Things to Do in Sedona
A complete, locally-researched guide to the red rocks — 73 in-depth pages on the best hikes and trails, vortexes, scenic drives, restaurants, outdoor adventures, rentals, day trips and how to plan your visit. Written for travelers who want the real, useful version.
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Hikes & Trails
12 guides
Hikes & TrailsDevil's Bridge Trail Sedona: Hike, Parking & Tips
How to hike Devil's Bridge, Sedona's largest sandstone arch: route options, parking, the free shuttle, Red Rock Pass, best time of day, and the photo line.
Hikes & TrailsCathedral Rock Trail, Sedona: Hike, Parking & Tips
How to hike Sedona's Cathedral Rock Trail: the 1.2-mile slickrock scramble, parking and the Sedona Shuttle, best times, safety, and the classic photo spot.
Hikes & TrailsBell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop: Easy Sedona Hike
A local's guide to Sedona's Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop: distance, parking, the Red Rock Pass, the vortex, scrambling tips, and when to go.
Hikes & TrailsWest Fork Trail Sedona: Oak Creek Canyon's Fall Hike
West Fork Trail is Arizona's best fall hike: a shaded 6.5-mile canyon walk with 13 creek crossings north of Sedona. Fees, parking, dogs and timing.
Hikes & TrailsSoldier Pass Trail Sedona: Cave, Pools & Sinkhole
Hike Soldier Pass in Sedona: the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and the cave scramble. Shuttle, parking, Red Rock Pass and timing tips.
Hikes & TrailsBoynton Canyon Trail & the Subway Cave, Sedona
A local's guide to Sedona's Boynton Canyon Trail: the ~6mi box-canyon hike, the Boynton vortex and Kachina Woman, and how to find the unmarked Subway Cave.
Hikes & TrailsBear Mountain & Doe Mountain Trails, Sedona Guide
Two Sedona hikes from one Boynton Pass Rd lot: Bear Mountain's strenuous 4.6-mi summit climb and Doe Mountain's easy 1.5-mi mesa, plus parking and pass tips.
Hikes & TrailsBrins Mesa Trail, Sedona: Hike Guide, Parking & Tips
A local's guide to Sedona's Brins Mesa Trail: distance, elevation, parking and the Red Rock Pass, the 2006 Brins Fire, best times, and how to skip the crowds.
Hikes & TrailsFay Canyon Trail Sedona: Easy Hike to a Hidden Arch
A relaxed, mostly shaded ~2.4-mile Sedona hike up a red-rock canyon to a hidden arch. Trailhead directions, Red Rock Pass info, crowds, and what to pair it with.
Hikes & TrailsAirport Mesa Loop Trail, Sedona: 360° Views Guide
A local's guide to Sedona's Airport Mesa Loop (Trail 210): ~3.2 miles of nonstop red-rock views, parking and fees, best times, and how to skip the crowds.
Hikes & TrailsBest Easy & Family-Friendly Hikes in Sedona
A local's roundup of Sedona's best easy, low-effort hikes: Bell Rock, Fay Canyon, West Fork, Doe Mountain and more, with a trail comparison table.
Hikes & TrailsHard & Strenuous Hikes in Sedona: Trail Guide
A local's guide to Sedona's toughest hikes: Bear Mountain, Wilson, Cathedral Rock, the Hangover and more, with a comparison table, passes and heat safety.
Vortexes & Wellness
4 guides
Vortexes & WellnessSedona Vortexes: A Complete, Honest Guide
An honest local's guide to Sedona's four classic vortexes: what they are, upflow vs inflow, how to visit, the Red Rock Pass, tours, and crowds.
Vortexes & WellnessAirport Mesa Vortex Sedona: Parking, Tips & Views
Sedona's most accessible vortex: a short scramble up the saddle off Airport Road. Parking strategy, best time of day, crowds, and what to expect.
Vortexes & WellnessBest Spas & Wellness Retreats in Sedona
A plain-spoken guide to Sedona's spas and wellness retreats, from Mii amo's all-inclusive Journeys to affordable day spas, with price ranges and tips.
Vortexes & WellnessSpiritual & Vortex Tours in Sedona: Honest Guide
An honest guide to Sedona's metaphysical scene: vortex tours, aura photos, sound healing, crystal shops and reputable readers, with respect for Native traditions.
Scenic Drives & Views
5 guides
Scenic Drives & ViewsOak Creek Canyon Drive: Sedona's Best Scenic Road
Drive SR 89A through Oak Creek Canyon from Sedona toward Flagstaff: stops, switchbacks, Oak Creek Vista, fall colors, fees, parking and safety tips.
