Best Things To Do In an Adventure-Packed Week in Sedona.

My first visit to Sedona, Arizona, was almost 25 years ago. I was dating this guy, and his parents lived out there; I packed about 17 outfits, six pairs of shoes, paid my “Too Heavy Luggage” tariff, and headed out to Arizona to meet them. Looking back, I think to myself, “clueless 20-year-old child.”

That relationship didn’t work out, by the way. But, I did get to experience one of the most unique and spectacular cities in the world. AND I learned that I didn’t need all of that stuff. EVER.

What that trip to Sedona did for me was to show me a new world. I had never seen anything so beautiful in my entire life. My love for travel has flourished since then. And my desire to get back to Sedona has preoccupied me for over two decades.

Fast forward to the present. I am now a seasoned traveler, and I have added three more travelers to the pack, my husband, and two teenagers. And we made it to Sedona.

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As y’all know by now, my trip planning is on point. Planning for travel excites me almost as much as the travel itself. I pick up my travel journal and start writing. How are we going to get there? Where are we staying? Do we need a car rental? What are we going to do? And what am I going to wear? I love this part of travel.

If you are ready to see the most stunning views, hike through the red rocks, drink authentic tequila, eat real Mexican food, meditate in a vortex, and plunge down a 30-foot natural waterslide, then Sedona is for you. Read on.

Where is Sedona, and how do you get there?

Sedona is about 120 miles north of Phoenix. From Phoenix, take I-17 north to the Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon exit (exit 298). Turn west onto SR 179. Sedona is 14.2 miles (right onto SR-89A).

The drive from Phoenix took us about two hours. We stopped to take pictures of the Seguaros, which are these gigantic cactus that apparently can grow up to 40 feet, and can live up to 200 years. They look so funny to me.

Once you begin nearing Sedona, you will notice a drastic change in the landscape; a barren look then suddenly glorious, stunning red rocks. This Florida girl was astonished. The most beautiful sight I have ever seen.

Where to stay in Sedona.

There are the usual options for lodging in Sedona, including Airbnbs, hotels, resorts, campgrounds, and resorts with spas. After my routine over the top research, I decided we would stay at The Enchantment Resort, which is about 20 minutes from Uptown Sedona.

The Enchantment Resort rests in the midst of the red rock beauty of Boynton Canyon and the Coconino National Forest.

Boynton Canyon vortex is accessible from the property for your first experience in a vortex and an unexpected encounter with a new age flutist with a message. I will tell you all about that later.

Mountain bikes are available for the Aerie Trail and Deadmans Pass self-guided bike tour (also have guided group tours). They will say it’s easy, but it was a moderate challenge for us. Minimal tree cover, which made it hot and the trail was rocky with hills. Not a big deal, just bring plenty of water and rest when you need to rest. It is a great exercise surrounded by beauty, and you will burn some calories.

There are several restaurants at the resort, both casual and dressy options. And they have this Habanero Infused Tequila that you must try.

I must say one thing about this resort. The wifi is sketchy at best. I don’t need a life of wifi, but my kids and husband were lost. The boy missed his daily basketball updates on YouTube. The girl missed contact with her friends. And my husband likes to get a little work done while traveling. They complained about it. I loved it.

Fun Facts About Sedona.

• Climate: Hot summers with highs in the 90s in June, July, August, and lows in the 50s-60s. Fall temperatures in the 60s-70s during the day, and 30s-40s at night. The mild winter months in Sedona have 50-60 degree days and 30 degree nights.
• Area: 19 Square Miles.
• Population: a little over 10,000.
• Elevation: 4500 feet.
• Geography: I am going to say it, the red rocks of Sedona are legendary.

Someone told me that the sun shines more than 300 days a year in Sedona, which may be more days than my Sunshine State.

20+ top things to do in Sedona from sunrise to sunset.

Of course, you must start with the sunrise.

Begin your day with the most stunning sunrise ever. Photographers call this time of day “The Golden Hour,” and the best places in Sedona to witness this phenomenon are the Airport Mesa, Doe Mountain, Cathedral Rock, and Bell Rock.

The Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour.

Well, it is a must. You will see these Pink Jeeps all over town. The tours depart hourly from 9 AM-4 PM. The Broken Arrow Tour is their most extreme off-road adventure, although still fun for the kids. Here are a few options to choose from for the Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona.

Chapel of the Holy Cross.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural marvel, was built by Marguerite Brunwige Staude, completed in 1956. She was a student of the famous Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chapel, with the massive cross on its facade, was built between two red-rock peaks.

The Chapel itself is peaceful, a thing of beauty not to be missed. And the surrounding view of the red rocks is spectacular.

The hours of operation are from 9 AM-5 PM. Parking is at the base of the hill, but there are golf carts to transfer you and your family back and forth.

Head over to the Mesa Grill for a burger and view.

A Southwest Style Grill with something for everyone; a fun and healthy menu, but we opted for the burger. Sometimes you have to do it, remember the 80/20 rule? You will find a glorious unobstructed view of the red rocks, plus check out the air traffic taking off and landing. I am guessing you may spot a VIP now and then escorted from one of those fancy jets. AND, not to mention a little grassy area with cozy seating to grab an adult beverage and chat.

