedona’s cold season lasts from November to March averaging a daily high of 62°F with the coldest month being December, which averages a daily high of 55°F.
You can check for Sedona’s average daily highs and lows over the last 8 years at Weather Spark.
The best time to visit Sedona is in the spring, from March through May, while the temperatures are warm, but still comfortable enough to hike in. During these months the desert is in full bloom and adds pops of color from the desert flowers on those red dirt trails.
Where is Sedona?
Sedona is located in northern Arizona, approximately 45 minutes south of Flagstaff and just under 2 hours north of Phoenix. Sedona is spread across two counties, Yavapai and Coconino, with the majority lying in Yavapai County. Sedona is also located in the Mountain Standard Time zone. You can view Sedona on the map below.
What to do in Sedona
There’s so much to see in Sedona and so many different ways to do it. You can take a hike to Cathedral Rock, rent a 4x4 and head off-road, or reset at a local day spa while overlooking the rock formations. From outdoors to luxury relaxation, Sedona offers it all.
Hiking
You can check out AllTrails to view a list of all the hikes in the area, but a few of my favorites that are must sees are listed below.
Devil’s Bridge Trail is a 3. 9 mile out and back trail, leading you to the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. It’s a heavily trafficked loop that is relatively short, but with a steep climb at the end before you reach Devil’s Bridge. The first mile of the trail begins on Dry Creek Road and a high clearance vehicle can be used to access the Devil’s Bridge trailhead.
Cathedral Rock Trail is a short 1.2 mile hike with an intense elevation gain of 741 feet. Once you reach the top, you will have to scramble over several rocks to reach the end of the trail. This trail is heavily trafficked, so the rocks are slippery. Proper shoes are highly recommended for this hike, but once you’re at the top, the views are well worth it.
Soldier Pass Trail is a heavily trafficked 4.5 mile hike. The trail is extremely popular and there’s no doubts as to why. While you’re on this trail, you’ll view several natural wonders. The first being Devil’s Kitchen, following is the Seven Sacred Pools, then continue on to Soldier Pass Cave and Soldier Arch.
Airport View Trail (Sedona View Trail) is a pretty easy 1.4 mile out and back hike to an absolutely stunning overlook and is definitely a must-see for anyone wanting breath-taking views of the Airport Mesa.
Boynton Canyon Trail is a heavily trafficked 7.3 mile out and back trail located near Sedona in the Secret Mountain Wilderness and is one of the most popular hikes in the area. There is a fee to enter Secret Mountain Wilderness, which if you’re in Sedona for the day or a few days, you can purchase the Red Rock day pass or the weekly pass.
Jeep Tours
If you’re looking to do a bit of exploring while sitting in the back of an off-road vehicle, a jeep tour is definitely for you! Pink Adventure Tours is one of my favorite jeep tour companies by far. They have so many different tours to choose from and they also teach you about the history of the land that you’re exploring!
Visit the vortexes
What is a vortex?
A vortex is believed to be a center of energy where the earth seems to be more alive. These centers of energy are used for healing, meditation, and self-exploration. When visiting a vortex, many people tend to feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted.
How to visit
You can visit the vortexes with a tour company, individual guide, or spiritual healer to walk you through the magical and mystical energy of the red rocks. These experts can help you to relax and focus to connect with your inner-self and take in the energy that surrounds you. Visit the Sedona Vortex Tours page to see the best and most trusted guides in the area to lead you on your journey of self exploration!
You can also visit the vortexes on your own. All of the locations are open to the public and can be accessed via public trails.
Where are they?
Sedona itself is considered to be a vortex, but there are specific sites where the energy is more intense. The four most popular vortexes in the Sedona area are found at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
Other outdoor Activities
Add these other outdoor activities to your Sedona itinerary to add even more fun to your visit!
Go for a swim or fish in Oak Creek.
Check out Sedona Adventure Tours for a unique wine tasting experience. You’ll float down the Verde River before your final stop at Alcantra Vineyards for an outdoor tasting.
Go mountain biking on one of Sedona’s designated biking trails. There’s 235 miles of designated biking trails that weave through Sedona’s beautiful landscape.
Check out one of Sedona’s parks:
Go star gazing in Sedona’s dark desert night skies.
Explore Sedona’s vast landscape on horseback with one of these local companies.
Spas, Wine Trail, & other luxury activities
Sedona is full of so many different ways to experience the town. Here’s a list of other fun things to do around Sedona!
Golfing at Red Rock Country Club.
Check out one of Sedona’s many art galleries or museums. See a full list here.
Relax for the day at a local day spa. See a full list of local spas and salons here. But, my two favorite spas are Mii Amo and Enchantment Resort. They’re both located in Boynton Canyon and have extremely beautiful views.
See Sedona from the sky in a hot air balloon or helicopter! Air Tours.
Quench your thirst on The Verde Valley Wine Trail.
Take home a piece of Sedona from one of their many gift shops.
Check out a local event. Here’s Sedona's Calendar of Events.
Where to stay in Sedona
Where to eat in Sedona
Snag breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant.
If you’re looking for fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine, Tamaliza is the place to go!
Eat with the best view at SaltRock Kitchen.
Stop in where the locals eat at Tortas de Fuego.
Make a reservation at The Hudson for a more upscale menu.
If you’re a fan of Elote, then you have to stop at Elote Cafe.
The Golden Goose is another local favorite putting their own unique spin on Italian and American cuisine.
Enjoy dinner at one of the Southwest’s top 10 restaurants at an absolutely unbeatable location at the L'Auberge.
The Cowboy Club serves up a true Wild West experience with elk chops and a 14oz bison New York strip
Dine in or take-out Sedona’s favorite pizza at Pisa Lisa
