Looking for things to do in Sedona Arizona brings you to one of the Southwest’s most striking desert destinations. Sedona sits in central Arizona at 4,350 feet elevation, surrounded by towering red rock formations that glow brilliant orange during sunrise and sunset. More than 3 million visitors come to Sedona each year, and hiking ranks among their top three activities.
With more than 200 trails covering over 400 miles, there’s truly a path for every skill level from casual strollers to seasoned trekkers. Beyond hiking, this small city offers vortex sites said to radiate spiritual energy, world-class spas, wine tasting rooms, art galleries, jeep tours, and some of the darkest night skies in the country for stargazing.
The best things to do in Sedona Arizona include hiking Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock, exploring energy vortexes at Airport Mesa, visiting Chapel of the Holy Cross, jeep tours through red rocks, wine tasting, stargazing, and shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts Village.
Must Read: 25 Best Things to Do in Cape Cod
Things to Do in Sedona Arizona by Interest
| Interest | Best Picks |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, West Fork Oak Creek |
| Spiritual | Vortex sites at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock |
| Adventure | Pink Jeep Tours, hot air balloon rides, ATV rentals |
| Relaxation | L’Auberge Spa, Mii Amo Spa, vortex meditation |
| Culture | Tlaquepaque Arts Village, Chapel of the Holy Cross, galleries |
| Wine | Verde Valley Wine Trail, tasting rooms, vineyard tours |
| Family | Slide Rock State Park, Red Rock State Park, easy trails |
Top Hiking Trails: Essential Things to Do in Sedona Arizona
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. From a trailhead elevation of 4,600 feet, there’s a mere 371-foot climb in altitude during this moderately difficult, 1.6-mile roundtrip trek.
However, the actual hiking distance depends on your starting point:
- With 4WD vehicle: 2 miles roundtrip from Devil’s Bridge Trailhead parking
- Mescal Trailhead: 4.2 miles roundtrip
- Dry Creek Vista Trailhead: 4.6 miles roundtrip
Devil’s Bridge spans approximately 54 feet across and stands 25 feet tall, carved over millions of years into the Coconino sandstone by wind and water. You can walk across the top of the arch for 360-degree views of Red Rock Country.
Key Facts:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation gain | 400 to 500 feet |
| Time | 1 to 3 hours |
| Best time | Before 7 AM to beat crowds |
| Parking fee | Red Rock Pass required ($5 day, $20 week) |
On spring and fall weekends, arrive by 7am or earlier as the main trailhead lot fills fast. Summer means arriving before sunrise.
Also Read: 20 Things to Do in Broken Bow OK
Cathedral Rock Trail
Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographed sites in the Sedona area. The trail to Cathedral Rock is only 1.4 miles roundtrip to the saddle between the towers but it was marked as difficult because of the trail conditions and rapid elevation gain of over 700 ft.
This challenging scramble requires using your hands in several sections. To reach the top, you must scramble up various heavily traveled rocks that can be very slippery. It is recommended that you wear proper footwear and pack your belongings to allow your hands to be free when scrambling and maintaining 3 points of contact.
Parking can be prohibited from Thursday through Sunday, and the trailhead is only accessible via the Sedona Shuttle service during these times. The free shuttle runs year-round Thursday through Sunday, 7 AM to 5:30 PM.
West Fork Oak Creek Trail
This lush canyon trail contrasts sharply with Sedona’s desert environment. You’ll cross Oak Creek multiple times beneath towering red rock walls and leafy sycamores. West Fork is one of the best Sedona trails for families, shaded walks, and photography, especially in fall when the canyon transforms into a mosaic of gold and amber leaves.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 6.9 miles roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best for: Families, photographers, fall foliage
Other Popular Hikes
- Bell Rock/Courthouse Butte Loop: 3.5 miles, easy to moderate, excellent for first-timers
- Airport Mesa: 2.4 miles roundtrip, 190 feet elevation gain, sunset views
- Soldier Pass Trail: Features Seven Sacred Pools and Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole
- Boynton Canyon: 6.1 miles roundtrip, moderate, vortex site
- Fay Canyon: 1.6 miles roundtrip, easy, natural arch, family-friendly
Sedona’s Energy Vortexes
Sedona is famous for its energy vortexes. They are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. The four best-known vortexes are found at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon, each radiating its own particular energy.