Burn off that burger by hiking to the Airport Mesa Vortex.

Two options to get to the Airport Mesa Vortex: Leave your car in the parking lot at the Mesa Grill, hike down the one mile Sedona View Trail to access the Airport Mesa Vortex. Or park closer to the trail to the vortex on the right (coming from the Grill).

But first, what is a vortex?

A vortex is a powerful and transformational energy center located at specific sites throughout Sedona, Arizona.  A vortex, considered to enhance mind-body vitalization, stress reduction, meditation, healing, creative thinking, and problem-solving.

How does it feel to be in a vortex? A vortex is supposed to amplify your feelings, whether positive or negative. Meaning if you are super happy, you may become euphoric in a vortex. Conversely, if you are sad or angry, these feelings may also be magnified. Me? I just felt peace.

Downtown Sedona.

Some call it “Uptown Sedona.” The artsy, laid back vibe of Sedona’s Mainstreet makes for the perfect place to stroll, check out the shops, galleries, and restaurants, surrounded by the beauty of the red rocks. Enjoy Authentic Mexican Cuisine at 89Agave (we ate there twice); try the Funky Cacti, made with prickly pear tequila, aloe vera juice, and lime juice. Kinda sour, but I liked it.

Stargaze.

Fun Fact: Sedona is a member of the International Dark-Sky Community, which is a group of cities recognized for enacting legislation designed to eliminate light pollution at night, encouraging dark sky education, and citizen support of dark skies. Proof of Sedona’s cooperation in these efforts is evident during a new moon or a sliver of a moon. Go outside anywhere in the city, lookup, that’s the Milky Way.

Go for a trail run.

Wake up early before the rest of your pack is stirring and go for a trail run. Here is a list of a few easy to intermediate trails great for a morning run.

• Doe Mountain Rim Trail.
• Boynton Canyon Trail.
• Oak Creek Trail.
• Fay Canyon Trail.
• Baldwin Loop.

For more trails, listed from easy to difficult, check out this website.

Go off-roading in an ATV.

Out of my comfort zone, for sure, but we had a blast on a two-hour self-guided ATV tour of Foy Canyon and Lincoln Canyon. You get a GPS and a notebook with specific instructions on how to get to the canyon and back.

OK, it was a little crazy at times, it was not all as smooth as above, but we still talk about it to this day. This unexpected adventure may have been the kid’s favorite tour of the week.

Experience the beauty of the red rocks and trails, the excitement of a rollercoaster-like ATV ride, the history of the cliff dwellers at the Honanki Heritage Site, and the possibility of jackrabbit sighting, all in the matter of a couple of hours.

Hot Air Balloon Ride. Nope!

I hear it is a truly magical feeling to ride in a hot air balloon. There are a few hot air balloon tours in Sedona. Maybe one day. I have seen them in the valleys, and they are fascinating, but it’s not for me. I’m kind of a chicken.

Mountain Biking.

Deadman’s Pass was right outside of our resort, so we grabbed a couple of mountain bikes and went for a ride. Sounds easy, huh? Admittedly, it was a challenge. Steep hills, rocky terrain, and the heat? We loved it.

My best advice for the trails:

• Stay hydrated.
• Wear your sunscreen.
• Take breaks when you need to.
• Get off of your bike and walk if it gets too steep.
• Bring a GPS, so you don’t get lost.

Take an awe-inspiring hike surrounded by the glorious red rocks.

Doe Mountain Trail.

A moderate level hike up to the top of the mesa will indulge you with panoramic red rock views that are breathtaking. Arrive early as the parking lot fills up. We parked on the road outside of the full parking lot; would try to get there earlier next time.

Devil’s Bridge.

Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes and the most quintessential image of Sedona. The trail is a moderate four-mile trail out and back. You can take your pup, too, as long as he is on a leash.

Devil’s Bridge trail is so popular; the lines can be crazy long to get this picture. The best thing to do is get there at sunrise, the golden hour lighting is spectacular, and you may just have the bridge to yourself.

Boynton Canyon Trail.

Our resort backed up to Boynton Canyon. Every morning, I snuck out early for the twenty-minute hike up to the Boynton Canyon Vortex to find peace. You can access the trailhead from outside of the resort. The hike from the parking lot is 2.5 miles and may take you 2 1/2 hours.

A man stopped me in my tracks and handed me a heart-shaped red rock. He said something like this, “A love-heart rock for you from Mother Earth. The heart is a symbol of unconditional love. Love is all you need to receive and give back to our mother universe.” He said to take the energy back with me, and that it would always be with me.

He climbed to the top of the rock with his flute and began playing a mesmerizing tune.

Fay Canyon Trail.

An easy 2.5 mile out and back trail for hiking, running, or bird watching. You can take your pup on this trail, too. If you have little ones, this is the trail for you. Fay Canyon Trailhead is the perfect spot for stargazing.

Bell Rock.

