Sedona, Arizona, is a spiritual and adventurous destination renowned for its iconic red rock landscape and powerful energy vortexes. There’s no shortage of things to do in Sedona, from world-class hiking trails and thrilling Jeep off-roading tours to vibrant art galleries and fascinating spiritual sites.
This comprehensive guide details all the essential activities for an unforgettable trip to Arizona’s premier desert city.
- 1. Explore Natural Landmarks and Energy Vortices
- 2. Get Outdoor Action on the Red Trails
- 3. Watch the Sunset at Airport Mesa Scenic Lookout
- 4. Take a Scenic Road Trip
- 5. Go Shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
- 6. Admire the Architecture of the Chapel of the Holy Cross
- 7. Embrace Wellness and Spiritual Offerings
- Where to Stay in Sedona
- Plan Your Spiritual Sedona Escape
1. Explore Natural Landmarks and Energy Vortices
Sedona’s landscape is more than just beautiful; it’s considered sacred. Four primary areas are internationally known as energy vortexes—sites where the Earth’s energy is thought to be concentrated, promoting healing, meditation, and introspection.
Whether you are a believer or simply appreciative of natural majesty, these landmarks are essential stops.
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock is a magnificent sandstone butte dominating the western skyline. It’s a classic example of an upflow vortex, said to enhance introspection and prayer.
Hike the 1.3-mile out-and-back trail to the saddle for an essential Sedona experience. It’s a short trail but involves a significant scramble up slick rock. You’ll be rewarded with a view that makes you feel as though you are sitting on top of the world.
Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
These two formations are massive and impressive, towering over the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179).
Bell Rock is said to provide an expansive field of energy that calms and balances visitors. Instead of conquering a summit, many choose to circumnavigate Bell Rock via the relatively flat and easy Bell Rock Pathway, which is about 3.5 miles long.
Courthouse Butte, the larger, rounder neighbor, offers a similarly challenging loop for those looking for more distance. The Courthouse Butte Loop, which is around 4.5 miles long, offers fantastic views of both formations.
Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is renowned as one of the most powerful vortexes, associated with balancing masculine and feminine energies. The canyon hike is stunning, weaving through high desert flora. Highlights include the Kachina Woman spire and the Subway Cave.
The 6.6-mile out-and-back hike is moderately challenging but well worth it for the views. If you don’t want a long hike, you could simply walk along the paved Boynton Canyon Trailhead access to soak up the powerful, peaceful atmosphere before returning to the main road.
2. Get Outdoor Action on the Red Trails
Sedona is a hiker’s dream, but the outdoor activities extend far beyond putting one foot in front of the other. The area is a playground for all types of adventurers.
Hiking
No trip to Sedona is complete without exploring its world-class trail system. While many trails offer stunning views, a few are mandatory stops for any itinerary:
- Devil’s Bridge Trail: A popular 4-mile trail with an iconic natural sandstone arch. The final ascent is steep, featuring rock stairs and slick rock scrambling.
- West Fork Oak Creek Trail: A shaded 6.5-mile hike along a flowing creek. The path crosses the creek multiple times via stepping stones and small footbridges.
- Fay Canyon Trail: An easy, flat, 2.5-mile round-trip walk into a box canyon. It’s known for providing incredible views with minimal effort, culminating in a beautiful, hidden arch viewable from the main path.
Mountain Biking
Sedona’s high desert terrain is internationally recognized as a premier mountain biking destination. With hundreds of miles of purpose-built, challenging, and scenic trails, riders of all levels can find their perfect route.
The trails are categorized by difficulty, with areas like the Bell Rock Pathway offering beginner-friendly routes. Advanced riders can tackle technical trails like the Hogs (High on the Hog, Hog Heaven, and Hog Wash) with their steep drops and challenging exposure.
Numerous outfitters in town offer bike rentals and guided tours, making it easy for travelers to get outfitted for a half or full day on the trails.
Off-Road Jeep Adventures
For those who want the thrill of navigating the rugged landscape without the physical exertion, an iconic Jeep tour is a must-do.