Vortex experiences are among the most unique things to do in Sedona Arizona. Visitors report feeling recharged, inspired, or emotionally uplifted at these sites. Many come specifically for meditation, yoga, or spiritual practices.
The Four Main Vortex Sites:
| Vortex Location | Energy Type | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Mesa | Masculine/electric | Easy | Sunset viewing, meditation |
| Cathedral Rock | Feminine/magnetic | Difficult | Deep contemplation |
| Bell Rock | Balanced | Easy | Beginners, families |
| Boynton Canyon | Balanced | Moderate | Nature connection |
Guided vortex tours run daily and include meditation instruction and explanations of the spiritual significance of each site.
Adventure Tours
Pink Jeep Tours and Off-Road Adventures
Pink Jeep Tours is Sedona’s most famous adventure company, running custom 4×4 vehicles over rough terrain to reach remote areas. The Broken Arrow Tour is the most popular route, taking riders through technical rock formations and steep inclines.
Other jeep tour companies include Red Rock Jeep Tours and Arizona Safari Jeep Tours. Tours typically last 2 to 3 hours and cover locations not accessible by regular vehicles.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
Founded in 1974, Northern Light Balloon Expeditions/Sedona Balloon Flights is Sedona’s original and most experienced hot air balloon company. They offer sunrise flights in smaller seven-passenger and larger 14-passenger balloons, with free pick-up service from most Sedona hotels.
Balloon flights launch at sunrise to take advantage of calm winds and cooler temperatures. Flights last about one hour, with total trip time around three hours including setup and pack-up.
ATV Rentals
Renting an ATV gives you the freedom to explore backcountry roads on your own schedule. Several rental companies in Sedona provide ATVs and UTVs by the hour or full day. The vehicles come with maps marking approved trails and scenic viewpoints.
Cultural and Spiritual Sites
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The chapel was inspired and commissioned by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who worked with project architect Richard Hein and architect August K. Strotz to complete this noteworthy and award-winning chapel. The building juts up 250 feet from the rock.
Completed in 1956, the chapel was under construction for 18 months and cost a total of $300,000. In 1957, the chapel was awarded the American Institute of Architects an Award of Honor.
The chapel is free to visit and open daily. The interior features floor-to-ceiling windows framing red rock views. A small parking lot serves the chapel, but it fills quickly during midday hours.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Tlaquepaque treats visitors and local residents to an exceptional collection of galleries, shops, and dining establishments. Built in the 1970s, this Spanish-style village features cobblestone walkways, vine-covered archways, and courtyard fountains.
Over 40 shops and galleries sell original artwork, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, and textiles. The village also hosts special events including Dia de los Muertos celebrations and First Friday art receptions.
Heritage Sites
Tuzigoot National Monument: Just 40 minutes away from downtown Sedona, Tuzigoot National Monument is one of Sedona’s lesser-known heritage spaces. That means fewer crowds so you can spend the day learning about the history of the Sinagua people.
Palatki Heritage Site: Ancient cliff dwellings and pictographs dating back 6,000 years. Guided tours require advance reservations through the Forest Service.
V-Bar-V Heritage Site: Contains over 1,000 petroglyphs. Open for self-guided tours with interpretive panels explaining the rock art.
Wine Tasting and Verde Valley Wine Trail
A scenic loop through Arizona’s high-desert wine country, the trail connects small-batch vineyards nestled between Sedona and Jerome. Download the Verde Valley Wine Trail Passport and get stamped at 10 local wineries to get special offers to local attractions, win prizes, and enter the quarterly grand prize drawing.
