Sedona is one of those must do day trips if you're visiting Flagstaff or Grand Canyon National Park. In many ways, Sedona rivals the Grand Canyon's popularity for vacationers and locals alike. The towering red rock formations and canyons beckon to be explored, while the vortex energy is rumored to call to people both energetically and spiritually. Sedona is popular with everyone who wants to connect - whether it's a connection with the environment, yourself, your past or your future, Sedona has a way of encouraging people be mindful and present.
Let's back away from all that deep connection stuff for a second...yes, Sedona is just really off the charts stunning. You can visit anytime, year-round, and still be in for a treat. From playing in the water at Oak Creek to aerial views from a helicopter ride, there's no one best way to experience Sedona, but we've got a few ideas to get you started.
If you've never been on any type of Sedona tour, it's worth putting that on your list of things to do. The most popular tour is a Sedona red rock jeep tour that can range from a nice easy cruise to some pretty real rock crawling adventures. Your jeep ride can even be combined with a wine tour, vortex tour, or cultural ancient ruins tour. Other popular tours include helicopter rides, hot air balloon rides, and horseback riding. If you're not so into rides, guided hikes, with or without vortex or spiritual guidance, are second to none. There are so many wonderful trails in Sedona that it can be difficult to choose which one to go on, especially if you're only here for a few days. Going with a hiking guide ensures that you will make the most of your time on the trails no matter what your preferences are. Whether you want to find unique rock formations, amazing photo opportunities, strong vortex, and meditation capabilities or pushing physical capabilities, a hiking guide will not only help you get there but will offer a wealth of information that is sure to enhance your experience.
For those of you who might want to rock climb in Sedona but would feel more comfortable with a guide, Flagstaff Climbing offers guided rock climbing in Sedona up some of the most beautiful spires and walls in the Southwest. If you're even somewhat interested in trying this, you should probably just go for it. It will be an experience of a lifetime!
Thousands of people every month come to Sedona seeking spiritual connection. Sedona is famous for its vortexes, or geographic locations with strong energy forces. Many people feel it, others don't. You'll only know if you go visit yourself! These vortexes (not vortices!) are said to amplify one's ability to meditate, be present and even connect with the earth and beyond. Those who can feel the vortex energy describe the feeling as small vibrations or a tingle...(Peter tingle, for you Avengers nerds, perhaps?) Because of these vortexes, shamans, psychics, massage therapists, yogis, new age healers, UFO seekers and other spiritual leaders have made Sedona their home. When visiting, doing yoga on the rocks, getting a psychic reading or even participating in a group gong meditation session would be very Sedona things to do. Like they say, "when in....Sedona!"
If you're planning on visiting Sedona, it's possible that you'll want to spend a few days here. We have a sample 1-day itinerary, 2-day itinerary, and 3-day itinerary, but also don't be shy to choose your own adventure. The most popular things to do in Sedona will include a hike, finding a place to enjoy incredible views (especially during sunset), exploring the shops in uptown Sedona, and probably window shopping some Southwest art. If you're up for it, visiting a New Age shop is worth a stop to get a true feel of what Sedona's culture is all about. Slide Rock State Park is a really fun outdoor thing to do in the summer with the whole family, but it will get quite busy during the warmer months.
If you'd like to get away from the crowds, drive along 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona, park, and find yourself a little spot to have a picnic or swim along Oak Creek. Another way to get a little more solitude is to go on a hike that's slightly more difficult or longer. These trails and vistas tend to be less busy. If you're a professional or hobby photographer or artist of any type, you'll find Sedona inspiring. There really is so much to do here depending on your interest. There are local wineries, fantastic places to eat and tours offered that you might never run into anywhere else. Nightlife in Sedona is pretty thin as most people come to enjoy what can be experienced during the day. But check out Sedona.net's calendar to see what's going on in town while you're in Sedona.
Family-Friendly | Free Parking | Self Guided | Upgrades available | Pet-Friendly | Discounts Available | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity
Professionally Guided | Hotel Pick-ups | Family-Friendly | Private Trips
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument … More
Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.
Professionally Guided | Hotel Pick-ups | Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Private Trips
Family-Friendly | Custom Options Available | Professionally Guided | Multi-Attraction Trips | Antelope Canyon
Professionally Guided | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity
Family-Friendly | Self Guided | Professionally Guided | Groups/Meetings