Sedona is a magical desert oasis in central Arizona featuring prominent, jagged cliffs and striking crimson rocks.
Millions of visitors each year come to hike the red rocks, watch the cotton candy sunsets painting the desert skies, and absorb the power of the alleged vortexes. Since there are so many things to do in Sedona, it can seem overwhelming to select the very best things. I’m here to help you with that!
Whether you’re planning your very first trip to Sedona or are looking for new ideas on your repeat visit, I am going to share with you the best things to do in Sedona!
How to Get to Sedona
Fly
There are five airports located conveniently within 2-4 hours of Sedona.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Major airport, most popular when traveling to Sedona. 2-hour drive to Sedona.
- Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (IWA). Smaller airport. Ideal for those who are flying smaller airlines from smaller towns. 2.5 hours to Sedona.
- Sedona Airport (KSEZ). Located in the heart of Sedona. Convenient but expensive.
- Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG). 40-minute drive to Sedona. A smaller airport, more expensive, but conveniently located between Sedona and Grand Canyon.
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). 4 hours from Las Vegas to Sedona, but ideal if you are planning a road trip to other places as well, such as the Utah Mighty 5, Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Lake Powell, Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon National Park, etc.
Drive
Here are the distances from a few major cities to Sedona:
- Phoenix, AZ: 124 miles
- Las Vegas, NV: 277 miles
- San Diego, CA: 455 miles
- Los Angeles, CA: 473 miles
Best Time to Visit Sedona
The best time to visit is in the fall or spring.
The 17 Best Things to Do in Sedona
1. Go Offroading
Some of the very best sights and trails are only accessible via 4×4, high-clearance vehicles. Iconic views like cliff waterfalls and unique rock formations are best seen from these bumpy red dirt roads, and many hiking trails can be shortened by bypassing those sandy roads and parking right at the trailhead.
If you don’t have your own 4×4 vehicle, there are many ATV, Jeep, and other off-roading vehicle rentals in Sedona.
Schnebly Hill Road
This off-roading trail is ideal for beginners, and though it lacks some of the thrills that other adventurous trails offer, it’s still a 4×4 road for a reason.
It’s rated as easy until you reach the optional Volcanic Rim Loop.
Dry Creek Basin
If you want to hike Devil’s Bridge, take this road directly to the trailhead. For about 1.6 miles, you will be sharing the road with the Devil’s Bridge hikers who didn’t have 4WD and had to park at Dry Creek Road. The dusty road itself isn’t super thrilling or exciting, so I’d only recommend driving this road if you plan on hiking to Devil’s Bridge. If not, skip the road and select one of the other thrilling ones!
Diamondback Gulch
This trail is known for its steep descents, drop-offs, and intense climbs. If you’re looking for an adventure with plenty of broad scenic vistas, consider driving this trail!
Soldier Pass
Only 12 vehicles are allowed on this road per day. You will pass landmarks like Seven Sacred Pools and Devil’s Kitchen.
If you don’t get to experience this off-roading adventure but you’d still like to see these famous landmarks, consider hiking the Soldier’s Pass Trail that runs parallel to this road.
The Outlaw Trail
This trail is another moderate, warm-up trail with plenty of spots to pull over and enjoy the views.
Broken Arrow
This road is known to be Sedona’s most thrilling trail. A nail-biting drive coupled with unmatched views makes this road the ideal adventure for 4WD experts.
2. Hike to Devil’s Bridge
- Distance: 2 miles with 4×4 OR 4.2-4.6 miles without a 4×4
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 462-521 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, you will need to park at the Dry Creek Road Parking Lot and walk the dirt road for the first couple miles to the trailhead. Your total hike distance will be 4.6 miles. Or, you can park at the Mescal Trailhead, making your total hike about 4.2 miles.
If you have a 4×4 vehicle, you can take the jarring dirt road directly up to Devil’s Bridge Trailhead. Your hike will be 2 miles roundtrip.
The Devil’s Bridge trail is quite popular, and you are almost guaranteed to have company unless perhaps you are hiking in the dark. But it is popular for a reason, and you will see why.
The wide, sandy trail will transform into a series of challenging rock scrambles. Your heart will be pumping with adrenaline by the time you reach the landmark at the end of the trail: Devil’s Bridge, a long natural arch.
Standing 54 feet tall and 45 feet long, Devil’s Bridge towers above a valley of trees and is backdropped by striped, crimson-red rocks. This is a must-see if you are a first-timer to Sedona, but be prepared to wait in line for a photo on the bridge!
