Sedona Arizona Travel Guide: A Complete Weekend Itinerary in Red Rock Country

Sedona is known for stunning red rock formations as far as the eye can see, numerous hikes that lead to energy vortexes, and all-around good vibes. It’s a small city that needs to be experienced by everyone and sometimes the sheer beauty is hard to put into words. In this “A Complete Sedona Arizona Travel Guide” I’ll break down everything you need to know before visiting, where to stay in Sedona, the best hikes in Sedona, and places to see! Buckle up, it’s going to be a magical ride…

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support to continue offering free resources.

Planning Your Trip

Planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona, is an adventure in itself, filled with anticipation of the stunning red rock landscapes and vibrant local culture. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your visit to Sedona:

Transportation: While Sedona is a small city, it’s not very walkable due to its spread-out nature. Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the area at your own pace. Alternatively, you can opt for shuttles or guided tours to get around. Weather in Sedona Arizona

Best Time to Visit: The ideal times to visit Sedona are in the spring (March to May) and fall (October to November). During these months, the weather is mild, making it perfect for outdoor activities, and the crowds are smaller, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature.

Getting There: The most convenient way to reach Sedona is by flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). From there, it’s a scenic two-hour drive north to Sedona, where you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking red rock formations.

Accommodations: Sedona offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget. Whether you prefer a luxurious resort with red rock views or a cozy, budget-friendly hotel, you’ll find plenty of options. Staying in the downtown area or nearby neighborhoods provides easy access to many attractions. More on that later.

Weather in Sedona

In Sedona, the summer months are VERY hot. Temperatures can rise to 120 degrees midday. With that being said, the winters can get cold, and sometimes even snow. The best time to visit Sedona is late April to early July and early September to mid-November. We visited in mid-September and highly recommend it!

Best Things to Do in Sedona

Top Hiking Trails in Sedona

The number one reason people visit Sedona is for the endless trails that lead to the most beautiful views. There are so many trailheads to choose from. Some are easy and some are extremely treacherous but all are known to showcase beautiful landscapes and vibrant energy. The top hikes are:

Devil’s Bridge

• 4.2 miles out and back
• 564 ft elevation gain
• Free to park

This is the most popular hiking spot in Sedona. It was by far our favorite hike in this Sedona Travel Guide. The views once you reach the bridge were insanely beautiful. It takes roughly two hours roundtrip and the majority of the hike is easy. Once you get to the last part of the hike you will need to climb 2-3 “rock staircases”. It’s not a skip in the park but they are moderately easy. Make sure to start this hike early in the day so that you can beat the heat. Finally, we started at 6:30 am and it was a great time to begin the journey.

In regards to the 4×4 trail that shaves off a couple of miles, it is extremely rocky and unless you have a truck that is high off the ground – I would advise against driving on this path unless you have a lifted vehicle.

Cathedral Rock

• 1.2 miles out and back
• 744 ft elevation gain
• $5 to park

A short but extremely steep hike that requires scaling multiple rocks in order to get up to the viewing point. This was one of the hikes that we did not attempt ourselves because of how challenging it is. However, it comes highly recommended by the travel community. So if you’re up for the challenge, GO FOR IT!

Bell Rock

• 1.1 miles out and back
• 380 ft elevation gain
• $5 to park

This was our first hike in Sedona and we loved it! It was fairly easy and the trail markers were a huge help (pictured above). During the hike to the top of Bell Rock, you are required to scale rocks but it wasn’t terrible. Please enjoy the photo of me on my hands and knees scaling the rock lol. Finally, Bell Rock is known to have one of the most powerful energy vortexes in Sedona.

Soldier’s Pass

• 4.1 miles out and back
• 620 ft elevation gain
• Parking is open from 8 am – 6 pm only

This hike has it all! From the seven sacred pools to a sinkhole, and the main attraction – THE CAVE (pictured above). Fellow travel photographer, Kay Bacon has an extremely helpful post about everything you need to know before hiking Soldier’s Pass – check it out above!

Birthing Cave

• 2 miles out and back
• 291 ft elevation gain

The Birthing Cave hike is fairly easy. About 15 minutes in you will see a wooden and wired fence and the trail is to the left of said fence. Once you get to the cave, make sure you have sturdy hiking shoes with traction as they can be hard to access without.

While all opinions and recommendations are always my own, my content on this blog post may contain affiliate links for hotels I’ve traveled to, tours I’ve completed, and products I recommend. This means I get a small commission if you book a stay or purchase a product after clicking one of these links. As always, I am so thankful for your support and will continue to share the best properties, things to do, and items I love!

What to Pack for Sedona

Sedona has very warm temperatures during the summer months but in December-April can have lows as low as 30 degrees. Since most people travel to Sedona during the warmer months here is what to pack if you’re traveling from April-December

• All the activewear. Most of the things to do in Sedona are outdoor hiking and swimming holes. My favorite brand of activewear that has lasted me YEARS is Lululemon.
• Good quality hiking shoes with great traction are a necessity.
• Water Shoes for all the swimming holes in the summer. I love these sandals from TEVA because they’re somewhat stylish, are lightweight, and I even hiked 4 miles in them once and had no issues!
• A sturdy pair of flip-flops that you can also wear on a quick hike. These Olukai Sandals are my go-to and have lasted me years and are the most comfortable.
• Bathing Suits: Being that Sedona gets very warm in the summer months you’ll want to always be prepared by bringing bathing suits. I always find quality suits that last for a few seasons at Revolve, and Summersalt.
• Sunscreen: Being that you’ll mostly be outdoors, you’ll want to be prepared to protect that skin of yours. This sunscreen brush is a life-saver since you can re-apply it so easily.
• a good quality backpack for hikes

Swimming Guide for Sedona

In the summer months, there are plenty of places in Sedona to cool off with a swimming hole. The top spots to swim in this Sedona Travel Guide are as follows:

Red Rock Crossing – Located near Cathedral Rock. This public state park is $11 to park for the day and you can enjoy creek swimming, stunning views of Cathedral Rock, and even an energy vortex.

