A combination of hippie enclave, cowboy paradise, and snowbird resort town, Sedona pushes the limits—in a good way. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres (728,000 hectares) of national forest land, the Arizona town attracts those who love the wild to explore its countless options for hiking, biking, and off-roading tours, especially in pursuit of killer desert views and stunning sunsets. Adrenaline junkies might opt for a zipline trip or an off-road tour. Take a Jeep tour of the city’s “rock stars” such as the famous Red Rock State Park, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Capitol Butte, and Chimney Rock, all accessible within a couple hours of downtown; or go even further afield on popular day tours to Antelope Canyon, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Horseshoe Bend. Helicopter tours promise clear aerial views of the major sites and a deeper understanding of why Sedona is nicknamed “rock country,” while whitewater-rafting trips down the Colorado River will wash all thoughts of the desert away. Sedona also offers off-road trips to Native American ruins that educate on the region’s long history of human habitation (dating back to 11,500 BC), tours that explore the town’s spiritual side and energy vortexes, and others that hunt for paranormal activity in the nearby town of Jerome.
Sedona’s peak season runs March through May, when ideal weather and desert blooms draw outdoor enthusiasts to surrounding canyons that pop with color. Be sure to book lodging well ahead for these popular months. Fall also boasts comfortable temperatures, plus lower hotel prices, leaving more in your wallet for October's Sedona Wine Festival and Sedona Arts Festival.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone MST (UTC -7) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 17 | Tours 259 | Reviews 21,219 |
Sedona is an oasis in the middle of the Arizona desert. The town is a popular outdoor destination surrounded by red rock formations, evergreen pine forests, and trail-laced rivers and canyons. In Uptown Sedona, you’ll find New Age shops and galleries mixing with traces of cowboy and American Indian cultures.
...MoreFirst, explore the New Age shops and galleries in Uptown. Stop for lunch at the Wild West throwback Cowboy Club, a local favorite serving cactus fries and rattlesnake sausages. In the afternoon, visit the Chapel of Holy Cross and Red Rock State Park. Finish with a stargazing excursion at night.
...MoreYes. There’s plenty to do in Sedona besides hiking, from wine tasting to shopping and resort stays. Explore the surrounding canyons on Jeep excursions or biking and kayaking trips. Other options include checking out the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Verde Canyon heritage railroad, or New Age “vortex” tours.
...MoreVisit during spring from March to May, or fall from September to November. These months offer the weather for outdoor activities and skip the summer monsoon season. Although Sedona has a relatively mild climate, summer dry heat can reach the 90s°F (30s°C) and be uncomfortable for those unaccustomed to it.
...MoreFour days is ideal for visiting Sedona’s major sights and more. The town and surrounding canyons and parks can be seen easily in 2–3 days. After that, you’ll have time for the Verde Canyon heritage railroad, Northern Arizona Wine Country, and even day trips to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon.
...MoreYes, Sedona is worth visiting. Surrounded by red rock formations, it’s one of the most spectacular places in the American Southwest. For some, the Chapel of the Holy Cross or Red Rock State Park offers a spiritual experience. The town boasts luxury resorts, art galleries, and a mild desert climate.
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