Best Things To Do in Sedona
Travelers come here to enjoy the famous red rocks. Hundreds of hiking trails will lead you to some fantastic vistas, while a trip to Red Rock State Park will fully immerse you in crimson. But there's more to Sedona than geology; get a taste for the town's history by visiting the Palatki Heritage Site. And for a glimpse of the area's New Age culture, stop in at one of the many crystal-toting shops or art galleries at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village (many of these stores also offer maps to the infamous vortexes).
How we rank Things to Do.#1
#1 in Sedona
The region boasts more than 100 different trails, each offering its own unique experience. Most lead into the red rocks, offering intrepid explorers plenty of postcard-worthy photo ops. Travelers are enthralled with many of Sedona's trails, but one of the most popular is the Cathedral Rock Trail, which starts about 4 miles south of the "Y" intersection. Though it isn't the easiest trek, the trail does offer great views of one of Sedona's most notable red rock formations. For a less strenuous view of Cathedral Rock, try the Airport Mesa Loop, an easy path located near the Sedona Airport. Other popular hiking trails include the Bell Rock Pathway, the Devil's Bridge Trail, Boynton Canyon and Palatki Ruins, which features several ancient Native American ruins and cave paintings.
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The region boasts more than 100 different trails, each offering its own unique experience. Most lead into the red rocks, offering intrepid explorers plenty of postcard-worthy photo ops. Travelers are enthralled with many of Sedona's trails, but one of the most popular is the Cathedral Rock Trail, which starts about 4 miles south of the "Y" intersection. Though it isn't the easiest trek, the trail does offer great views of one of Sedona's most notable red rock formations. For a less strenuous view of Cathedral Rock, try the Airport Mesa Loop, an easy path located near the Sedona Airport. Other popular hiking trails include the Bell Rock Pathway, the Devil's Bridge Trail, Boynton Canyon and Palatki Ruins, which features several ancient Native American ruins and cave paintings.
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#2
#2 in Sedona
If your legs need a break from all the hiking, but you haven't had your fill of Sedona's stunning landscape yet, sign up for a Jeep tour. A popular activity for Sedona visitors, these tours are usually led by a guide and vary by theme or activity level. For instance, the Ancient Ruin Tour offered by Pink Jeep Tours is popular among history buffs, while the Soliders Pass Trail offered by Red Rock Western Jeep Tours is a hit with those looking for an adrenaline rush. If you'd prefer to get behind the wheel yourself, some companies, such as Barlow Adventures, allow you to rent Jeeps and explore the surrounding red rocks independently (with some driving tips and trail maps provided before your drive).
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If your legs need a break from all the hiking, but you haven't had your fill of Sedona's stunning landscape yet, sign up for a Jeep tour. A popular activity for Sedona visitors, these tours are usually led by a guide and vary by theme or activity level. For instance, the Ancient Ruin Tour offered by Pink Jeep Tours is popular among history buffs, while the Soliders Pass Trail offered by Red Rock Western Jeep Tours is a hit with those looking for an adrenaline rush. If you'd prefer to get behind the wheel yourself, some companies, such as Barlow Adventures, allow you to rent Jeeps and explore the surrounding red rocks independently (with some driving tips and trail maps provided before your drive).
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#3
#3 in Sedona
Free
Sedona's visitors often hear talk of vortexes – cyclones of energy that come directly from the earth that can be felt by those in their presence. These vortexes are represented by the uniquely shaped rock formations believed to emit energy.
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Sedona's visitors often hear talk of vortexes – cyclones of energy that come directly from the earth that can be felt by those in their presence. These vortexes are represented by the uniquely shaped rock formations believed to emit energy.
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#4
#4 in Sedona
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If you only have time for one cultural site, the Chapel of the Holy Cross should be it. This stunning church – designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude (a student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) in the 1950s – protrudes from the red cliffs less than 4 miles south of Sedona's "Y" intersection. The main stained glass window is held together by a giant cross and overlooks the Verde Valley.
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If you only have time for one cultural site, the Chapel of the Holy Cross should be it. This stunning church – designed by sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude (a student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright) in the 1950s – protrudes from the red cliffs less than 4 miles south of Sedona's "Y" intersection. The main stained glass window is held together by a giant cross and overlooks the Verde Valley.
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#5
#5 in Sedona
Although Sedona is surrounded by towering red rock formations, many recent visitors recommend a trip to the official Red Rock State Park specifically to see Cathedral Rock – one of Arizona's most famous landmarks. This 286-acre nature preserve – located about 10 miles southwest of the "Y" (the intersection of routes 89A and 179) along Oak Creek – boasts great views of Sedona's more famous formations. Stop in at the visitor center to learn about the area's history, guided nature walks and moonlight hikes. The park's Oak Creek offers an opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch cool down, so be sure to pack your swimsuit if you plan on visiting in the summer months.
