Must Stops in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona. Nothing rings sweeter in my ears than the precious town of Sedona. Scenery, epic hikes, good food, AND shopping..could it get any better? For years I have heard of Sedona, but with many places that are hyped up, you never know if they will live up to it. As we drove into the town, I realized that Sedona, Arizona deserved every ounce of hype.
Large red rocks tower over the town’s buildings, leaving you a space to explore while still being deeply immersed in nature. Outdoor adventure is scattered all over town which allows you to see Sedona from an entirely unique vantage point.
No matter where you travel in Sedona, Arizona you are sure to be left in awe, and it will have you wanting to go back time and time again. Arizona may not be on the top of your travel list, but I hope this post changes your mind. Arizona has so much to offer with a vast landscape from one side of the state to the other.
SEDONA, ARIZONA Hiking
If there is one thing Sedona is known for it’s the towering red rocks all throughout the town. There is nothing better than hiking along trails surrounded by massive rock faces, reminding you just how spectacular nature can be. There are tons of trails to choose from, and some have become more popular than others.
Devil’s Bridge | Insanely Popular
| Popularity | VERY popular. *We got lucky when we visited mid-week in the afternoon with only two other people up there. |
| Accessibility | One parking lot was fairly open when we visited, but I have heard people have to wait to get a spot. *Need Red Rocks Pass or America the Beautiful Pass! |
| Length | 3.9 miles out and back, you mainly follow a road. We took another trail called Chuckwagon to the road to get more scenic views, but you absolutely don’t have to. |
| Difficulty | Moderate, when you get closer to the bridge you will be going straight up and it is a breather. *Take a break at some of the scenic viewpoints to catch your breath. |
| Other Info | As of June 23, 2021, Devils Bridge is closed to fire. Bring a tripod to get a picture out on the bridge. Make sure to go out far enough, so you are in the center; when we visited, there was a small bush that marked the center well. |
Little Horse Trail
| Popularity | Not nearly as popular, but very little shade. Not recommended to hike during the day because of extreme temperatures. |
| Accessibility | One parking lot was very open when we visited. *Need Red Rocks Pass or America the Beautiful Pass! |
| Length | 4.3 miles out and back |
| Difficulty | Moderate, 564 feet elevation gain. Moderately flat, a few moments of uphill |
| Other Info | When you hike Little Horse you will have incredible views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, and more. You will also see the Two Nuns rock. When you get to the crossroads of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, crawl up on the rock to get a magnificent view. *This trail was recommended by a local hiking guide because so many of the others were swamped on Saturday. |
Cathedral Rock | Insanely Popular
| Popularity | Insanely Popular, Jam Packed on weekends *Best time to visit is on weekdays after 4! |
| Accessibility | Two parking lots where you can park, fill up VERY quickly on Saturday. *Need Red Rocks Pass or America the Beautiful Pass! |
| Length | 1.2 miles out and back |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Bell Rock
| Popularity | Fairly popular *Best time to visit is on weekdays |
| Accessibility | Parking lot nearby *Need Red Rocks Pass or America the Beautiful Pass! |
| Length | .8 miles out and back |
| Difficulty | Moderate, you are hiking straight up the rock. |
Things to do In Sedona, arizona
Explore Uptown Sedona
Various shops and restaurants are scattered all over Sedona, and uptown Sedona is stocked with fun places to explore. Uptown Sedona is a great place to stop to grab a souvenir or two.
Another place you can stop to grab a souvenir that, unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit because of the traffic is the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Drive Scenic Byway 7
When I say this is a must-do, I absolutely mean it. Driving Scenic Byway 7 in Sedona is absolutely magical and makes you feel like you are in a totally different world.
Ponderosa Pines tower throughout as they provide a stark contrast to the orange rocks all around. There are also multiple stops along Scenic Byway 7, such as small shops and cafes to stop for a break to soak in the views.
WHERE TO EAT IN SEDONA, ARIZoNA
After a long day of hiking, an ice-cold beer and delicious pizza is the great finish to any day. We stopped at Famous Pizza and ordered two excellent beers and a buffalo chicken pizza…get in our belly!
Famous Pizza and Beer has a plethora of beer and pizza options as well as outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching & soaking up the scenery all around..
WHen is the best time to visit SEdona, Arizona?
If I could give you one word of advice, it would be to do everything in your power to stay away from Sedona on the weekend. Sedona is popular, and for good reason, and on the weekend it is pretty chaotic.
Popular trailhead parking lots will be stacked with cars and getting into town will have you fighting traffic too. While Sedona offers beautiful sights and trails, fighting traffic tends to leave you frustrated before you even get to the trail.
Where is sedona, Arizona?
Sedona, Arizona is located in North Central Arizona nearby…
- Flagstaff, Arizona } 29.5 mi/59 minutes)
- Page, Arizona | 158 miles
- South Rim Grand Canyon | 109 miles
- Phoenix, Arizona | 116 miles
Weather in Sedona, Arizona
Like most places in Arizona, Sedona gets hot during the summer months and the daytime hours. But, it is important to note that the temperature drops 30 degrees or more from the 100-degree daytime temperatures.
Take advantage of the cooler mornings and nights and get out there early. We hiked after 4 every day and saw minimal crowds, stunning sunsets, and got to experience cooler weather.
This guide is in no way all you can do while you are in Sedona. but our favorite stops that we got to visit. There is so much to do in Sedona, you can easily come back time and time again and find something new to do.
For example, Slide Rock State Park is on our list for next time. When we tried to visit on the weekend, there were cars for miles, and it wasn’t worth it to us.
Here is to unravelling this life we love one adventure at a thyme.
