Sedona

A Weekend Get-Away Guide to Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona is an adventure playground known for other-worldly rock formations, endless views, and some of the best hiking in the southwest. It caters to all kinds of travelers, whether solo, romantic, family or a girls’ trip with experiences you will never forget or whom you shared them with.

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Since Mother Nature puts on the top attractions in Sedona, it feels remarkably untouristy. Granted, there are plenty of tours, restaurants, and hotels to help you enjoy the incredible surroundings and all that Sedona has to offer.

This post is based on my most recent visit to Sedona with my son, who shares my love for outdoorsy activities and great restaurants. We had an amazing long weekend in late-October, one of the best times of the year to visit.

• Where we stayed in Sedona
• Weekend itinerary + top things to do
• Where we ate in Sedona
• Tips and essential links
  • Red Rock Pass
  • Sedona Shuttle
  • Tours

Where we stayed in Sedona

Sedona is known for both its spa resorts and basecamps for outdoor activities. Location isn’t too important because you will need to drive to most places regardless. The Uptown area is nice if you want to be within walking distance to some restaurants and nightlife. But, honestly, I felt like everyone was in bed by 10 pm in order to get an early start on morning hiking plans.

We stayed at Enchantment Resort during previous visits, which is about a 20-minute drive from the main commercial center. This resort is tucked away in the beautiful landscape of the red rocks and has a full list of amenities, not the least of which is an award-winning spa. With the gorgeous views from the pool area and a sense of seclusion, I think this is ideally suited for romantic get-aways and girls’ trips.

Above photos: Enchantment Resort

Check rates & availability for Enchantment Resort below:

While I loved our stays at Enchantment, we wanted to be a little more central this time. So, we picked Sky Rock Sedona. The L’Auberge de Sedona is probably next on my list for when I am traveling with my husband. But, for a mother-son trip, the Sky Rock perfectly fit our needs. Our room didn’t have a lot of bells and whistles, but we hardly spent any time there except to shower and sleep.

Above photos: Sky Rock Sedona

Check rates & availability for Sky Rock Sedona below:

Weekend itinerary + top things to do

The total duration of our time in Sedona was 3 nights / 2.5 days, Our first day in Sedona was actually just a half day since our flight didn’t land in Phoenix until around 1:00 pm, followed by the 2-hour drive up to Sedona (not including several stops along the way).

When building out your itinerary for Sedona, be sure to check the sunrise and sunset times because you are likely going to want to time your activities accordingly. Hiking is best in the morning when you still have a chance of snagging a parking space at a trailhead. And, during the warm months, you’ll want to beat the heat.

Many of the scenic overlooks are popular at sunset as the sun disappears behind the rocks leaves behind a sublime glow. It is always nice to plan a hike or viewpoint to enjoy the show.

Things to do: Day 1

Montezuma Castle National Monument

Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ | Website

Montezuma Castle National Monument is located en route from Phoenix to Sedona, about 1 hr 40 min north of the airport. So, while not actually in Sedona, I wanted to include it because the vast majority of visitors to Sedona arrive this way and it is a great first stop before continuing on another 40-minutes to Sedona.

The monument is a fascinating archeological site that consists of a set of dwellings built by the Sinagua people between AD 1100 and 1425. The main castle structure, which is more akin to an apartment complex, is built into the side of a limestone cliff and is very well-preserved considering its age.

Montezuma Castle National Monument is under the care and protection of the National Park Service. It is included in the America the Beautiful Pass, but can also be accessed with the purchase of a Standard or Annual Park Pass. A standard pass can be purchased online in advance for $10.00.

Above photos: Montezuma Castle National Monument

Red Rock Visitor Center and Ranger Station

8375 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86351 | Website

As you drive north on Highway 179, also known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, there will be no mistaking that you have arrived. I recommend pulling into the Red Rock Visitor Center and Ranger Station to pick up any trail information you’ll need for your visit. From here, you can also catch great views of Bell Rock, one of the most recognizable rock formations as you enter Sedona.

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are located a few miles north of the Red Rock Visitor Center. The best place to park and enjoy this area is Courthouse Vista, although there is another trailhead parking area south called Bell Rock Vista in case the parking lot at Courthouse Vista is full.

In addition to the scenic vistas, there are also several trailheads at Courthouse Vista. One is the Bell Rock Access Trail, which is a wide gravel trail that leads to Bell Rock Pathway and the Bell Rock Climb. Bell Rock Pathway is a more challenging 3.6-mile trail that offers views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and other landmarks. If you’re up for a longer hike, the Courthouse Butte Loop Trail is a moderately challenging 4.5 mile trail the breaks off Bell Rock Pathway.