Slide Rock State Park – The most popular of all the swimming holes in Sedona is Slide Rock. Known for their mini cascades, water chutes, and cliff jumping. It costs $10 for the day.

Grasshopper Point – Located along a bend in Oak Creek, this spot is popular for swimming, cliff jumping, and sunbathing.

Midgely Bridge – A popular spot for college kids in the school year however, this spot is great in the week for sunbathing on the large rocks.

“The Crack” at Bell Point – This one requires a 3.3-mile hike to get to. It can become extremely hot during the height of summer. Known for its deep water for swimming and cliff jumping this is a great local’s only spot to check out!

Sightseeing in Sedona

As you explore Sedona, you’ll come across numerous sightseeing opportunities that showcase the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Chapel of The Holy Cross: A Roman Catholic Church that is built into the buttes of the red rocks. It is free to enter (lighting a candle costs $2). Finally, it is open from 9 am-5 pm every day and has a parking lot up top for easy access.

Oak Creek Canyon: Oak Creek Canyon is a river gorge located between Flagstaff and Sedona. The canyon, which runs 12 miles north to south, is often considered a smaller cousin to the Grand Canyon.

Jeep Tours: Jeep Tours are great for those who prefer not to hike but still want to see the beauty of Sedona up close and personal! They cost a pretty penny but it is well worth it for the experience! This Jeep Tour came highly recommended and you should book before your trip because they tend to sell out!

Verde Valley: Take a scenic drive through the Verde Valley, where you can explore rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque landscapes.

Verde River: Visit the Verde River for kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the serene waters. It’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Culture and Relaxation

Sedona isn’t just about outdoor adventures; it’s also a haven for culture and relaxation. Here are some delightful ways to immerse yourself in the cultural side of Sedona:

• Art Galleries: With over 80 art galleries, Sedona is a paradise for art lovers. These galleries showcase a diverse range of works from local and international artists, offering everything from contemporary pieces to traditional Native American art.
• Wine Tasting: Sedona’s thriving wine industry is a hidden gem. Spend an afternoon visiting local wineries and tasting rooms, where you can sample exquisite wines while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding red rocks.
• Spas and Wellness: Sedona is renowned for its spas and wellness centers. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage, indulge in a spa day, or explore energy healing sessions that tap into the area’s unique vortex energy.
• Shopping: Uptown Sedona is a shopper’s delight, filled with unique boutiques, galleries, and shops. From handmade jewelry to Native American crafts, you’ll find plenty of treasures to take home as souvenirs.

Sedona Hotels

There is a handful of resorts and hotels to choose from when t in Sedona Arizona. They range from mid-price hotels to 5-star resorts (I’m looking at you L’auberge). Most people want to stay in a resort with views of the Red Rocks however, everywhere you drive in Sedona has views of the Red Rocks and I’m talking everywhere.

Here are my top picks on where to stay in Sedona:

Enchantment Resort ($$$$) – This 5-star hotel has the most gorgeous views of Sedona. It sets the tone for a relaxing getaway. They also have guided hikes and tours and a world-class spa. Book your stay on Booking.com.

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock ($$) – Surrounded by stunning landscape and views of Bell Rock, this resort is a great pick! It offers a spa, multiple pools, and a poolside grill. The prices are reasonable and the location is great for multiple hikes in Sedona. Book your stay on Booking.com.

The Wilde Resort & Spa ($$) – We stayed here and loved the convenience of the location coupled with the moderate price per night. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend taking a dip in the jacuzzi at night, looking at the stars, and ending the night at one of their outdoor fire pits! Book your stay on Booking.com.

Restaurants in Sedona

Mariposa ($$$): This restaurant is known for its delicious Latin cuisine and stunning views of the red rocks. It is an extremely popular destination in Sedona. When visiting, make a reservation a week in advance!

Elote Cafe ($$): Another great Mexican + Southwest cuisine option. Elote Cafe overlooks the Red Rocks and proudly serves seasonal and locally grown ingredients.

SaltRock Southwest Kitchen ($$): Located at the Amara Resort, this restaurant menu mixes southwest cuisine with a relaxed California vibe. They’re open for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Insider Tips and Essentials

To ensure you have an unforgettable trip to Sedona, here are some insider tips and essentials:

• Hiking Boots: If you plan on hitting the trails, sturdy hiking boots with good traction are a must. The rugged terrain of Sedona’s hiking trails demands proper footwear.
• Water and Snacks: Always carry plenty of water and snacks when exploring the outdoors. The dry climate can be dehydrating, and you’ll want to stay energized during your adventures.
• Jeep Tours: For a thrilling way to explore the rugged terrain of Red Rock Country, consider taking a Jeep tour. These guided tours offer an exciting and informative way to see Sedona’s natural beauty up close. Book your tour here!
• Day Trip: Consider taking a day trip to nearby towns like Jerome or Cottonwood. These charming towns offer a change of pace and additional attractions to explore.
• West Sedona: Explore the charming neighborhood of West Sedona, known for its art galleries, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon.
• Downtown Sedona: Spend an evening strolling through downtown Sedona, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, shops, restaurants, and live music.
• Mountain Biking: Sedona is a top destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. Rent a bike and hit the trails for an exhilarating ride through the red rocks.

By following these tips and exploring the diverse attractions Sedona has to offer, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this magical destination. Thank you for reading my “A Complete Weekend Sedona Travel Guide”. I hope you gained insight into planning your trip to the southwest. Don’t miss out on more of my detailed travel guides!

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XO,

Courtney