Scenic Drives & ViewsRed Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179): Drive Guide
Drive Sedona's Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179): Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, the Chapel turnoff, Tlaquepaque, roundabout tips, viewpoints and best light.
Scenic Drives & ViewsSchnebly Hill Road, Sedona: 4x4 Drive & Vista Guide
How to do Sedona's Schnebly Hill Road: the rough dirt climb to Schnebly Hill Vista, when you need 4x4, winter closures, Red Rock Pass info, and why most should take a Jeep tour.
Scenic Drives & ViewsBest Sunset Spots in Sedona: Where & When to Go
Where to watch sunset in Sedona: Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, the Red Rock Crossing reflection, Bell Rock and more, with parking, passes and timing.
Scenic Drives & ViewsBest Photography Spots in Sedona: Where & When to Shoot
A local's guide to Sedona's best photography spots, from Cathedral Rock's reflection at Red Rock Crossing to Milky Way astrophotography, with timing, parking and passes.
Food & Drink
8 guides
Food & DrinkThe Best Restaurants in Sedona: A Local's Guide
Where to eat in Sedona, by area: Elote, Mariposa, Cress, The Hudson, Dahl & DiLuca and more, plus honest reservation tips and how to skip the crowds.
Food & DrinkThe Best Breakfast & Brunch in Sedona
Where to eat breakfast and brunch in Sedona: Coffee Pot's 101 omelettes, canyon patios, creekside views, prickly pear ice cream, and when to beat the crowds.
Food & DrinkFine Dining in Sedona: Special-Occasion Restaurants
A local's guide to Sedona's best special-occasion restaurants: Mariposa, Cress, Rene, SaltRock, Che Ah Chi and more. Prices, dress, reservations and views.
Food & DrinkSedona Restaurants With the Best Red Rock Views
Where to eat in Sedona for real red-rock and creekside views: Mariposa, The Hudson, Che Ah Chi, Cress, Mesa Grill and more, plus how to book the patio.
Food & DrinkSedona Wineries & the Verde Valley Wine Trail
A local's guide to Sedona wine: in-town tasting rooms, the Page Springs, Cottonwood and Jerome clusters, what grows here, and how to tour safely.
Food & DrinkBest Coffee Shops & Cafes in Sedona, AZ
A local's guide to the best coffee shops and cafés in Sedona: specialty roasters, patios with red-rock views, pre-hike fuel-ups, Wi-Fi spots, and hours.
Food & DrinkMexican & Southwestern Food in Sedona: Where to Eat
A local's honest guide to Sedona Mexican and Southwestern food: Elote, El Rincon, Oaxaca, Tortas de Fuego, Cowboy Club, prickly pear margaritas, and how to get a table.
Food & DrinkHealthy, Vegan & Vegetarian Dining in Sedona
Where to eat well in Sedona: vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and organic spots from ChocolaTree to Local Juicery, plus allergen and timing tips.
Outdoor Adventures
8 guides
Outdoor AdventuresSedona Jeep Tours: Which One Should You Book?
Compare Sedona's jeep tour operators and trails, from Pink Jeep's exclusive Broken Arrow to Soldier Pass and Diamondback Gulch, plus guided vs. self-drive tips.
Outdoor AdventuresMountain Biking in Sedona: Trails, Rentals & Tips
Sedona mountain biking guide: best slickrock trails by level, bike rentals and shuttles, the Red Rock Pass, e-bike rules, plus heat, safety and timing tips.
Outdoor AdventuresSedona Mountain Bike Festival: Dates, Demos & Rides
The Sedona Mountain Bike Festival at Posse Grounds Park: dates, the demo-bike expo, shuttled trail rides, skills clinics and group rides for every level — and how to plan a trip around it.
Outdoor AdventuresHot Air Balloon Rides Over Sedona: Sunrise Guide
Sunrise hot air balloon rides over Sedona's red rocks: the two FAA-permitted operators, real 2026 prices, what to wear, who can't fly, and booking tips.
Outdoor AdventuresSlide Rock State Park: Sedona's Natural Water Slide
A natural 80-foot sandstone water slide in Oak Creek, 7 miles north of Sedona. Fees, parking rules, water quality, safety, and the best time to go.
Outdoor AdventuresKayaking the Verde River Near Sedona: A Local Guide
Paddle the Verde River near Sedona: calm Class I water from TAPCO to Tuzigoot, outfitters, best season and flows, bald eagles, and what to bring.
Outdoor AdventuresHorseback Riding in Sedona: Operators & Tips
Guided horseback rides near Sedona: trusted Verde Valley operators, ride lengths, what to wear, age and weight limits, sunset rides, and booking tips.