Above photos: Bell Rock (left); Courthouse Butte (right)

Stargazing

Sedona is one of the best places for stargazing due to its designation as an International Dark Sky Community, which means minimal light pollution to hinder the brilliance of the stars. We had our fingers crossed that the clouds would cooperate and not obstruct our views. Not only did the clouds cooperate, but we also had a moonless night, which made the sky even darker.

I can’t say enough good things about our experience with Sedona Stargazing. The site was set-up with a collection of telescopes, chairs, and blankets to keep us cozy in between each of our celestial views. We saw constellations, galaxies, shooting stars, and Saturn (with its visible rings!) while listening to stories of how ancient cultures used the night sky for navigation and incredible facts about astronomy. It was such an education and I have truly never seen so many stars in my life. Click here to book.

Above photos: Sedona Stargazing

Things to do: Day 2

Devil’s Bridge Hike

Devil’s Bridge Hike is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona due to the very cool photo op at the natural sandstone arch that extends out over the valley with the dramatic scenery of the red rocks in the background. The hike is 1.8-miles one-way. It is a fairly level hike with some rolling hills and mild inclines until close to the end where you are basically scaling the side of a mountain. The terrain is very rocky. Bring your trekking poles if you have them.

Above photo: Early morning view from Devil’s Bridge Trailhead

Above photos: Devil’s Bridge Hike

The main parking lot fills up fast. If you don’t get here early, you may want to take the Sedona Shuttle and save yourself the hassle of trying to find a parking spot. There are also some Jeep tours that bypass the parking lot and drive in closer to a midway trailhead, but the road the Jeeps take is for high clearance vehicles only (cannot stress this enough).

We arrived at the trailhead pretty darn early, just as the sun was rising. We were alone on the trail most of the time until the end. All of the sudden there were masses of people waiting in line for their turn to get photos standing on the bridge. While we stood in line, we ended up making friends with other people and made plans to take photos for each other. So, it ended up not being such a bad thing. Allow a minimum of 2.5 hours for the Devil’s Bridge Hike, especially during peak season when the line at the bridge will probably be quite long.

Above photos: Devil’s Bridge

Rim Run Off-Road Jeep Tour

After lunch, we headed over to our meeting point for our Rim Run Supreme Jeep Tour. Jeep tours are a super fun activity in Sedona and one of the few ways you can get out to the backcountry to see some of the iconic rock formations and canyon views. I debated renting a UTV, but opted for the Jeep due to safety concerns and having a personal guide. It was one of the highlights of our trip!

Above photos: Rock formations from Schnebly Hill Road; Snoopy Rock (right)

Rim Run refers to the Mogollon Rim, a geological feature that extends 200 miles across the state. The tour does not traverse the entire rim, but takes you up 2,000 feet in elevation along a very rugged old wagon trail (Schnebly Hill Road) for spectacular scenic views of Sedona. The ride was super bumpy and intense at times, but such a wild, fun experience. Anytime you have to sign a liability waiver, you know its going to be a good time:). Click here to book.

Above photos: Merry-Go-Round

One of our major stops was Merry-Go-Round, named for the flat surface of limestone that wraps around a cap of sandstone, making it resemble a Merry-Go-Round. There are hiking trails in the area in case you want to climb the rock or look for the unnamed hole in the rock for some great photos.

If you drive far enough down Schnebly Hill Road, you will reach the Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook with incredible views of Casner Canyon. While we were here, we also saw several century plants (Agave americana).

Above photos: Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook (left); Centry plant (right)

The Shops at Piñon Point Overlook

The Shops at Hyatt Piñon Pointe is an outdoor shopping area located near the Uptown round-about. Shops include clothing and jewelry boutiques, art galleries, wine tasting, and restaurants. Parking is free and the red rock views are among the best in town. Even if shopping is not on your to-do list, I highly recommend stopping in at Coldstone Creamery and sitting on their back patio for the views (and the ice cream!).

In addition to the shops, there are also three public courtyards, all with the same spectacular views. You can walk around and enjoy the public art, water features, and native plantings throughout the plaza for a little respire in between your hikes.

Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook Viewpoint

Sedona Airport is situated at the top of Table Top Mountain, 500 feet above Sedona, and is often referred to as “America’s most scenic airport.” Although the airport does not service commercial flights, it does have a runway for small private planes. When my son was first learning to fly, his first flight was into this airport, which is probably the best memory any pilot could wish for.

Above photos: Sedona Airport

But the airport is not what draws most folks up to this spot — it is the Scenic Overlook and hiking. The panoramic views are stunning. Whether you come up for a morning hike or to join the sunset watching party, there is a parking lot for visitors that provides convenient access for both. Parking costs $3.00, but you can come-and-go multiple times during the day.

