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One of many issues I really like most about visiting Sedona is that there isn’t a scarcity of adventures and actions available. You could possibly spend a month right here and never examine off all the most effective issues to do in Sedona.
I’ve been to Sedona greater than a dozen instances now – it’s my favourite place within the US to mountain bike – and I’m at all times discovering one thing new.
From stunning hikes that showcase Sedona’s unbelievable crimson rock panorama to difficult (however enjoyable!) mountain biking singletrack and helicopter excursions that offers you a birdseye view of the realm, there’s one thing for everybody in Sedona.
So when you’re planning a visit to this magical place, learn on to be taught what excursions and actions it is best to add to your Sedona itinerary.
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1. Go mountaineering
Sedona is among the greatest locations within the southwest to hike. There are lots of of miles to discover and every path presents its personal particular shock.
Some trails result in gorgeous lookouts whereas others take you thru slender canyons lined with oak timber and tall crimson rock partitions.
Listed below are just a few of my favourite hikes in Sedona. For extra suggestions examine our submit on the most effective hikes in Sedona.
- West Fork Path: 6.5 miles, 564 ft elevation achieve, out-and-back
- Courtyard Butte & Bell Rock: 3.6 miles, 341 ft elevation achieve, loop
- Satan’s Bridge: 3.9 miles, 521 ft elevation achieve, out-and-back
- Cathedral Rock Path: 1.2 miles, 741 ft elevation achieve, out-and-back
- Troopers Go to Brins Mesa: 5.6 miles, 1,066 ft elevation achieve, loop
2. Go Caving
By caving, I don’t imply spelunking…Caving in Sedona means exploring a few of the neat crimson rock caves that may be accessed through mountaineering trails round Sedona.
Well-liked caves round Sedona embody:
3. Go to the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Even when you’re not spiritual, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-do if you’re in Sedona.
This chapel is an architectural landmark that blends seamlessly into the pure great thing about the encircling crimson rock panorama.
It was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a scholar of the famend architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is an iconic monument in Sedona.
The Chapel is open from 9am – 5pm seven days per week. You’ll be able to drive as much as it or hike to it through Chapel Path.
4. Take a Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Journey Excursions is among the oldest and most well-known tour operators in Sedona. Their Jeep adventures will get you out onto the crimson rock panorama of Sedona the place you may expertise a few of the greatest views and surroundings.
They’ve a lot of excursions to decide on and you may choose how rugged and off-road you need to get.
Trying to get rowdy? Try the Damaged Arrow / Scenic Rim Combo tour.
5. Go mountain biking
As a mountain biker, Sedona is my all-time favourite place to journey. I really like the difficult trails, the unbelievable views, and the partaking terrain. Identical to mountaineering, there are lots of of miles of trails to discover.
For route suggestions, try my detailed information on Sedona mountain biking over on my weblog, Two Wheeled Wanderer.
Ebook a Mountain Biking Tour
Sedona just isn’t a really beginner-friendly place to mountain bike. For those who’re new to mountain biking, I like to recommend reserving a tour. Your information will be capable of take you on the better trails so you may maximize enjoyable. I like to recommend Sedona Path Lovers for reserving a information.
6. Take a guided e-bike tour
E-bikes aren’t allowed on the paths in Sedona, however you may nonetheless see the crimson rock vistas by the seat of a motorbike with an e-bike tour led by an area information.
This tour will take you to a few of the most scenic locations round Sedona just like the Cresent Moon Picnic space. Plus, you don’t have to take a seat in Sedona’s dreaded site visitors!
7. Take pleasure in Sedona’s meals scene
After all of your adventuring outdoors, you’ll need to refuel at a few of Sedona’s greatest eating places.
There’s no scarcity of excellent locations to eat on the town, however listed here are just a few of my favorites:
- Elote: Genuine and scrumptious Mexican meals. Reservations required
- Mariposa: Fancy Latin-inspired grill
- The Hudson: American eatery with nice meals and cocktails.
- Hideaway Home: Italian-inspired. Go for sundown!
- Indian Gardens: Excellent place for breakfast or lunch. Situated up Oak Creek Canyon.
- Black Potion: Wonderful espresso
Useful Tip
Make Reservations
Most eating places in Sedona can get actually busy, particularly throughout peak vacationer season. I extremely suggest making superior reservations for the extra standard locations.
8. Catch the sundown at Sedona Airport’s scenic lookout
Head to the Sedona Airport Lookout For a few of the greatest views out over Sedona’s crimson rock panorama. It is a great spot to catch the sundown.
If you wish to add on a hike, the three.3-mile Sedona Airport Loop presents nice views.
9. Spend a day at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is situated up Oak Creek Canyon and is an exquisite spot to spend the day or afternoon, particularly on sizzling days.
The park is known for its pure water slide, which has been carved out from the crimson sandstone mattress of Oak Creek. You’ll be able to slide down the sleek, slippery chute and plunge right into a refreshing swimming gap on the backside.
Slide Rock State Park is open from 8am – 5pm. The day-use payment is $20-$30 per automobile relying on the day and season.
Study extra on the Slide Rock State Park web site.
10. Go to Montezuma Fort Nationwide Monument
There are dozens of Native American archaeological websites unfold all through Arizona and probably the most well-preserved ones is Montezuma Fort.