3. Hike up to Cathedral Rock
- Distance: 1.2 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 741 feet
- Difficulty: Strenuous
Though this hike is short, it is quite technical and requires steep rock scrambling to reach the top. The beauty of this trail is that you don’t need to climb to the very top to see some incredible views.
Cathedral Rock is one of the most prominent red rocks in Sedona, viewable from most parts of the town, and getting to climb to the top – or as far as you can go – should definitely be on your bucket list!
Sunset is the ideal time to go, and make sure to follow the cairns to see the views from all sides of the rock.
4. Hike Soldier Pass
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 839 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Soldier’s Pass is another iconic hike that appears at the top of most Sedona-bound hikers’ lists. Landmarks like Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and Soldier Pass Cave beckon visitors to its trail.
5. Take a Pink Jeep Tour
These iconic Pink Jeep Tours are only available in five cities in the country, and one of them is Sedona.
Embark on an unforgettable off-roading adventure through some of the wildest backcountry trails in the area. Aboard a bright pink Jeep, expert tour guides will take you on bumpy backroads only accessible by 4×4, high-clearance vehicle.
You will pass unique rock formations, draw in sweeping vistas, and maybe even glimpse a cliff waterfall if you’re lucky enough to get caught in a thunderstorm as we did!
Rated from mild to rugged with varying excursion lengths, there is a tour for every type of adventurer. Families with small children and expert hikers alike are sure to savor this wild ride up, down, around, and through the red rocks!
6. Hike to the Birthing Cave
- Distance: 2 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & back
- Elevation Gain: 291 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Caves have begun to emerge on social media feeds over the years, and the once-hidden “secret” caves have now been revealed to the public. Masses of people rush to Sedona in search of hidden gems, and one of the most popular is the Birthing Cave.
The trail leading to the cave is rated as easy, but getting up to the cave is considered moderate to strenuous.
Take caution when inside the cave, keep your voice low, and respect others around you so that everyone can draw in the enchanting surroundings in moderate peace.
7. Hike to Boynton Canyon and Subway Cave
- Distance: 7.1 miles
- Type of Trail: Out and back
- Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
The Boynton Canyon has two spur trails off its main path: Subway Cave and Boynton Vista. Both just add less than a mile roundtrip to your total hike, so I’d highly recommend exploring all three. Just like the other hikes I’ve listed, this one is popular, but its length and intensity deter casual hikers. The stunning views of Boynton Canyon and Enchantment Resort eventually open up to sandy trails and trees. At Subway Cave, the canyon rock walls curve together just like the New York City Subway, with a giant slit in the middle separating the two sides. Take caution when inside the Subway as the drop-offs are steep and highly dangerous.
8. Drive Through Oak Creek Canyon
Arizona State Route 89A in Sedona, otherwise known as Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, is famous for its nail-biting switchbacks, towering red rocks, and dramatic canyon views.
The scenery can definitely be admired without leaving the confines of your vehicle for the entire 14 miles between Sedona and Flagstaff, but if you want the full experience, I’d highly recommend pulling over to swim in the holes, hike the trails, have a picnic beside the creek, and soak in the crimson rocks and breathtaking overlooks that hug the highway.
If you are looking to exit your car to stretch your legs on this drive, especially if you are making the haul from Sedona to the Grand Canyon, here are some good pull-offs along the route:
- Midgley Bridge
- Slide Rock State Park
- West Fork Oak Creek Trail
- Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point
9. Hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 357 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
There are many routes to choose from on this particular trail that will shake up your distance and elevation gain. You can hike the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop, hike the loop and climb Bell Rock, or simply just climb Bell Rock. Just like Cathedral Rock, and many of the other impressive red rocks, climbing to the top will have you feeling on top of the world, breathless and in utter awe. If you choose to just complete the loop and ignore the Bell Rock climb, you will still be treated to impressive glimpses of Sedona and Courthouse Butte.
10. Hike to Doe Mountain
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & Back
- Elevation Gain: 511 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
Follow the series of moderate switchbacks up to the top of a low, flat-topped mesa. The landscape will continue to get better as you ascend the trail. The top of the mountain will reveal panoramic views of Bear, Maroon, and Wilson Mountains, Loy, Boynton, and Secret Canyons, Chimney Rock, and the Cockscomb. Sunset or sunrise is the ideal time to hike Doe Mountain because you can watch the flaming cardinal and maroon rocks glow.
11. Cool Off in a Swimming Hole
Summer in Arizona gets hot! So if you’re visiting in those unbearably hot months, look no further than Sedona’s swimming holes! Though the desert is dry and arid, there are plenty of spots to cool off.