Popular tasting rooms in Sedona and nearby Cottonwood include:
- Page Springs Cellars: Creekside setting with food pairings
- Burning Tree Cellars: Small-batch wines in Cottonwood
- Javelina Leap Vineyard: Scenic views from the tasting room
- Oak Creek Vineyards: Family-owned winery with Southwest varietals
Winery 1912 grows wines in Southeast Arizona at the largest and most diverse vineyard in the state, but their tasting room is exclusive to Sedona.
Most tasting rooms charge $10 to $15 per person for flights of 5 to 6 wines. Many waive the fee with bottle purchases.
Things to Do in Sedona Arizona With Kids
- Slide Rock State Park: This state park in Oak Creek Canyon is one of Arizona’s most visited tourist attractions. Apart from the abundant plant and wildlife, Slide Rock State Park is also home to a 43-acre working apple orchard. Kids slide down natural rock chutes into pools of Oak Creek water.
- Red Rock State Park: This 286-acre nature preserve, located about 10 miles southwest of the Y (the intersection of routes 89A and 179) along Oak Creek, boasts great views of Sedona’s more famous formations. The park offers a 5-mile trail network that is composed of interconnecting looped trails.
- Blazin’ M Ranch: Western-themed dinner show in nearby Cottonwood with cowboy entertainment and barbecue dinner.
- Easy Trails: Bell Rock Pathway, Fay Canyon, Red Rock Crossing, and Airport Mesa all work well for families with young children.
- Swimming Holes: Grasshopper Point and Buddha Beach on Oak Creek offer swimming in emerald green water.
Spas and Wellness
After a few days hiking, biking, and golfing in Sedona, you might be feeling depleted. Treat yourself to a spa day at L’Auberge Sedona. Their creek-side spa offers an array of indulgent offerings, from deep-tissue massage to seasonal specialties.
Top spas include:
- Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort: Destination spa with full-day packages
- L’Auberge Spa: Creekside treatments with natural surroundings
- Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa: Downtown location with rooftop pool
- Amara Resort & Spa: Modern spa with red rock views
Many spas incorporate local elements like Arizona clay wraps, prickly pear body treatments, and red rock-inspired aromatherapy.
Stargazing and Dark Sky Activities
Sedona was only the 8th city to be designated a Dark Sky City. They are very conservative about their land and preserving the natural beauty. Even McDonald’s classic Golden arches were turned a muted teal green to help with light pollution and blend into the surrounding area.
Several companies offer guided stargazing tours with telescopes. Tours typically run for 2 to 3 hours and include constellation identification, planet viewing, and deep-sky objects when conditions permit.
Food and Dining
Sedona’s food scene ranges from casual cafes to fine dining. Options include:
- Elote Cafe: Mexican cuisine with creative twists, requires reservations weeks ahead
- Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: Upscale dining with sunset views
- Pisa Lisa: Authentic wood-fired pizza topped with locally sourced ingredients, served up hot or available for takeout.
- Cowboy Club: Western-themed steakhouse with elk and rattlesnake appetizers
- Oak Creek Brewery & Grill: Local craft beers and pub fare
Sedona Beer Company serves beers like “Kölschture Shock” in an easygoing atmosphere. The fried chicken sandwich is a local favorite.
Golf
Spend the day golfing on one of Sedona’s four championship courses, where you can play eighteen holes year-round. The only drawback to golfing in Sedona is that it’s hard to keep your eyes on the game instead of looking at the incredible scenery.
The four courses are:
- Sedona Golf Resort: 18 holes, high-elevation course
- Oak Creek Country Club: Semi-private, challenging layout
- Canyon Mesa Country Club: Public course with creek crossings
- Poco Diablo Resort Golf Course: Beginner-friendly nine holes
Shopping
Browse the selection at Garland’s Indian Jewelry featuring southwestern gemstones such as turquoise, opal, and lapis; or consider taking home an authentic Navajo rug.
Work off your lunch with a walking tour of Sedona’s numerous art galleries as you journey along Red Rock Scenic Byway from bottom to top. You’ll find local photography, sculptures, paintings, and much more along the way.
Shopping districts include Uptown Sedona, Hillside Sedona, and the Village of Oak Creek. First Friday art receptions run monthly from 4 to 7 PM at participating galleries.