This spectacular damage is a 5-story cliff dwelling that was constructed someplace between 1100 and 1350 A.D. by the Sinagua individuals.
It’s a bit little bit of a drive to get on the market, about half-hour one-way from Sedona, however when you’re involved in historical past, it’s undoubtedly definitely worth the journey.
Whilst you can’t go into the cliff dwelling, you may see it from under and take a look at a duplicate within the Customer’s Heart.
11. Go wine-tasting
Earlier than I’d spent lots of time in Arizona, I used to be shocked to be taught that there are a variety of wineries round Sedona.
The Verde Valley, the place Sedona is situated, is certainly one of three grape-growing areas within the state (the opposite two are farther south).
Greater than 40 completely different types of grapes are grown within the Verde Valley and there are not less than a dozen completely different wineries that produce wine. A few of them have even received worldwide awards!
For those who’re involved in sampling some southern Arizona wines, try the Verde Valley Wine Path for a map and extra details about grape rising and wine-making within the space.
You may as well join a 4-winery tour with transportation.
12. Be part of a ghost tour of Jerome
Jerome is a small city perched excessive on Cleopatra Hill above Sedona. As soon as often known as the “Wickedest City within the West,” Jerome was as soon as a thriving copper mining camp. When the mines closed within the Nineteen Fifties, although, Jerome grew to become a abandoned ghost city.
At the moment, Jerome has been revived as a haven for artists, musicians, and historical past fans. The steep, winding principal road is lined with Victorian buildings that home artwork galleries, wine-tasting rooms, quaint outlets, and eating places stuffed with character.
You’ll be able to stroll round city, or dive into its historical past by signing up for a Jerome Ghost Tour.
13. Take a sizzling air balloon journey
There’s actually no higher strategy to see Sedona than by a sizzling air balloon. Crimson Rock Balloons presents dawn balloon rides 7 days per week.
14. Take a helicopter journey
If sizzling air balloons aren’t your factor, you may go for a helicopter journey over Sedona.
I’m not a lot of a client, however I did take pleasure in strolling across the Tlaquepaque Arts & Procuring Village in Uptown Sedona. It’s particularly good at evening when all of the lights are lit up.
The are a lot of outlets to poke round in from artwork galleries to bead outlets to jewellery shops and extra. There are additionally a number of eating places when you’re in search of a spot to have a pleasant dinner.
Insider tip: Head to the courtyard outdoors of El Rincon Restaurant on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night for some reside flamenco music!
16. Discover the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Websites
Palatki and Honanki are two archaeological heritage websites situated northwest of Sedona off of OHV roads.
Palatki, which means ‘crimson home’ within the Hopi language, consists of cliff dwellings and rock artwork that date again hundreds of years.
Honanki, which means “bear home” within the Hopi language, can also be a cliff dwelling and residential to house of the biggest and best-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs within the area.
You’ll be able to go to these websites by yourself or e-book a tour with a tour information firm in Sedona.
Tip: The roads out to Palatki and Honanki might be tough and never nicely maintained. You’ll need a high-clearance 4×4 automobile.
17. Calm down on the Crescent Moon Picnic Web site
Searching for a soothing afternoon? Head to the Crescent Moon picnic web site with a great e-book and picnic lunch.
This stunning place is surrounded by tall crimson rock cliffs, leafy oak timber, dramatic views of Cathedral Rock, and the meandering Oak Creek River. It’s paradise!
There’s a day-use payment of $12, nevertheless it’s value it, particularly when you plan on spending just a few hours there.
18. Trip the Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad begins in Clarkdale, a city close to Sedona, and winds its means alongside the Verde River by means of the picturesque Verde Canyon.
Sometimes called “Arizona’s longest-running nature present,” the practice travels on tracks laid over a century in the past and presents unobstructed viewing of the canyon’s wildlife, vegetation, historic cliff dwellings, and geological wonders.
The 4-hour journey on the Verde Canyon Railroad is a bit dear ($109/per individual), however a cool expertise and the most effective issues to do in Sedona.
If you need lunch and a champagne toast, e-book the Verde Valley Railroad Journey Bundle.
19. Drive Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff
Whether or not you’re on an Arizona highway journey otherwise you’re simply spending just a few days in Sedona, a drive up Oak Creek Canyon is a should.
This slender, winding highway cuts by means of a deep chasm carved out by Oak Creek. As you ascend towards Flagstaff, the highway turns into tightly switchbacked and presents nice views again down the canyon.
This drive is especially magical within the fall when the foliage turns right into a show of autumn colours.
20. Join a Sedona Stargazing Tour
The evening skies above Sedona are a few of the greatest within the southwest. For those who’re into evening pictures or need to be taught concerning the constellations, join a evening stargazing and story tour.
21. Ebook a Spa Day
Sedona is touted for having therapeutic vitality and vortex vibes, so why not take in a few of that goodness with a day on the spa?
There are a handful of day spas round city that supply massages, facials, and different companies, or you may e-book an evening or two at a vacation spot spa like Enchantment Resort or The Wilde Resort & Spa. Simply be ready to pay Sedona costs.
Planning a highway journey in Arizona? Try these weblog posts so that you take advantage of your journey:
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Have you ever visited Sedona? What’s in your greatest issues to in Sedona listing? Which of those hikes, actions, or websites pursuits you probably the most? Depart a remark under!
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