Grasshopper Point
This swimming hole is located at a bend in Oak Creek, offering swimming, cliff jumping, and sunbathing options.
Slide Rock State Park
Located off the scenic Oak Creek Canyon road, this “apple farm turned state park” swimming hole attracts hordes of people. Though this park is certainly popular and can get overcrowded in the summer months, I couldn’t leave it off this list.
The narrow, red rock-lined Oak Creek contains both deep sections and shallow sections for all aged swimmers, cliff jumping spots for the daredevils, mini cascades, and most importantly, natural water slides.
The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
The 7-mile round trip hike to reach this secluded swimming hole might deter casual swimmers and families, but it will lure adventurous souls.
Hilariously named, The Crack features numerous cliffs to jump off, deep water for swimming, and smooth rocks to sunbathe on.
Red Rock Crossing
This swimming hole boasts a variety of beaches, shallow swimming areas, and beautiful views of Cathedral Rock. There are no cliffs to dive off of, but there are some rocks waiting for you to jump off of them!
12. Hike to Fay Canyon Arch
- Distance: 1.5 miles
- Type of Trail: Out & Back
- Elevation Gain: 246 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
This short but scenic hike will take you through Fay Canyon and up to a natural arch. The cave dwellings, rock formations, and natural bridge are worth the rigorous rock scramble to the top. If after you’ve taken the spur trail to Fay Canyon Arch, you aren’t ready to end your adventure and head back to your car, you can continue on Fay Canyon Trail to complete the entire 2.5-mile hike.
13. Hike the Thunder Mountain, Andante, and Chimney Rock Loop
- Distance: 3.8 miles
- Type of Trail: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 564 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
If you’re looking for a quieter trail with fewer crowds, the Thunder Mountain area trail system should be on your list. There are a series of trails snaking around mountains and giant red rocks that are tucked away behind quiet residential neighborhoods. Since they’re off the beaten path and not advertised from the main road, many visitors don’t venture out this way.
The long chain of looped trails makes it easy to customize your hiking experience and add as many or as few miles as you’d like to your hike. Trails like Thunder Mountain, Lower Chimney Rock, Chimney Rock, Sugarloaf, Coffee Pot, and Andante are all connected and can be accessed behind neighborhoods in quiet, small parking lots. Trailheads include Thunder Mountain, Andante, and Sugarloaf. Climb to the summit of Lower Chimney Rock or Sugarloaf for some thigh-burning challenges and one-of-a-kind panoramic views from the top!
14. Stroll Through the Village
Though visitors are attracted to Sedona’s hiking, off-roading, camping, swimming, and other outdoorsy opportunities, the cute little village in the center of town shouldn’t be overlooked.
Everything from arts and crafts to souvenirs and decor is sold at the quaint outdoor shops. When you’re ready to rest your feet from walking or take a break from the car, stop at one of the many restaurants and coffee shops that line the streets, all with towering red rocks as their backdrops.
So on your way to Oak Creek Canyon or after a long day of hiking and swimming, take a stroll through town!
15. Experience the Vortexes
A vortex is a swirling center of energy, conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploring. Spirituality and vibrating energy are known to permeate Sedona. Visitors can often be found meditating, reflecting, or performing yoga at one of these vortex spots.
When visiting one of the vortex sites, some people report tingling hands or toes, heightened awareness, or palpable sensations across their shoulder blades and neck, due to the sizzling energy vibrating through the air.
Whether you believe vortexes are hoaxes or not, it’s worth it to visit these sites simply for the views and challenging terrain.
Four Main Vortex Sites in Sedona
- Airport Mesa
- Bell Rock
- Cathedral Rock
- Boynton Canyon
16. Go Mountain Biking
Bring or rent a mountain bike and start exploring the rugged, sandy, and rocky trails!
Bell Rock Trail
Easiest mountain biking trail in Sedona, perfect for beginners.
Chuckwagon Trail
Suitable for intermediate bikers. Solitude is plentiful the further you ride on this trail.
Hiline
You must be an expert rider to attempt this trail. Steep riding, jagged rock, and slick descents will have your adrenaline pumping.
17. Catch a Desert Sunrise or Sunset
These three spots that I’m going to mention are ideal for both sunrise and sunset spots. Why? They all three offer 360 views – or views from multiple different points with a little rock scrambling/climbing – so no matter which direction the sun is facing, you’ll have a spectacular view of its rise or descent.
You can learn all about hiking in the dark for sunrise and sunset here.
Best Sunrise and Sunset Spots in Sedona
- Doe Mountain
- Cathedral Rock
- Airport Mesa
- Lower Chimney Rock Summit
