Everything I Packed for an Autumn Hiking Adventure to Sedona, Arizona
I just returned from an unseasonably warm autumn weekend in Sedona, Arizona. Actually, the daytime high’s were unseasonably warm. However, nights were still pretty chilly — the kind of autumn chill that you would expect in the high desert. The swings in temperature from morning to mid-afternoon meant a lot of mix-and-match layers that I could easily pile on or strip away as needed.
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If you are traveling to Sedona during the autumn or spring when conditions are ideal for hiking amongst the red rocks, this guide will provide you with some guidance on the essential pieces you’ll want to pack. I only needed a few hiking outfits and a couple dinner ensembles since I was just there over a 3-day weekend.
Above photos: Casner Canyon (left); Seven Warriors (right)
Complete post on top things to do in Sedona coming soon!
A 21″ carry-on size suitcase is perfect for this length of trip even considering bulky hiking boots and some warm layers. Everything easily fit in my 21″ Travelpro Carry-on Spinner and a personal tote bag.
This post will cover:
- 4 Mix-and-match daytime outfits
- 2 Mix-and-match evening outfits
- The final packing list
- Shopping links to individual pieces
4 Mix-and-match daytime outfits
Our daily itinerary consisted of rigorous morning hikes followed by a more moderate afternoon adventure, including an off-road jeep tour, which I highly recommend! In addition to our 3 days of hiking, I also packed a casual outfit for our travel day back home.
Guiding principals:
- Pick a color scheme and commit
- Layers for cool mornings that I can shed when the sun comes out
- No plans to re-wear anything since I’ll be getting dirty from trail hikes
2 Mix-and-match evening outfits
Sedona has a wide range of dining options that includes everything from take-out and casual cafes to fine dining. We opted for take-out pizza our first night and nicer places for our second and third nights.
I definitely recommend experiencing Sedona’s dining scene. Restaurants primarily feature Southwestern cuisine, but there are plenty of other options. The area is known for the creativity of top chefs coupled with breathtaking views. What more could you ask for? One thing to note though, most restaurants are not open late. So, if you arrive after 9 pm, plan on hitting the Irish pub or ordering room service at your hotel.
I brought a casual outfit for our dinner at Mole. And then dressed up the same silk top for our dinner at Mariposa, which enforces a dress code.
The final packing list
- Windbreaker
- Quilted vest
- Sweatshirt
- 2 Long sleeve tops
- 2 Activewear bra tops
- 2 Tank tops
- 3 Leggings / joggers
- Blazer
- Blouse
- Midi skirt
- Jeans
- Evening clutch
- Scarf / shawl
- Pajamas
- Jewelry
- Socks & intimates
- Baseball hat
- Water canteen
- Trekking poles
- Belt bag
- Sunglasses
- Hiking shoes
- Sock booties
- Casual sneakers
Shopping links to individual pieces
Hiking conditions in Sedona are typically very dirty and dusty. I knew there was a chance that whatever I wore might get ruined while crawling over rocks and through the reddish-brown sand. In situations like this, I like to shop my closet and take pieces that are easy to replace (i.e., didn’t cost much to begin with).
I’ve included links below to the items that are still available to purchase. For pieces that are too many seasons in the past, I’ve added links to similar finds.
Outerwear
Once the sun sets in Sedona is gets cold fast. I was so glad I packed my puffer vest for our evening stargazing tour! Overnight lows were in the 50s, but at elevation it can feel even colder. Mornings were chilly, too. My windbreaker was just enough to keep me warm as we got started — and then was easy to tie around my waist.
- Amazon Essentials puffer vest
- Lululemon activewear puffer vest
- Free People ruched sleeve packable windbreaker
Long Sleeve Tops
I brought a light crewneck sweatshirt and 2 long-sleeved tops to layer over my tanks and bra tops. Only while we were scaling some serious rocks or when the sun was blazing down did I need to shed the layer. Daytime highs were in the 70s, but it felt so much warmer in the sun.
- Old Navy royal velvet plush knit long sleeve tee
- Old Navy mauve rose everyday long sleeve tee
- Amazon Essentials classic fit long sleeve tee
Tank Tops
Just another layer in the mix. I like wearing ribbed tanks over my sports bras to cover my mid-section. A little more coverage also helps protect against abrasions and sunburn.
- Old Navy royal velvet snug cropped tank top
- Old Navy rib-knit first layer tank top
- Amazon Essentials ribbed slim fit tank top
Activewear Bra Tops
If you are a bit self-conscious, like me, you may not feel that you will ever strip down as far as your foundation layer. Until…you are uncomfortably hot and sweaty. Long line sport bras are essential.
- Old Navy activewear bra
- Athleta Breathe long line bra
- Lululemon long line bra
Activewear Bottoms
Any kind of activewear bottoms — leggings, joggers, hiking cargos, etc. — are great for hiking in Sedona. Short and skorts are fine, as well. However, I prefer to have full-length bottoms to protect my legs from scratches, bugs, and exposure. Consider fleece-lined leggings if you will be hiking in colder temperatures.
- Lululemon hiking joggers
- Lululemon thermal legging
- Athleta Elation high rise legging
Evening Wear
Of course, evening wear is subject to your dinner plans. We only dined out twice — one casual dining and one fine dining — but I did need to pack an extra pair of shoes. It was worth it though!
Accessories
Sun protection and hydration are essentials that you absolutely should not be without while hiking in Sedona. You will drink more water than you think. So, go for a large capacity water bottle or canteen. Trekking poles aren’t essential, but very helpful for long hikes and steep climbs. Be sure to pack them in your checked luggage because TSA will confiscate them if you try to bring them through airport security.
- Ponytail baseball hat
- Sunglasses
- Bottle Joy stainless steel 32oz water bottle
- Komperdell trekking poles
Bags
For longer outings, I usually carry my REI daypack. But, for our 2 – 4 hour hikes, I opted for my Lululemon belt bag. It was sufficient to hold my cell phone, keys, glasses, and a credit card. Plus, it was great to have my hands free to take pictures! I have these bags in multiple colors now and love the convenience.
- Lululemon Everywhere belt bag
- Puffer carry-on tote [similar here]
- Travelpro 21″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Guided Tours
In addition to planning your hikes (post with recommendations coming soon!), I also recommend booking a couple guided tours. My adult-ish son and I thoroughly enjoyed the Sedona Stargazing Tour and the Mongolian Rim Run Jeep Tour through Arizona Safari Jeep Tours. Links are below!
Related posts
Headed somewhere this fall? Here are a couple additional fall travel prep guides that you may be interested in:
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