Things to de in Sedona

Things to do in  Sedona

Welcome to Sedona

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.

Top 15 attractions in Sedona

Oak Creek Canyon

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The road that winds 16 miles (26 kilometers) through leafy Oak Creek Canyon is the most scenic route between Sedona and Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. With dramatic red rock formations to either side, the gorge is an outdoor playground for camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.More

Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village

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Get a feel for the art scene of Sedona and pick up unique gifts at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Located along the banks of Oak Creek, this picturesque outdoor shopping complex and artist community is home to more than 45 art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops selling hand-made crafts and one-of-a-kind artistic creations.More

Chapel of the Holy Cross

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Built directly into the side of a red-rock hill not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel as well as a religious place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel primarily to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-inspiring desert scenery.More

Cathedral Rock

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This towering 4,965-foot (1,513-meter sandstone butte stands sentinel over Sedona’s red rock landscape. An icon of Arizona, its image is often emblazoned on postcards and tourist materials. The formation draws camera-toting visitors who want to capture the sight as well as hikers who trek up the short-but-steep Cathedral Rock Trail.More

Bell Rock

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Bell Rock is a colorful bell-shaped red rock formation set in the desert outside of Sedona. The area is home to popular hiking trails, wildlife—keep an eye out for coyote and fox tracks—and vista points overlooking the surrounding valley and rock formations. The site is also known as an energy vortex and is a popular meditation destination.More

Slide Rock State Park

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On the historic 43-acre (17-hectare) Pendley Homestead, just north of Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is considered one of the top swimming holes in America—it’s most famous for its 80-foot (24-meter) natural water slide. The park, set in Oak Creek Canyon, is also home to an apple orchard, historic sites, picnic areas, hiking trails, and volleyball courts.More

Tuzigoot National Monument

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One of the largest pueblos built by the pre-Columbian Sinagua people, the Tuzigoot National Monument crowns a desert ridge above the Verde Valley. Less known than Montezuma Castle, a similar monument built by the Northern Sinagua, Tuzigoot holds some of the largest ruins in the area, highlighted by petroglyphs and pithouses once accessed via ladders through doors cut into the roofs.More

Airport Mesa

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With panoramic views of the desert, Airport Mesa is a rock formation where you’ll find Sedona Airport and a popular hiking area. According to some it’s also a vortex, an area of high electromagnetic energy. Whether you see Airport Mesa as one of Sedona’s spiritual highlights—or just a scenic one—it’s certainly a gorgeous spot.More

Seven Canyons

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Sedona is known for its red-rock views, desert life, and spiritual aura, but there’s a solid golf game here too. The Seven Canyons Golf Course is one of the top private courses in the area, offering a luxury setting skirting the edge of the Coconino National Forest. What’s more, the course houses Rachel’s Knoll, a scenic viewpoint and meditation spot said to overlook multiple energy vortexes.More

Boynton Canyon Trail

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Boynton Canyon Trail’s red-rock surroundings and easy passes make it one of Sedona’s most popular hikes. Visitors find panoramic views early during the 6-mile (9.6 kilometers) trek, where red buttes, pine forests, and canyon expanses mix. It’s a relatively easy hike with optional stops at Sinagua ruins, a “secret” cave, and, according to sages, one of Sedona’s major energy vortexes.More

Red Rock State Park

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With views of ruddy cliffs everywhere you look, Red Rock State Park is a sight to behold. Trails slice through this 286-acre (116-hectare) nature preserve, winding through manzanita juniper shrubs toward the banks of Oak Creek. The visitor center offers numerous daily activities for guests, including nature walks and naturalist activities.More

Snoopy Rock

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If you gaze at Snoopy Rock from the right angle, the red rock formation resembles the famousPeanuts dog lying on his back with Woodstock on his nose. This rock—one of the most famous in Sedona—can be spotted from a number of viewpoints, such as Marg’s Draw Trail, and the shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés of uptown.More

Oak Creek Vista

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Visitors to Oak Creek Canyon would be wise to stop at this scenic viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the rolling Arizona landscape. A well-kept lookout lined with Native American artisans selling handmade jewelry proves a popular destination for tourists and photographers alike. Though visitors warn Oak Creek Vista can get crowded, most agree its epic views are worth the trip.More

Verde Canyon Railroad

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The Verde Canyon Railroad winds its way along the scenic Verde River at a leisurely 12 mph (19 kph), offering passengers a unique way to experience the Arizona wilderness. The refurbished heritage railroad cars make the round-trip journey through national forest land, with stellar views out windows on both sides of the train.More

Broken Arrow Trail

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This 4.5-mile round-trip hike is a favorite among locals and travelers because of its incredible red rock views, challenging terrain and easy access from Sedona’s main roads. But visitors warn its popularity means the trail is usually crowded with hikers, bikers and 4x4s. While the moderate climb is a good option for fit travelers, those who fear descending the Devil’s Staircase can opt for one of the area’s off-road Jeep tours.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in Sedona

Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure Package

Verde Canyon Railroad Adventure Package

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US$145.64
Sedona Outback Trail Jeep Adventure
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Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep
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Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep

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US$124.97
Guided ATV Tour of Western Sedona

Guided ATV Tour of Western Sedona

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US$238.53
The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour
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Private Colorado Plateau Jeep Tour from Sedona
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Kayak Tour on the Verde River

Kayak Tour on the Verde River

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US$109.00
The Outlaw Trail Jeep Tour of Sedona
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4-Hour RZR ATV Rental in Sedona

4-Hour RZR ATV Rental in Sedona

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US$315.84
per group
Seven Canyons 4X4 Tour from Sedona

Seven Canyons 4X4 Tour from Sedona

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US$101.14
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All about Sedona

When to visit

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

People Also Ask

What is Sedona known for?

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.

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What should I do on my first day in Sedona?

First, 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.

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Can you enjoy Sedona without hiking?

Yes. 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.

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What are the best months to visit Sedona?

Visit 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.

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Is 4 days enough in Sedona?

Four 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.

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Is Sedona, Arizona, worth visiting?

Yes, 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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