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Although Sedona is surrounded by towering red rock formations, many recent visitors recommend a trip to the official Red Rock State Park specifically to see Cathedral Rock – one of Arizona's most famous landmarks. This 286-acre nature preserve – located about 10 miles southwest of the "Y" (the intersection of routes 89A and 179) along Oak Creek – boasts great views of Sedona's more famous formations. Stop in at the visitor center to learn about the area's history, guided nature walks and moonlight hikes. The park's Oak Creek offers an opportunity to enjoy a picnic lunch cool down, so be sure to pack your swimsuit if you plan on visiting in the summer months.
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#6
#6 in Sedona
Free
When you need a break from the trails, swap out those hiking boots for something more fetching and head to the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Perched at the intersection of routes 89A and 179, this sizable outdoor shopping center was designed in the style of a traditional Mexican village. The stucco walls house a variety of art galleries, New Age shops selling modern art and glassware, and restaurants, while the cobblestone streets and mosaic fountains provide a charming, old-fashioned atmosphere.
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When you need a break from the trails, swap out those hiking boots for something more fetching and head to the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Perched at the intersection of routes 89A and 179, this sizable outdoor shopping center was designed in the style of a traditional Mexican village. The stucco walls house a variety of art galleries, New Age shops selling modern art and glassware, and restaurants, while the cobblestone streets and mosaic fountains provide a charming, old-fashioned atmosphere.
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#7
#7 in Sedona
When it comes to wine country, Arizona doesn't usually come to mind. But the Verde Valley near Sedona offers the dry climate and access to water that grapes need to thrive. If you're a lover of vino, consider taking a day to follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail; this self-guided tour takes you to four of the area's most popular wineries – Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards and Javelina Leap Vineyard – as well as six tasting rooms. Each of the stops allows you to tour the grounds and sample locally made wine. Recent trail followers praised the vineyards for their beautiful atmosphere and diverse selection.
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When it comes to wine country, Arizona doesn't usually come to mind. But the Verde Valley near Sedona offers the dry climate and access to water that grapes need to thrive. If you're a lover of vino, consider taking a day to follow the Verde Valley Wine Trail; this self-guided tour takes you to four of the area's most popular wineries – Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards and Javelina Leap Vineyard – as well as six tasting rooms. Each of the stops allows you to tour the grounds and sample locally made wine. Recent trail followers praised the vineyards for their beautiful atmosphere and diverse selection.
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#8
#8 in Sedona
It should come as no surprise that this city of spiritual healing has no shortage of spas. You'll come across your basic massages and salt scrubs, but many of Sedona's spas also add some local flair to their treatments. For example, the Mii Amo Spa at the Enchantment Resort offers a special clay wrap infused with cocoa powder and Sedona clay, along with Native American-inspired therapies. For a New Age experience, A Spa For You helps balance your chakra by introducing polarizing gemstones to its deep-tissue massages. Recent Sedona visitors also recommend Inner Journeys, Sedona's New Day Spa and Stillpoint… Living in Balance for their soothing atmospheres and variety of treatments. Customers claim to have left feeling nothing short of relaxed and rejuvenated.
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It should come as no surprise that this city of spiritual healing has no shortage of spas. You'll come across your basic massages and salt scrubs, but many of Sedona's spas also add some local flair to their treatments. For example, the Mii Amo Spa at the Enchantment Resort offers a special clay wrap infused with cocoa powder and Sedona clay, along with Native American-inspired therapies. For a New Age experience, A Spa For You helps balance your chakra by introducing polarizing gemstones to its deep-tissue massages. Recent Sedona visitors also recommend Inner Journeys, Sedona's New Day Spa and Stillpoint… Living in Balance for their soothing atmospheres and variety of treatments. Customers claim to have left feeling nothing short of relaxed and rejuvenated.
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#9
#9 in Sedona
For a glimpse of what life was like in the red rocks between A.D. 1150 and 1350, take a drive to the Palatki Heritage Site. These ancient cliff dwellings were once the home of the Hopi tribe and are now among the largest cave dwellings in the area. The pictographs that cover the walls of the site impress many visitors. Recent travelers also praised the informative and enthusiastic staff.
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For a glimpse of what life was like in the red rocks between A.D. 1150 and 1350, take a drive to the Palatki Heritage Site. These ancient cliff dwellings were once the home of the Hopi tribe and are now among the largest cave dwellings in the area. The pictographs that cover the walls of the site impress many visitors. Recent travelers also praised the informative and enthusiastic staff.
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more
#10
#10 in Sedona
For those of you visiting Sedona during the hot summer months, a few hours at Slide Rock State Park is a must. Housed on land that formerly grew apple trees, the park earned its name from the stretch of its slippery creek bed near the original homestead that now acts as a natural waterslide. Visitors can cruise down the creek on a tube or on their own, or simply enjoy the sun along the rock bed. Beyond the natural waterslide, the park is home to numerous natural swimming pools. The farm's old homestead is also open to exploration.
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For those of you visiting Sedona during the hot summer months, a few hours at Slide Rock State Park is a must. Housed on land that formerly grew apple trees, the park earned its name from the stretch of its slippery creek bed near the original homestead that now acts as a natural waterslide. Visitors can cruise down the creek on a tube or on their own, or simply enjoy the sun along the rock bed. Beyond the natural waterslide, the park is home to numerous natural swimming pools. The farm's old homestead is also open to exploration.
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