Annual Events
The 32nd annual Sedona International Film Festival is the ticket to the hottest show in town. From features to shorts, documentaries to animation, foreign films to student films, you will be treated to a cinephile’s dream with nine days and more than 150 films. Festival dates are typically late February to early March.
Other events include:
- Sedona Marathon: February, one of the most scenic courses in the country
- Sedona Yoga Festival: March, classes and workshops
- Hummingbird Festival: July, celebrating peak hummingbird migration
- Sedona Arts Festival: October, juried art show
- Red Rock Music Festival: Throughout the year at various venues
When to Visit Sedona Arizona
The best time to visit Sedona is in the Spring and Fall. The elevation is about 3,200 feet higher than Phoenix so you are going to have cooler temperatures (snows in winter), and summer gets hot.
Spring (March to May): Wildflowers bloom, comfortable hiking temperatures, some afternoon rain showers
Summer (June to August): Hot days (95°F+), afternoon monsoon thunderstorms, busiest season
Fall (September to November): Ideal weather, fall foliage along Oak Creek, popular for photography
Winter (December to February): Cool temperatures, occasional snow, fewer crowds, best hotel rates
Getting Around
A bike is highly recommended as parking seems to be a common issue no matter where you go. The roads are narrow near a lot of the hiking trails.
The Sedona Shuttle runs Thursday through Sunday and serves popular trailheads including Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge. The free service reduces parking congestion at heavily used areas.
Most visitors rent cars to explore Sedona and surrounding areas. Parking at trailheads requires a Red Rock Pass ($5 daily, $20 weekly) or America the Beautiful Pass.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Sedona Arizona?
Three to four days covers the main things to do in Sedona Arizona without rushing. Day one handles two to three hikes. Day two explores vortex sites, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and shopping. Day three adds wine tasting or a jeep tour. Four days allows spa time and day trips.
Do you need reservations for things to do in Sedona Arizona?
Reservations help for popular activities. Pink Jeep Tours book weeks ahead during peak season. Upscale restaurants require reservations. Hot air balloon rides need advance booking. Hiking trails do not require permits or reservations, but parking lots fill early. The Sedona Shuttle runs first-come basis.
Is Sedona good for beginners who do not hike much?
Yes. Bell Rock Pathway, Airport Mesa, and Fay Canyon all offer easy trails with stunning views. Red Rock State Park has gentle nature walks. The town itself has shopping, galleries, spas, and dining. Jeep tours and wine tasting require no hiking. Many visitors enjoy Sedona without strenuous activity.
What is a Red Rock Pass and where do you get one?
A Red Rock Pass allows parking at Forest Service trailheads in the Sedona area. Daily passes cost $5, weekly passes $20. Purchase at trailhead kiosks, the visitor center at 331 Forest Road in Uptown, or various retailers in Sedona. America the Beautiful Passes also work in place of Red Rock Passes.
Can you visit Sedona as a day trip from Phoenix?
Possible but rushed. Sedona sits about 120 miles north of Phoenix, roughly 2 hours by car. A day trip allows one hike, lunch, and quick stops at viewpoints. Staying overnight lets you experience sunset, sunrise, stargazing, and multiple activities without the return trip cutting into your time.
Are Sedona vortexes real or just marketing?
The vortex concept stems from New Age spirituality and is not scientifically verified. Many visitors report feeling energized, emotional, or contemplative at vortex sites. Others attribute the feelings to the beauty of the landscape and time spent in nature. The sites themselves are stunning locations regardless of belief in energy fields.
Conclusion
The range of things to do in Sedona Arizona means every visitor builds a different experience. Hikers tackle red rock scrambles at Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge. Spiritual seekers meditate at vortex sites. Adventurers book jeep tours and hot air balloons. Relaxation comes through world-class spas and wine tasting. Art lovers explore galleries along walkable streets.
Families swim at Slide Rock and walk easy trails. The constant through every visit is the landscape itself, those rust-colored formations that glow at sunrise and sunset, ancient rocks shaped by millions of years that now shape your trip to one of Arizona’s most complete destinations.
Leave a Comment