The Sedona View Trail is a 0.7-mile trail that connects the overlook and the Airport Mesa Viewpoint and the Vortex parking lot below. From here, you can also connect with the Airport Loop Trail for a longer 3.2-mile hike that circles the airport.

Above photos: Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook

Things to do: Day 3

Soldier’s Pass Hike

Soldier’s Pass is a 4.8-mile out-and-back hiking trail that includes many interesting formations and landmarks. It is considered moderately challenging, which we found to be true. Thankfully, the entire route is not challenging – just some parts.

Soldier’s Pass intersects with multiple other trails, and can be combined or segmented depending on how far you would like to go and what you would like to see. The trail is within the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, a 43,950 acre area full of scenic beauty.

The busiest parts of the trail are the beginning stretch, Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, and the Seven Sacred Pools. As you go further and/or branch off, things start to get more serene. I recommend planning out your route on a trail map so you don’t miss anything and can find your way back to the parking lot.

Above photos: Jordan Road Trailhead to Soldier’s Pass

The route we took started out at the Jordan Road Trailhead. There is a large parking lot here that was nearly empty. To get here, you need to drive down a fairly rugged dirt road, but our little rental car was able to do it. Just go slow over the bumps and ditches. This trailhead provides access to the Jim Thompson Trail, Jordan Trail, Brims Mesa Trail, and Cibola Pass Trail.

Above photos: Cibola Pass Trail

Our route was Cibola Pass Trail to a small section of Jordan Trail where it met up with Soldier’s Pass near Devil’s Kitchen. We continued to follow Soldier’s Pass past the Seven Sacred Pools. The trail continues on for quite a while and then intersects with Brims Mesa. We followed Brims Mesa back to the car park, but en route stoped to climb a large rock that looked over the valley. We were actually looking for Soldier’s Pass Cave, but never found it. The rock climb was a nice consolation prize though. I think it took us around 3-hours to complete. If you start out at the Soldier’s Pass Trailhead and stick to that trail alone, it is about a 2.5-hour endeavor. Water and sunscreen are a must out on these trails.

Above photos: Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole (left); Soldier’s Pass (right)

Above photos: Soldier’s Pass Trail (left); Brims Mesa Trail (right)

Above photo: Viewpoint from Brims Mesa Trail

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a unique shopping area located in downtown Sedona. Tlaquepaque, which translates to ‘the best of everything,’ is modeled after Guadalajara and features fountains, cobblestone walking paths, beautiful plantings, and colorful tiled alcoves.

The 50-some shops and restaurants are equally unique, with many art galleries, crafts, and upscale clothing boutiques. It is a darling place to wander around. We came here for lunch at The Secret Garden Cafe after our morning hike. While we waited for our table, we had a walk around the shops, plazas, and the Tlaquepaque Chapel.

Above photos: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic church located between the Village of Oak Creek and downtown Sedona. It was built during the 1950s by architect Marguerite Brunswig Staud (a student of Frank Lloyd Wright) and awarded an Award of Honor by the American Institute of Architects. The church is built into the red rocks landscape in striking fashion.

There is mostly street parking at the site and a short walk to the entrance. The inside of the chapel is small, but visually impressive. It is free to enter. However, services are still held for its active congregation, which should be taken into consideration when timing your visit.

Above photos: Chapel of the Holy Cross

Crescent Moon Picnic Site and Cathedral Rock Viewpoint

Cathedral Rock is another one of Sedona’s famous and most recognizable red rock formations. The only question is how to visit, hike, or catch views. Unless you get to the parking area super early, you will be required to hike in or take the Sedona Shuttle in order to reach the main Cathedral Rock Trailhead to climb. A lot of people like to climb Cathedral Rock at sunset, but I’ve heard stories of people having a hard time making their way back down to their cars after dark.

Above photo: Cathedral Rock Viewpoint from Crescent Moon Picnic Site

Given the time we had, we decided not to climb Cathedral Rock on this trip. Its on my list for my next visit though! Instead, we decided to drive down to the Crescent Moon Picnic Site where we could catch all the views — plus enjoy the old ranch buildings at the park and walk along the creek.

This is a great place to come with kids. There is a lot of parking available, room for the kids to run, and some interesting things to see. Plus, on hot days there are loads of shady trees and Oak Creek to help you cool off. There is an additional $12 day use fee per vehicle.

Above photos: Crescent Moon Picnic Site

Where we ate

Coffee / Brunch / Lunch

• Cuptown Coffee House: 274 Apple Ave Suite B, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Instagram
• Wildcraft Kitchen: 345 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website
• Creekside American Bistro: 251 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website
• The Secret Garden Café: 336 AZ-179 f101, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

Casual observation: Sedona has A LOT of coffee shops, but maybe not surprising considering there is even a rock formation called “The Coffee Pot.” You’ll definitely have options along with other fresh choices such as pastries, acai bowls, and whole food breakfasts. We loved the quirky, artsy vibe at Cuptown. For a sit-down breakfast, Wildcraft Kitchen is a great choice!