Outdoor AdventuresStargazing in Sedona: A Dark-Sky Guide
Where and when to stargaze in Sedona, a certified Dark Sky Community. Best spots, Milky Way season, new-moon timing, gear, tours, and tips.
Rentals & Getting Around
3 guides
Rentals & Getting AroundBike & E-Bike Rentals in Sedona: Where & What to Ride
Where to rent bikes and e-bikes in Sedona, what each type is for, rough prices, the Red Rock Pass, and exactly where e-bikes are (and aren't) allowed.
Rentals & Getting AroundJeep, ATV & UTV Rentals in Sedona (Self-Drive)
Self-drive Jeep, ATV and UTV rentals in Sedona: real operators, which OHV trails you can drive, the Arizona decal rule, permits, costs and honest safety advice.
Rentals & Getting AroundGetting Around Sedona: Parking, Passes & Shuttle
How to get to Sedona, when you need a Red Rock Pass, and how the free Sedona Shuttle beats full trailhead lots. Honest, practical logistics for your trip.
Arts & Attractions
5 guides
Arts & AttractionsTlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Sedona Guide
A local's guide to Tlaquepaque, Sedona's Spanish-colonial arts village: galleries, restaurants, parking, events, the December lights, and the best time to go.
Arts & AttractionsChapel of the Holy Cross Sedona: Visitor Guide
Plan your visit to Sedona's iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross: free admission, parking and vehicle rules, the steep walk up, hours, views, and etiquette.
Arts & AttractionsSedona Art Galleries: A Walking Guide to the Best
A local's guide to Sedona's art galleries: Tlaquepaque, Hillside, Hozho, Gallery Row on 179, the free First Friday art walk, and how to buy and ship art.
Arts & AttractionsMontezuma Castle & Montezuma Well: Sedona Visitor Guide
A 700-year-old Sinagua cliff dwelling 30 minutes south of Sedona, plus the free Montezuma Well. Fees, hours, trail, accessibility and how to plan your visit.
Arts & AttractionsPalatki & Honanki Heritage Sites Near Sedona
Visit Palatki and Honanki near Sedona: Sinagua cliff dwellings and ancient rock art. Reservations, the rough dirt road, Red Rock Pass, and tips.
History & Film
3 guides
History & FilmHistory of Sedona AZ: From Sinagua Cliff Dwellings to Today
How Sedona went from Sinagua cliff dwellings to a 1902 post office named after a homesteader's wife to one of Arizona's busiest small towns.
History & FilmWestern Movies Filmed in Sedona: Arizona's Little Hollywood
Nearly 100 films were shot in Sedona between 1923 and 1968. The verified list of Westerns filmed here - John Wayne, Elvis, Johnny Guitar - decade by decade.
History & FilmSedona Film Locations You Can Visit Today: A Driving Tour
A self-guided driving tour of real Sedona movie locations — Red Rock Crossing, Schnebly Hill, the old western town site, and the streets named for films.
Day Trips
7 guides
Day TripsGrand Canyon Day Trip from Sedona: Plan a Perfect Day
How to do the Grand Canyon South Rim as a day trip from Sedona: routes, drive time, fees, shuttles, Desert View, crowds, safety and guided tours.
Day TripsJerome AZ Day Trip from Sedona: Ghost Town Guide
Plan a Jerome day trip from Sedona: the copper-mining ghost town on Cleopatra Hill, its museum, haunted hotels, sliding jail, wine, plus Tuzigoot and Cottonwood.
Day TripsOld Town Cottonwood: Wine, Shops & Eats Near Sedona
Old Town Cottonwood is a walkable historic Main Street ~30 minutes from Sedona: the hub of the Verde Valley Wine Trail with tasting rooms, restaurants, galleries and boutiques — and the easy stop on the way to Jerome.
Day TripsVerde Canyon Railroad: Scenic Train Ride Near Sedona
Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale, ~30 minutes from Sedona: a 4-hour, 20-mile round trip through a wilderness canyon with open-air cars, bald eagles, ancient ruins and red-rock walls.
Day TripsOut of Africa Wildlife Park: Day Trip from Sedona
Out of Africa Wildlife Park near Camp Verde is a 30-minute drive from Sedona: the African Bush Safari, Tiger Splash, predator feedings, hours, what to expect and how to plan your visit.
Day TripsFlagstaff Day Trip from Sedona: What to See & Do
A Sedona-to-Flagstaff day trip guide: Oak Creek Canyon drive, Lowell Observatory, Snowbowl, Walnut Canyon, breweries, and how to beat the heat at 7,000 ft.
