Sedona oozes an Arizona aurora that will leave you feeling dumbfounded by the beauty of the American southwest. It’ll have you finding yourself repeatedly saying “WOW LOOK AT THAT” as you watch the terrain turn from dry desert to plunging canyons to stark red rocks.
From its outstanding hiking trails to the fascinating psychedelic history, a weekend in Sedona, AZ will blow away even the most curious of travelers. Whether you’re traveling to Phoenix or road tripping to the Grand Cayon, Sedona is a must-stay along the way.
TOP HIKING TRAILS AROUND SEDONA
Devil’s Bridge
West Fork
Red Rock State Park
Devil’s Bridge is quite possibly one of the best hiking trails in the US. If you’re in a standard compact car or sedan - especially if it’s a rental - you'll park about a mile from the trailhead. The dirt road past the first parking area is made strictly for four-wheel drive and utility vehicles so it’s better to just play it safe and just to walk the extra twenty minutes or so. Once to the trailhead, you’ll hike just over a mile up to the natural bridge formation that’s worth the incline. It’s a more mild hike with some heavy breathing and steepness toward the top but the reward is well worth it.
West Fork trail is one of the most raved-about hiking trails by the Sedona locals. The trailhead is about twenty minutes from uptown Sedona. There’s a $12 parking fee, which felt a little steep for winter hiking but it’s understandable for the summer months as it’s a rare shady escape with a river for light swimming. This 7.2 down and back trail is a mild journey with stream crossings through canyons, ranking as one of the top hikes in the US.
Red Rock State Park is another glorious hiking area in Sedona where you can explore through the red rocks and the rivers with tons of different trail and picnic options. Word on the street is that the .7 mile loop of Secret Slickrock Trail is one of the top spots for a sunset viewing of Cathedral Rock with sandstone reflective pools that fill after a storm. While we’re talking sunsets in Sedona, skip the Airport Mesa viewing vortex. It was crowded, overrating and you have to pay to park. There are a ton of better (free) spots around town to soak up the epic sunsets.
INTERESTING PLACES TO SEE AROUND SEDONA
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Midgley Bridge
Honaki Heritage Site
Want to talk about a unique US roadside attraction? The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a stoic site upon entering the town of Sedona. The Catholic chapel was constructed in 1956 and built right into the red rocks in a very Frank Lloyd Wright-esque architectural style. You can pop into the church for free and get a panoramic view of the Sedona scenery.
If you’re heading up north to West Fork, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon from Sedona, you’ll run right over the Midgley Bridge. A sight itself, the bridge is a beautiful spot for a picture or to jump onto a trail into Wilson Canyon.
Housed in an old barn, the Sedona Arts Center is a great cultural hotspot in town to get a glimpse of some local art and exhibits. Still looking to explore more Arizona history and heritage? The Honaki Heritage Site is a preserved cliff dwelling pueblo that is believed to have been inhabited between 1000 and 1400 AD. Be sure to bring or buy an annual national park pass (or Red Rocks pass) for entry.
WHERE TO STAY IN SEDONA
Uptown is the busiest area in town with plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars to walk to, but you’ll be sure to pay premier prices for hotels on the main strip. I stayed happily at Arabella Hotel for under $200 per night which was a steal that included a hot tub, continental breakfast, and prime viewing spot for the sunset (complete with a fire pit.)It was by no means a luxury accommodation but it has everything we could need and more for relaxing after a day of exploring around Arizona.
If you’re looking to get a bit more rustic and tap into nature, I spotted a log-cabin style resort in Oak Canyon on the way to West Fork that looked picturesque called ‘Forest Houses Resort.’ These Sedona cabins overlooked the river, adding a cooler touch to the classically hot Arizona temperatures. There’s not a doubt in my mind that these bad boys fill up quickly so be sure not to wait too long to pull the trigger on a reservation.
BEST SPOTS TO EAT & DRINK AROUND SEDONA
SANDWICH/CASUAL RESTAURANTS
Elote Cafe, Sedona Memories, Wild Flower Bread Co
UPSCALE DINNER SPOTS
Dahl & DiLuca Ristorante, The Hudson
HAPPY HOUR / BARS
Hideaway House: Great views, low-key, happy hour from 3-6 pm
Mooney’s Irish Pub: Open latest in town, karaoke on Thursdays, upbeat and relaxed bar
Oak Creek Brewing: Check about live music
View 180: Cool bar for scenic sunset views
A weekend in Sedona will leave you feeling full of wonder as you wander the dramatic Arizona terrain. Shoot us your Sedona travel tips to talesofexploration@gmail.com!