These guided tours take you deep into the backcountry, traversing bumpy, unpaved terrain to reach viewpoints that are otherwise inaccessible. The knowledgeable guides provide geological, historical, and cultural insights, making the adventure both thrilling and educational.
A particularly popular route is the Broken Arrow Trail, which features incredible rock obstacles and sheer drop-offs.
3. Watch the Sunset at Airport Mesa Scenic Lookout
The Airport Mesa Scenic Lookout is one of the best and most accessible sunset spots in town. Located on a high butte overlooking the city, the viewing area offers a sweeping, 360-degree panorama.
As the sun dips below the distant horizon, it casts long, dramatic shadows across the red rock formations. This is a popular spot, so arrive at least an hour before sunset to secure a parking space.
4. Take a Scenic Road Trip
For a relaxed alternative to hiking and mountain biking, you can admire Sedona’s incredible landscape by simply going for a drive.
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a stunning 7.5-mile stretch of Highway 179 that runs from the Village of Oak Creek, past Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, and into the heart of Sedona. Plan for extra time to pull off at the numerous designated viewing areas to truly appreciate the spectacle.
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, which runs north on Highway 89A toward Flagstaff, offers a different perspective on the region’s topography. This road plunges down a narrow, winding canyon, offering lush forested views and a reprieve from the arid desert heat.
The drive is spectacular year-round, but especially stunning in the autumn when the leaves change color. Be sure to stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Vista point for a final, elevated look back down into the canyon floor.
5. Go Shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
A cultural landmark, Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tuh-lah-kuh-pah-kee) is an arts and shopping village designed to resemble a traditional Mexican town, complete with cobblestone walkways, vine-covered stucco walls, and arched entryways. It’s home to numerous art galleries, specialty shops, and fine dining restaurants.
Visiting Tlaquepaque is a relaxed way to explore high-quality southwestern and contemporary art, jewelry, and artisan crafts. It often hosts festivals and cultural events throughout the year.
6. Admire the Architecture of the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Dramatically embedded directly into the red rock buttes, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a stunning piece of modern architecture and an active Catholic chapel. While a site of reverence, its architectural brilliance and panoramic views make it a destination for all travelers.
Designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the chapel features a towering cross visible from miles away. The view from inside the chapel is one of the best in Sedona, offering a focused vista of prominent formations like Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
7. Embrace Wellness and Spiritual Offerings
Capitalizing on its reputation as a spiritual hub, Sedona offers a wide range of metaphysical experiences. Visitors can book sessions for aura readings, past-life regressions, crystal healing, or massage therapy centered around the vortex energies.
You can also browse the numerous crystal and spiritual shops found primarily in Uptown Sedona.
Many travelers visiting Sedona begin or end their journey in Scottsdale. If you’re traveling with the whole crew, this desert city offers a completely different vibe with plenty of family-oriented excitement. Read the guide Family Fun in Scottsdale, Arizona – 4 Things to Do.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Choosing the right accommodation in Sedona depends on what you prioritize: convenience, solitude, or affordability. The city’s three main areas offer distinct experiences.
Uptown Sedona is central, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and tours. You’ll find plenty of accommodations here, many of which provide spectacular elevated views.
West Sedona is more residential and functional, offering a larger number of vacation rentals. It also provides closer access to some of the most popular hiking trails, like Boynton Canyon and Airport Mesa.
For a more secluded and luxurious experience, the Village of Oak Creek, located on Highway 179 south of the city, provides stunning scenery and a quieter atmosphere.
There’s a wide variety of accommodation options available in Sedona, including large chain hotels, boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, and private vacation rentals. Platforms like Rent By Owner offer a range of rentals to suit all tastes, from spacious luxury villas to cozy, secluded cabins.
Plan Your Spiritual Sedona Escape
Sedona offers an unparalleled combination of rugged natural beauty and profound cultural depth.
By blending adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities with moments of quiet reflection among the stunning landscape, your journey to this Arizona gem will be an experience that stays with you long after you leave the fiery glow of the red rocks behind.
Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.