Day TripsAntelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend Day Trip from Sedona
Plan an Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend day trip from Sedona: drive time, booking Navajo-guided tours, the time-zone trap, best light, fees and safety.
Plan Your Trip
2 guides
Plan Your TripBest Time to Visit Sedona: A Month-by-Month Guide
When to visit Sedona: month-by-month temps, crowds, fall color, monsoon and winter snow, plus what to pack and how to dodge the peak-season crowds.
Plan Your TripThe Perfect 3-Day Sedona Itinerary: Day-by-Day Plan
A time-blocked 3-day Sedona plan with hikes, jeep tours, where to eat, passes and parking tips, plus variants for families, adventurers and relaxing.
Seasons & Events
16 guides
Seasons & EventsSedona in January: Weather, Quiet Trails & Off-Season Value
January is Sedona's calmest, best-value month: highs near 58°F, quiet trails, occasional snow on the red rocks, and heated indoor-court play any hour.
Seasons & EventsSedona in February: Film Festival, RunSedona & Cool Hiking
February brings the Sedona International Film Festival and RunSedona. Highs near 61 F, quiet trails, and a private indoor court for chilly mornings.
Seasons & EventsSedona in March: Spring Break, Warm Trails & Wildflowers
March turns Sedona toward peak season: highs near 68°F, warm hiking, spring-break crowds and the first wildflowers. Book ahead; private indoor court on site.
Seasons & EventsSedona in April: Peak Hiking, Warm Days & Wildflowers
April is one of Sedona's best months: highs near 75°F, wildflowers and blue skies. It's peak season, so book early. Whole home with a private indoor court.
Seasons & EventsSedona in May: Warm Days, Long Light & Beat-the-Rush Value
May brings warm days near 84°F, the longest golden-hour light of spring, and prices that ease as summer nears. Play early, then move to the indoor court.
Seasons & EventsSedona in June: Warm, Dry & Cooler Than Phoenix
June opens Sedona's summer season: highs near 94°F but about 10°F cooler than Phoenix, with 61°F nights. Early hikes, creek dips, and a private indoor court.
Seasons & EventsSedona in July: Monsoon Drama, Slide Rock & Cooler Air
July brings monsoon storms, Slide Rock swimming and highs near 97°F — still about 10°F cooler than Phoenix, with 68°F nights. Plus flash-flood safety.
Seasons & EventsSedona in August: Monsoon, Slide Rock & Best-Value Summer
August is Arizona's monsoon peak and one of Sedona's best-value months. Highs near 94°F, nights near 67°F, cooler than Phoenix, plus a private indoor court.
Seasons & EventsSedona in September: The Shoulder-Season Sweet Spot
September in Sedona: heat easing toward the 80s, the monsoon winding down, and thinner crowds before October's peak — plus a private indoor court.
Seasons & EventsSedona in October: Fall Colors, Art Festivals & Peak Hiking
October is peak Sedona: highs near 79°F, Oak Creek fall color, and the year's biggest events. Book far ahead. Whole home with a private indoor court.
Seasons & EventsSedona in November: Late Foliage, Crisp Trails & Fewer Crowds
November eases after October's peak: highs near 67°F, late Oak Creek foliage, and well-priced hiking weather. Private indoor court for cool mornings.
Seasons & EventsSedona in December: Festival of Lights & Winter Calm
December is Sedona's calm, well-priced month: highs near 58°F, occasional snow, and Tlaquepaque's Festival of Lights. Plus a heated indoor pickleball court.
Seasons & EventsSedona Events Calendar: Annual Festivals Month by Month
A month-by-month guide to Sedona's annual festivals — the February Film Festival, spring Yoga Festival, fall arts weeks and December's Festival of Lights.
Seasons & EventsSedona Fall Colors: Where & When to See Oak Creek Foliage
Peak Sedona fall color runs mid-October into early November. Where to go (West Fork, SR-89A), when to arrive, and how to beat the parking rush.
Seasons & EventsSedona International Film Festival: Dates, Films & Tips
The Sedona International Film Festival runs late February into early March: nine days, 150+ films, since 1995. Dates, passes, venues and a group basecamp.
Seasons & EventsTlaquepaque Festival of Lights: Sedona's Holiday Tradition
Tlaquepaque's Festival of Lights lights about 6,000 luminarias at dusk on one December evening. Free admission, free hot cider, and how to plan around it.
Base yourself in the red rocks
Sedona Pickler is a private West Sedona vacation home that puts you a short drive from these trailheads and viewpoints — with a private indoor pickleball court for when you want to play, rain, shine, heat or chill.
Check availability on Airbnb