Sedona is most definitely one of a kind, but it doesn’t require a long trip to see/do everything. You can really knock out a lot of great hikes, crystal shops and foodie spots in a long weekend trip. I’ve been twice so far-once was a day trip and the second time was a 5 day trip. In my opinion, let how much you enjoy hiking determine the length of your trip!
HOW TO GET THERE:
Sedona has an airport of its own, but usually we find it cheaper to fly into Phoenix and make the drive. It’s about 2 hours or 125 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Each time we’ve visited, we rented a car ahead of time from either Turo or a major car rental company and picked it up at the airport. The drive is pretty scenic too, so that makes it enjoyable!
WHERE TO STAY:
There are plenty of airbnb and hotel options in Sedona! Be aware, they can be pretty pricey. I always recommend traveling with a group if possible and splitting an airbnb and Sedona is no exception! There are beautiful homes perched up on the mountainside just begging for you to rent them. We stayed at the GreenTree Inn which is located in West Sedona. This area seemed to be more inexpensive than staying directly in the center of the city, and was still super easy to access everything! If you prefer convenience and walkability then you’ll want to stay in the city center.
STUFF TO DO:
- Visit Mystical Bazaar for Aura Photography
- Check out Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Drive down the Red Rock Scenic Byway
- Take a Broken Arrow Jeep Tour
- Walk around and shop at Tlaquepaque Arts + Crafts Village
- Kayak down Verde River (Verde Valley Kayak Rentals – $35)
- Slide Rock Park – bring your swim!
- Stargaze!!
WHERE TO EAT:
- Local Juicery (açaí bowls, healthy optons)
- Wildflower Cafe (our favorite!!)
- Indian Gardens Cafe (brunch)
- Saltrock Southwest Kitchen (lunch/dinner with a view)
- Hideaway House (pizza)
- Creekside Coffee and Bakery (BEST coffee + with a view)
- Elote Cafe (Mexican)
- Mariposa (sunset dinner)
- PussyCat Gelato
- Picazzo/s Healthy Italian Kitchen
WHERE TO STARGAZE:
- Beaverhead Flat Scenic Outlook
- Thunder Mountain Trailhead (sunset + stargazing)
- Buddha Beach (swimming hole with a view of Cathedral Rock)
- Chocolate Waterfalls
WHICH HIKES TO DO:
- Cathedral Rock (one of my all time favorite hikes- go for sunrise!)
- Devil’s Bridge
- Airport Mesa Loop (or Airport View for a shorter version)
- Bell Rock
- Boynton Canyon (visit the subways off trail here!)
- Soldier’s Pass
- Oak Creek Canyon
- Fay’s Canyon
- Lava River Cave
See below for some of my instagram posts with more details on the hikes we did + my personal hike rating!