Hiking up Bell Rock is challenging. But, if you are up for it, the hike to the peak is awe-inspiring; some say it is the most beautiful hike in Sedona.

Soldier’s Pass.

A busy 4.1 mile out and back trail that will take you about three hours. There is some climbing involved; I would call this hike moderate. Because of the unique experiences, Soldier’s Pass is my favorite. You will see a sinkhole, seven natural pools, and a cave. If you only have a few days in Sedona, this hike should be the one. AND go early in the morning.

Cathedral Rock.

The hike is 1 1/2 miles out and back, although it is short, there are areas that I would consider moderate in difficulty. It is a steep climb, and you will need to use your hands and your feet to climb at times. Wear good shoes, not your flops. When you get to the top, you have a 360-degree view of red rock country.

Advice for hiking Sedona.

• Stay hydrated.
• Bring some trail snacks.
• Wear your sunscreen. Many of the hikes don’t have tree cover.
• Arrive super early to these popular hikes. You will avoid the crowds, and the lighting is dreamy.
• Wear close-toed, sturdy shoes.
• Don’t forget your camera and take lots of pictures.
• Respect wildlife.
• Leave only footprints on the trail.
• Read this before you go, the Coconino National Forest Recreation Guide for camping, fee, and pass information, a Red Rock Country map, and lots more. Here is the PDF from the Red Rock Ranger District.

Hike Cathedral Rock at Sunset.

The Golden Hour for photographers is sunrise and sunset. It is the time of day when the lighting is redder and softer than midday when the sun is shining bright. Hike to Cathedral Rock for an unparalleled view of the sunset. The experience was magical and brought tears to my eyes.

If you decide to watch the sunset from Cathedral Rock, don’t forget your flashlight or headlamp for your treck back to the car.

Get your art on at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.

If you love arts and crafts, stop in Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village to explore galleries and shops. Plus, stop into El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano for some authentic Mexican food, a quaint atmosphere, and to try the Prickly Pear Margarita, sweet and delicious.

Montezuma Castle National Monument.

The Sinagua built five stories, almost 60 rooms, into the cliffs of the Verde Valley over the span of three centuries. Still remarkably well preserved and impressive architecture from the 1100s to the 1400s. And only about 30 minutes outside of Sedona, worth a half-day trip.

Take the scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon.

The incomparable scenic 14-mile stretch along Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, recognized as one of the top scenic drives in America, according to Rand McNally. The road winds and twists, so the driver must be alert and won’t be able to enjoy the beauty. However, there are multiple scenic stops along the way to take in the breathtaking views of the canyon.

Take a break at the top of the canyon, the Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point. You can shop here, too. Multiple Native American vendors selling authentic works of art made by hand. Plus, even more, brilliant views into the canyon.

Plunge down a 30-foot natural water slide at Slide Rock State Park.

Pack a picnic lunch, lots of water, and head out to Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon for an afternoon of hiking, swimming, exploring, and getting in touch with nature. Especially refreshing in the summer with the sweltering dry heat bearing down on you much of the day, Slide Rock State Park is the perfect place to cool off.

Be sure to wear water shoes, and be careful. The name of the park is the truth; you will slide on the slippery rocks. There is a $10 Parking fee; the park is uber-popular, so get there early for some family fun.

Don’t forget to pack these things.

Basic items to pack, all seasons considered.

• Water bottles.
• Sunscreen.
• Comfortable, rugged shoes for hiking.
• A light impermeable jacket. Even in the summer, the nights can be cool.
• Dry wicking clothes for hiking.
• Your camera, chargers, and extra chargers.
• Hiking backpack.
• First aid kit.

Add these for the Spring.

The temperatures in the mornings were in the upper 30s when we visited in Spring. By 10 AM, the temperature was almost 80, already. Pack light layers: leggings, shorts or pants, long sleeve shirts, and a light impermeable jacket. You will peel layers throughout the day, but you will need them again in the evening.

Pack this for the summer.

• Tank tops.
• Short-sleeved shirts.
• Shorts.
• Sandals for dinner.
• You will always need closed-toed, sturdy shoes for hiking.
• Swimsuit, rash guard, and water shoes.

And for the fall.

• Layers are key.
• Long pants.
• Long sleeve shirts.
• Light jacket.
• Same as Spring; you will peel during the day, but need your layers in the cool evenings.

What to add to your suitcase for winter in Sedona.

I have not been to Sedona in the Winter. I hear the views of the red rocks dusted with white snow are magnificent. Maybe next time. The mild winter temperatures range from highs in the mid-60s to lows in the 30s.

• As always, layering is key.
• Long-sleeved shirts.
• Fleece pullovers or hoodies.
• Leggings and long pants.

My Favorite Part: The Bucket List.

Y’all know I love creating a bucket list before I head out somewhere new. City Bucket Lists are like adult scavenger hunts. And I am like a dog with a bone to check it all off.

Click HERE for a PDF version of the Sedona Bucket List.

Sedona is an incredible year-round destination with mind-blowing views, incredible adventures, and charming shops and galleries.

A few more of my favorite pictures and it’s a wrap.