Sedona, Arizona Travel Guide

About Sedona

Sedona is a perfect location for a long weekend getaway or an extended vacation. The city is in a rather remote location of Arizona but only a 2 hour drive from Phoenix. Being close to Phoenix Airport will allow you to get to Sedona from all over the country.

The Southwest US is a beautiful place to visit year round. Known for its great outdoors, Sedona is best during the milder Spring or Fall seasons. Summer brings monsoons and high temperatures making it not the best time to enjoy the hiking and biking Sedona has to offer.

Winter can mean Snowdona! It is not uncommon for snow to cover the beautiful mountains terrain in the winter months.

Sedona has attractions for all types of visitors. This location is the perfect place to escape the city life, breathe in that crisp mountain fresh air, or to enjoy a beautiful and relaxing vacation at one of their many beautiful resorts. Yoga Retreats are very popular in Sedona due to the Natural Vortexes and energies that are said to be found here.

The drive as you arrive in to Sedona is truly unforgettable. The grand red rock mountains that surround the area perfectly contrast with the green landscapes and blue skies.

Things to Do Hiking - there are tons of great trails ranging from easy to difficult perfect for all levels of adventurers.

Devils Bridge - Level of Difficulty - Medium. Distance: 4.2 Out and Back If you have an off-road vehicle or an ATV this hike is much easier as you bypass a long walk before you get to the trailhead. This is probably the most popular spot in Sedona so plan for crowds. Get here EARLY to find parking and to enjoy this spot.

Birthing Cave - Level of Difficulty - Easy/Medium Distance: 2 Mile Out and Back. This is a gorgeous hike that ends inside a beautiful cave. The hike isn't that hard except for the last 1/4 mile which gains elevation quickly. The path is easy to miss so be sure to follow all GPS directions. (Note - plan ahead - no service!)

Soldiers Pass - Medium / Hard Distance: 4.7 Loop There are a lot of beautiful and scenic areas along and off the trail. Be sure to check out the Sacred Pools and even some of the beautiful "hidden" caves along the way.

Other Great Hikes:

Red Rock Ranger Station - Level of Difficulty: Easy / Distance: N/A Centennial Trail - Level of Difficulty: Easy / Distance: 0.7 Miles Round Trip Cow Pies - Level of Difficulty: Easy / Distance: 3 miles Round Trip Chimney Rock - Level of Difficulty: Moderate / Distance: 2 miles Round Trip

Mountain Biking - there are many designated trails for a biker of any level to enjoy. Bring your bike or rent to get out and explore. There are plenty of paved paths for road bikes as well!

ATVs / Off Roading - some of the best adventures were on the ATVs. Many of the trail heads, including the most popular Devils Bridge trail, start with a long walk which can be bypassed if you have a high elevated 4x4 or ATV. Pink Jeep Tours - the classic Sedona attraction. You'll see these tour jeeps everywhere and for good reason. If you aren't as adventurous or a limited hiker, these are a great alternative to see all of Sedona up close. Yoga / Meditation Retreats - a great place to namaste and experience the Vortex energy Star Gazing - plan a trip during a New Moon to see these dark skies light up overheads with all of the stars. April - October is the ideal time for stargazing as these are the months the Galactic Core of the Milky Way is visible to our hemisphere.

Chapel of the Holy Cross - One of the most beautiful churches you will ever see and is an iconic attraction and picture opportunity.

Recommended Places to Stay: Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock - located at the beginning of town is this large and modern hotel which is conveniently located to hiking trails, shops, and restaruants. There is a beautiful pool and outdoor lounge area to enjoy after a long day outdoors. There is also a great spa on property to really help you wind down and recover. Enchantment Resort - located further in to Sedona has beautiful views as the resort is nestled inside the valley of surrounding rock canyons. You can find a beautiful pool and views for days. Unique AirBnBs - plan early and stay at some of the cooler homes in the area.

Looking for more trip inspiration? Check out more. Written by Matt Tannenbaum