Above photos: Cuptown Coffee House

After hiking Devil’s Bridge, we had brunch at Creekside American Bistro located at Creekside Plaza in downtown Sedona. The food here was really good, portion sizes were generous and the atmosphere was cozy (with views!). This place gets quite busy, so I recommend making reservations…even for brunch.

Above photos: Creekside American Bistro

For our second day, we had lunch at The Secret Garden Cafe at Tlaquepaque after our long morning Soldier’s Pass hike. This bistro-style restaurant is known for its fresh, healthy menu and charming, garden-like atmosphere.  They don’t take reservations. So, it is important to put your name in for a table before you are completely ravenous. In the meantime, you can visit the shops and galleries until the hostess summons you back.

Above photos: The Secret Garden Cafe, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Dinner

The food scene in Sedona is vibrant. There are a lot of restaurants that blend Southwestern cuisine with their own twist, as well as some great International choices. If you only packed your hiking boots, there are plenty of casual dining spots, too, including the infamous turquoise blue arches of McDonald’s.

• Pisa Lisa: 2245 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website
• Mole Mexican Kitchen: 725 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website
• Mariposa Latin Grill: 700 W Arizona 89a, Sedona, AZ 86336 | Website

My favorite casual spot (on repeat) is Pisa Lisa. There are two locations with the same menu and the best, hand-tossed pies in town. We grabbed our ‘za to-go for a car picnic on our way to stargazing:)

Above photos: Pisa Lisa

We tried a new-to-us restaurant for our second night in Sedona and it turned out to be such a great find. Living in Texas, I get my fair share of Mexican food. So, I really wasn’t expecting to woo’d by the flavors at Mole Mexican Kitchen. But, they did it. First, I have to nod at the intimate atmosphere. It isn’t a small restaurant, but our cozy booth and the rustic beams made it feel very inviting. The food was genius and creative. At one point I thought my son was going to lick his plate:)

Every time we come to Sedona, we always have dinner at Mariposa at least once. It is the perfect dining experience from start to finish. During October, we requested a table inside in the dining room. But, during previous visits when it was warmer, we sat outside on the patio. The views of the red rocks are stunning! Reservations are a must.

Above photos: Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill

Tips and essential links

Red Rock Pass

If you will be in Sedona and visiting any of the trailheads, viewpoints, picnic sites, etc. while leaving your vehicle parked in a fee-designated area, you will need a Red Rock Pass. In the simplest terms, it is a park pass tied to your license plate. If you do not have a vehicle, you do not need the Red Rock Pass.

The Red Rock Pass can be purchased in various time duration increments that include 1-day, 1-week, or 1-year. Senior citizens, disabled, military, and 4th grade students have special discount pricing options.

Red Rock Passes can be purchased online in advance at Recreation.gov or in-person at the Ranger Station or other various vendors in Sedona. More information can be found here. Alternatively, you can purchase an America the Beautiful Pass, which provides access to fee sites.

If you will be renting a car in Sedona, you will need to wait until you have your rental vehicle license plate to purchase the pass since it is tied to your plates.

Sedona Shuttle

The Sedona Shuttle is a convenient way to get around to the most popular trailheads. There are multiple Park & Ride locations where you can park your vehicle and ride the shuttle from there. There are several routes that service different areas. So, you’ll need to consult the route map and timetables when planning your day.

The shuttle is 100% free:). However, if you need on-demand public transportation, you can use the Sedona Shuttle Connect serivce via the Transloc app to have them come fetch you for $2.00 per ride. It is a pretty sweet deal and one that nearly everyone takes advantage of because the parking situation in Sedona can be quite competitive.

• To download the Transloc app for iPhone, click here.
• To download the Transloc app for GooglePlay, click here.

Tours

The first two tours below are ones that we took while in Sedona and I can vouch that they were amazing! I’ve also included a link for a hike to Devil’s Bridge with a self-drive component to a trailhead further in — in case you want to save yourself the first leg of the hike.

Words of Advice

• The desert heat and dry conditions are no joke. Stay hydrated. I carried this canteen with me everywhere.
• Likewise, don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• The Forest Service website is really helpful for planning hikes in advance. Click here to go directly to the Coconino National Forest page.
• The AllTrails app is also very helpful for finding trails and planning your hikes.
• White sneakers are for amateurs.

Thank you for reading my post! Please feel free to add friendly comments or questions below!