Sedona, Arizona Travel Guide
The Sedona region in Arizona is steeped in rich indigenous history and culture, primarily influenced by the Native American tribes who have called this area home for centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Sinagua tribe, who left behind a unique cultural footprint. Today, Sedona Native American tribes active in the area include the Hopi, Navajo, Tonto Apaches, and Yavapai. Please respect this land and the ancestral ties. To learn more about the native tribes, I recommend visiting Montezuma Castle National Monument and Palatki Heritage Site. Both are near Sedona and full of history. Sedona got its name in the early 1900’s after Sedona Schnebly, the wife of the first Postmaster.
I’ll say it 100x… Sedona is over-rated, but SO worth the hype. I’ve been fortunate to spend many days exploring the Sedona area in different capacities. I’ve backpacked, camped, and stayed in hotels-giving me a varied perspective on Sedona. Here are the attractions I keep coming back to when I’m passing through (which is often!)
Outdoor Attractions
Much of Sedona's allure lies in its breathtaking red rock formations and vibrant energy. I’ve spent a lot of time hiking around Sedona, but I often find the crowds to be a huge deterrent. Here’s your warning:
Parking can be difficult or impossible (sometimes you’re required to ride the shuttle), and most of the lots are paid (so bring your America the Beautiful or buy a Red Rocks Pass). It’s worth it if you’re parking at more than one trail during your stay.
There are only 3 roads into town (North from Flagstaff, South through the VOC, and West from Cottonwood), so you’re likely going to get stuck in traffic. Sedona is full of 1-2 lane roads with roundabouts. Typical ‘rush-hour’ times can take 2-5x longer.
For those reasons, I recommend starting as early in the morning or as late in the evening as possible (it’s not uncommon to see lots full at 7am), during off-season, or going a little ways out of Sedona, which, in my opinion, has some of the best hiking/swimming in the western USA.
Wet Beaver Creek and Fossil Creek are both outside of Sedona, so keep that in mind when choosing where to stay. The VOC or Camp Verde are probably best if you’re looking for lodging.
Boynton Canyon: My personal favorite vortex, said to have balanced energy. Early mornings here are great for sunrise (you’ll probably see some hot air balloons!) and are a bit quieter than some of the other vortices. This trail continues on past the resort to the canyon. It’s a lovely moderate hike. Parking can be tough if you don’t get here early. AllTrails Link Here.
Cathedral Rock: A majestic rock formation, said to be a vortex with feminine energy. Perfect for hiking and photography. If you’re hiking, make sure to wear good shoes. This is a steep climb up sandstone. Expect it to be busy, but worth it. Lots of people take wedding photos here. AllTrails Link Here.
Doe Mountain: I found this to be a pleasant workout (it’s steep!) with fewer crowds. Great views. AllTrails Link Here.
Wet Beaver Creek: Just a few minutes south of the VOC (Village of Oak Creek, where a lot of Sedona locals live) towards the freeway, this hike ends at an epic swimming hole with river stops along the way. Follow the Bell Trail to get to the Beaver Tongue. AllTrails Link Here.
Fossil Creek: About 2 hours south of Sedona, down a dirt road, is a slice of heaven in the Arizona desert. Permits required April- October.
Fossil Creek Bridge
Around Town
Sedona is an interesting balance of energies. It’s artsy and spiritual, but there’s also a lot of outdoor, rugged adventures to be had.
Upscale shopping and galleries can be found around the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village area.
ChocolaTree Organic Eatery: Organic, vegetarian dining with an abundant coffee/elixer menu and a secret garden patio to relax. It is SO lovely here.
Sedona Village Shopping Center: Across the street from ChocolaTree, you’ll find an unsuspecting shopping center with a Goodwill, Sedona Hot Yoga, Rose Vortex Coffee, Water Works, and Shine. I recommend all of these spots. I’ve found many books at Goodwill and now visit every time I’m in town.
Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen: Casual dining with organic options. Great GF pizza. It can get busy with long waits even during the week.
Los Abrigados Spa: Day passes are reasonably priced. It’s not luxury, but it’s a great place to hang by the pool, sit in the sauna/steam room, or get a workout in if you’re passing through.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Enchantment Resort or L'Auberge de Sedona. Enchantment is on my list to visit, but I can say L’Auberge has an amazing property right on Oak Creek and great classes (I got a private sound bath here once, it was amazing!)
Moderate
Los Abrigados or Hilton Vacation Club: Both have good amenities, nice, spacious rooms, and are fairly close to town and hiking. These are my choices when it’s too cold to camp; they have very reasonable pricing during the off-season.
Budget
Sedona has eliminated camping within city limits, which makes it difficult to stay here if you prefer sleeping in your car/ tent camping. For dispersed camping look into Schnebly Hill Road, or Loy Butte Road.
Sedona is part of the Verde Valley, a precious ecosystem for Arizona’s desert. The Verde River is one of Arizona’s last free-flowing river systems and is crucial to plant, animal, and human populations.
As always with my guides, I assume that if you’re reading this information, you are a responsible recreator. Always clean up your trash, leave no trace, and know and follow local rules and regulations. Everything in Arizona’s desert landscape RELIES on the water in this area, so be extra thoughtful about what is going into the water if you’re swimming, and DO NOT go to the bathroom without proper procedures. It is best to carry out fecal matter if you do not have access to a toilet.