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One of many issues I like most about visiting Sedona is that there isn’t any scarcity of adventures and actions available. You may spend a month right here and never examine off all one of the best issues to do in Sedona.
I’ve been to Sedona greater than a dozen occasions now – it’s my favourite place within the US to mountain bike – and I’m at all times discovering one thing new.
From lovely hikes that showcase Sedona’s unbelievable pink rock panorama to difficult (however enjoyable!) mountain biking singletrack and helicopter excursions that will provide you with 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 you need to add to your Sedona itinerary.
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1. Go climbing
Sedona is without doubt one of the greatest locations within the southwest to hike. There are a whole bunch of miles to discover and every path provides its personal particular shock.
Some trails result in gorgeous lookouts whereas others take you thru slim canyons lined with oak timber and tall pink rock partitions.
Listed below are a number of of my favourite hikes in Sedona. For extra suggestions examine our put up on one of the best hikes in Sedona.
- West Fork Path: 6.5 miles, 564 ft elevation acquire, out-and-back
- Courtyard Butte & Bell Rock: 3.6 miles, 341 ft elevation acquire, loop
- Satan’s Bridge: 3.9 miles, 521 ft elevation acquire, out-and-back
- Cathedral Rock Path: 1.2 miles, 741 ft elevation acquire, out-and-back
- Troopers Move to Brins Mesa: 5.6 miles, 1,066 ft elevation acquire, loop
2. Go Caving
By caving, I don’t imply spelunking…Caving in Sedona means exploring a few of the neat pink rock caves that may be accessed through climbing trails round Sedona.
Widespread caves round Sedona embrace:
3. Go to the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Even when you’re not non secular, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-do whenever you’re in Sedona.
This chapel is an architectural landmark that blends seamlessly into the pure fantastic thing about the encircling pink rock panorama.
It was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a pupil of the famend architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is an iconic monument in Sedona.
The Chapel is open from 9am – 5pm seven days every week. You may drive as much as it or hike to it through Chapel Path.
4. Take a Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Journey Excursions is without doubt one of the oldest and most well-known tour operators in Sedona. Their Jeep adventures will get you out onto the pink rock panorama of Sedona the place you may expertise a few of the greatest views and surroundings.
They’ve quite 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 like the difficult trails, the unbelievable views, and the participating terrain. Similar to climbing, there are a whole bunch of miles of trails to discover.
For route suggestions, take a look at my detailed information on Sedona mountain biking over on my weblog, Two Wheeled Wanderer.
E-book a Mountain Biking Tour
Sedona is just not a really beginner-friendly place to mountain bike. In case you’re new to mountain biking, I like to recommend reserving a tour. Your information will have the ability to 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 pink rock vistas by the seat of a motorbike with an e-bike tour led by a neighborhood 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 fine locations to eat on the town, however listed here are a number of 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. Positioned 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 advocate making superior reservations for the extra widespread 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 pink 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 provides nice views.
9. Spend a day at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is positioned up Oak Creek Canyon and is a fantastic 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 pink sandstone mattress of Oak Creek. You may 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 car relying on the day and season.
Be taught extra on the Slide Rock State Park web site.
10. Go to Montezuma Citadel Nationwide Monument
There are dozens of Native American archaeological websites unfold all through Arizona and one of the well-preserved ones is Montezuma Citadel.
This spectacular damage is a 5-story cliff dwelling that was constructed someplace between 1100 and 1350 A.D. by the Sinagua folks.
It’s a little bit little bit of a drive to get on the market, about half-hour one-way from Sedona, however when you’re eager about historical past, it’s undoubtedly definitely worth the journey.
Whilst you can’t go into the cliff dwelling, you may see it from beneath and take a look at a reproduction within the Customer’s Middle.
11. Go wine-tasting
Earlier than I’d spent plenty 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 positioned, is one in all three grape-growing areas within the state (the opposite two are farther south).
Greater than 40 completely different kinds of grapes are grown within the Verde Valley and there are a minimum of a dozen completely different wineries that produce wine. A few of them have even received worldwide awards!
In case you’re eager about sampling some southern Arizona wines, take a look at 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 a part of a ghost tour of Jerome
Jerome is a small city perched excessive on Cleopatra Hill above Sedona. As soon as referred to as the “Wickedest City within the West,” Jerome was as soon as a thriving copper mining camp. When the mines closed within the Fifties, although, Jerome turned a abandoned ghost city.
At present, Jerome has been revived as a haven for artists, musicians, and historical past lovers. The steep, winding essential avenue is lined with Victorian buildings that home artwork galleries, wine-tasting rooms, quaint retailers, and eating places stuffed with character.
You may 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 method to see Sedona than by a sizzling air balloon. Purple Rock Balloons provides dawn balloon rides 7 days every 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 quite a lot of retailers to poke round in from artwork galleries to bead retailers to jewellery shops and extra. There are additionally a number of eating places when you’re on the lookout for 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 positioned northwest of Sedona off of OHV roads.
Palatki, that means ‘pink home’ within the Hopi language, consists of cliff dwellings and rock artwork that date again hundreds of years.
Honanki, that means “bear home” within the Hopi language, can also be a cliff dwelling and residential to dwelling of the biggest and best-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs within the area.
You may go to these websites by yourself or ebook a tour with a tour information firm in Sedona.
Tip: The roads out to Palatki and Honanki might be tough and never properly maintained. You’ll desire a high-clearance 4×4 car.
17. Chill out on the Crescent Moon Picnic Website
On the lookout for a soothing afternoon? Head to the Crescent Moon picnic website with a great ebook and picnic lunch.
This lovely place is surrounded by tall pink 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, but it surely’s value it, particularly when you plan on spending a number of hours there.
18. Journey the Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad begins in Clarkdale, a city close to Sedona, and winds its manner alongside the Verde River by way of the picturesque Verde Canyon.
Sometimes called “Arizona’s longest-running nature present,” the prepare travels on tracks laid over a century in the past and provides unobstructed viewing of the canyon’s wildlife, vegetation, historical 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 among the best issues to do in Sedona.
If you would like lunch and a champagne toast, ebook the Verde Valley Railroad Journey Bundle.
19. Drive Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff
Whether or not you’re on an Arizona street journey otherwise you’re simply spending a number of days in Sedona, a drive up Oak Creek Canyon is a should.
This slim, winding street cuts by way of a deep chasm carved out by Oak Creek. As you ascend towards Flagstaff, the street turns into tightly switchbacked and provides 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. In case you’re into evening images or need to be taught in regards to the constellations, join a evening stargazing and story tour.
21. E-book a Spa Day
Sedona is touted for having therapeutic power and vortex vibes, so why not absorb 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 ebook 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 street 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 beneath!
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