Sedona
Sedona is a breathtaking getaway in Arizona’s high desert, known for its red rock formations, healing energy and arts scene. The first time here truly feels straight out of a movie, as you get closer and closer to the incredible town the scenery starts to change and the feeling of being in awe takes over. It is the perfect place for people desiring outdoor adventure, relaxation or a trip somewhere beautiful. I’ve visited twice now and completely adore it. The enchanting location draws visitors from all over the world looking to connect with both nature and themselves.
There are still many things I would love to do and see in Sedona but for now here is a good start to my recommendations if you are thinking about planning a trip.
Hiking -
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Seven Sacred Pools (via Soldier Pass Trail)
1.1 Miles
95 ft Elev.
Easy
The Seven Sacred Pools is the first hike I ever completed in Sedona and also the one that made me fall in love! This hike is easy and short, however parking is limited (this is the case at almost every hike in Sedona) so try and get there early!
Devil’s Bridge
3.9 Miles
528 ft Elev.
Moderate
One of the most popular, instagram worthy hikes in Sedona! This trail is extremely busy so if you’re looking for a more secluded, quiet hike this one might not be for you but it is a sight to see! The trail isn’t too difficult and like most trails in the area the scenery is gorgeous.
Slide Rock State Park
Not necessarily a hike but such an awesome place to go, I would highly recommend checking it out if you are visiting during warm season! The park has natural waterslides that are fun for everyone. Not only is it a good way to spend a day near the water but it this is probably one of the coolest “river” spots I’ve ever been to.
Soldier Pass
4.5 Miles
856 ft Elev.
Moderate
This trail is perfect if you’re looking for a bit more challenging hike with great views. Along this trail you’ll find the Seven Sacred Pools as well as a cave along the trail, most people stop at one of these 2 sites then head back. The parking lot fills up quickly but you can also take a shuttle to get to this trailhead.
Cathedral Rock
1.2 Miles
741 ft Elev.
Hard
The climb to get to this one is strenuous compared to most in Sedona. The views are stunning and most will say the vortex energy is powerful making this a very special hike.
Eating -
Hideaway House - Lovely view!
Pisa Lisa
Saltrock Kitchen - Great for sunset, fire places and outdoor area!
The Hudson
Javelina Cantina
Famous Pizza and Beer - Best pizza slices!
Activities -
Tlaquepaque Arts and shopping Village - One of the most well known areas in Sedona is the Tlaquepaque village, there are exceptional art galleries, different types of shops and restaurants. This area was named after the beautiful Guadalajara in Mexico, the architecture of the buildings and thoughtful details are breathtaking. I highly recommend spending some time here either to shop, grab some food or simply just take in the scenery.
Main Street - Walking down Main Street of Sedona is another great way to spend time and check out more galleries, restaurants and shops. The area has great views of the famous surrounding red rocks.
Off Roading Activities - Sedona is a great place to rent offroad vehicles to explore a different way than just going for a drive or a hike. There are plenty of tours you can do, including the pink jeep tours, that will take you to scenes you could only imagine! I recommend checking out some of the rental spots or booking a tour.
Star Gazing - This might sound crazy but Sedona is place that some people visit JUST to star gaze! It is so far from any big city that the stars light up the sky.
Sedona is a well known destination for different types of movement classes and retreats as well. If this is something you are interested in I would highly recommend checking out yoga, retreats and community events that will be taking place or available when you decide to visit. This is an incredible place to relax, recenter and rebalance.
Surrounding areas -
Grand Canyon - Grand Canyon National Park is about 2 hours from Sedona but so worth making the day trip! Both times I’ve visited Sedona taking the drive to the Grand Canyon has been a highlight. The drive there goes through Flagstaff, the famous city known for being the world’s first International Dark Sky City. The City is committed to preserving dark skies both in policy and practice, making it a perfect place to admire the stars. Flagstaff has lots of good food and is a great pit stop to make on the way to or from the Grand Canyon. The South Rim of the entrance is the one you will go to when coming from Sedona, this does require either a day pass which you can purchase prior to visiting or at the gate. Once you arrive in the park I recommend parking at the Grand Canyon Visitors Center, from here you can explore the Rim Trail and see incredible views of the Grand Canyon! There are also restaurants and lodges here if you decide to spend a night before heading back to Sedona.
Antelope Canyon - Antelope Canyon is one of the most unbelievably incredible places I have ever been. If you’re looking for an adventure and a road trip, I highly recommend driving the 3 hours from Sedona to get there. All areas of Antelope Canyon are only accessible through a tour, these are very easy to find online and there are multiple parts of the canyon you can visit. When I visited Antelope Canyon we decided to go from Sedona to the Grand Canyon to Antelope Canyon, this made for a very long day of driving but extremely worth it. One thing I will point out is there is a time change when driving to Antelope Canyon because the Navajo Nation does observe daylight savings time where everywhere else in Arizona does not, so if you have a 3 o’clock tour do not fear, the time will go back… I learned this from personal experience. We did the Canyon X tour and I do not have enough words to describe how amazing it was, I wish I could explore this area every day! First, it will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere, just another spot of desert in Arizona. Once you get to your tour location and they take you to wherever your hike starts and it all starts. Walking down into the canyon is surreal, it doesn’t feel like you’re on Earth anymore! The vibrant oranges and reds of the canyon completely take you into another world. The canyon’s unique geography was created by water that has rushed through the slot walls for many years. Flash flooding is very common in the Southwestern region of the desert, which means the canyon can be extremely dangerous when rain is in the forecast. The dramatic breaks of light and color through the slot walls are so unique and truly make you feel as though you are in a very special place. I highly recommend everyone goes here at least once in their life to experience what Mars just might be like.
Jerome - Jerome is one of my favorite towns I’ve ever visited! This is a short 40 minute drive from Sedona compared to the Grand Canyon and Antelope Canyon’s longer car rides. This western town is located near the top of Cleopatra Hill, making it seem like its built into the side of a mountain! Jerome was founded in 1876 and is well known for the Phelps Dodge Copper Mine, which closed in 1953. Today the population stands at around 450 people but is a popular place for tourists due to being the largest ghost town in America, art galleries, stores and restaurants. This is a wonderful place to spend a day learning the history of the copper mine and ghost stories, getting a good bite to eat and shopping the eccentric shops and markets.
After reading this I hope I have inspired your next trip! Sedona is a place so special to me and I genuinely think it becomes that way for everyone who visits. There is so much to do and see while also being a place people can use as a sanctuary for relaxation and a spiritual getaway. I have never spent more than 4 days/nights in this area but both times I have gone there has always been more I wanted to do, which makes it a good place to go back to or even plan a longer trip. The adventure, eats and history of this red rock covered area in Arizona are unbeatable.
