With its awe-inspiring natural beauty and mystical allure, Sedona stands as a remarkable destination that captures the hearts of all who visit. This Sedona Travel Guide is a culmination of my personal explorations, where I’ve delved deep into the wonders of this enchanting city. Known for its breathtaking red rock formations, serene hiking trails, and spiritual energy, Sedona offers an extraordinary experience. In this guide, I’ll share with you the best sights to behold, hidden gems to uncover, and invaluable travel tips to enhance your journey. Immerse yourself in this ultimate Sedona Travel Guide and uncover the secrets of this magical desert oasis.
When to visit Sedona
Summer is extremely hot, so you want to avoid going from June-August. I would recommend going during spring (March-April) or fall (September-November), to get the best temperature and enjoy your hikes. Winter can get really chilly with a chance to see snow, but there are less crowds.
How to get to Sedona
Even though Sedona has an airport, you cannot fly directly there. Instead you can fly to Flagstaff or Phoenix and rent a car from there. You’ll want to have a car while you’re in Sedona to move around, as there isn’t really public transportation or a lot of Ubers.
The closest airport is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and from there it’s a 50 min drive. However, most people fly to the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and drive two hours. I drove all the way from San Diego, which was a 7 hrs drive.
Where to stay in Sedona
There are tons of beautiful places to stay in Sedona that will make your trip more magical. I would recommend to stay in Uptown Sedona to be closer to all the trails and restaurants.
For more magical experience stay in Enchantment Resort, Amara Resort & Spa or L’Auberge de Sedona. If you are looking for something for accessible, check Hyatt Residence or Hilton.
Where to eat in Sedona
After spending the whole day hiking, there’s nothing better than a good meal. Here are a few place you should try:
They all serve delicious food and have beautiful views of the Red Rocks. I would recommend to go during daylight, specially sunset, to really enjoy the view and make reservations in advance.
Fun fact: McDonalds’ sign is turquoise here.
What to pack for Sedona
You want to make sure you pack everything you need to get the most out of your trip. Here are the essentials:
- Active wear
- Hiking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Reusable bottle water
- Snacks
Tips to visit Sedona
Start early: most people visit Sedona for hiking so parking lots at trailheads get full really fast, usually before 8 am. This will also help you to avoid the high temperature, specially if you are visiting during summer, and the crowds.
Download maps: not all trails have cell service nor are well marked, so I would recommend to download the maps in advance to know your way. I used All Trails app, you have to upgrade to the Pro version but it’s worth it.
Pack the right equipment: some of the trails may be more difficult that what you are used to, so comfortable hiking shoes and clothing is a must. As well as sunscreen and plenty of water for the heat.
What to do in Sedona
Go hiking: there are many different trails, each one providing its unique experience and offering stunning views.
Experience a vortex: people say all of Sedona has a strong vortex energy but there are four spots that radiate a particular energy. They are Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, Boynton Canyon and Bell Rock.
Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross: one of Sedona’s most iconic sites and it is free to visit.
Book a Pink Jeep Tour: if you don’t want to hike but still want to see the top of some trail, this is a great option.
Explore Uptown Sedona or Tlaquepaque Art Village: here is where you will find all the restaurants and boutiques.
Tlaquepaque Art Village
Don’t forget to check out my post on “Best hikes in Sedona” where you’ll discover even more captivating experiences and insightful recommendations.
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