Northern Arizona
Sedona is for the scenic drive and dinner at Elote. And artisan shops that come highly recommended.
Page, The Grand Canyon, and then Sedona. Everyone’s favorite is Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend is just under 9 miles away.
Finally, if you hand over $700 for a piece of artwork at Tlaquepaque Village you’re not alone. Someone related to me got invested and sold on the backstory.
More information than you needed to plan your Sedona experience below…
HIKING
*RED ROCK PASS* - $5/day, $15/week, or $20/yr. Parking can be tight for many hikes. See visitor’s centers for maps & trail rules
CATHEDRAL ROCK - Among, if not the most popular hike in Sedona. Begin at Cathedral Rock Trailhead from Back'O'Beyond Road, to follow the path to the one and only Cathedral Rock. Rated difficult but only 1.2 miles roundtrip! You’ll need a Red Rock Pass. Almost 750 ft. elevation. Views on views on views of the most prominent attraction.
DEVIL’S BRIDGE - This hike is through the Coconino National Forest. From the Devil’s Bridge Trail Parking Lot hike down Dry Creek Road and the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead to Devil’s Bridge. 4.2 miles roundtrip - you got this. Arrive as early as possible and prepare for over 500 ft elevation, it gets steep and rocky. You’ll need a Red Rock pass for the lot. You’ll have an unforgettable view from the bridge, just make sure you stay on top of it.
SOLDIER PASS TRAIL - 4 miles through the Coconino National Forest! Devil’s Kitchen is a large hole in the ground, which looks more interesting than it sounds. The Sacred Pools are large puddles in the rock which are really dependent on the rain. They may not be as grand or dramatic as some may think, but no less a photo-op. There’s a small parking lot with only 14 spaces, start there and take Solder Pass Trail up north to the Brins Mesa Trail intersection and head on back. Have your Red Rocks Pass!
BROKEN ARROW TRAIL - Begin at the parking lot, make sure your vehicle is equipped to park in this terrain, and follow the trail down past the Chicken Point Overlook. You’ll see jeeps and mountain bikes join you on the trail. A little over 3 miles through Coconino National Forest and rated a moderate hike with 413 ft elevation. Red Rock Pass? But of course.
SLIDE ROCK TRAIL - As the name says, you’ve been warned - don’t be surprised if you slide on the rocks and take an unplanned dip in the water! The path follows a stream. You’ll pay $10 -$30 to park at Slide Rock State Park depending on time of year (summertime weekends are most expensive) and it gets pretty crowded, but it’s an easy little nature walk, less than a mile, that’s fun for the kiddos. Go during the summer and arrive early.
FAY CANYON - This hike is rated Easy. Sold! 2.6 miles roundtrip, under 400ft elevation, decent parking, no park fee, and a bathroom. What’s not to love? You can continue up the mountain even after the trail ends for the amazing views. Another one through Coconino.
WEST FORK TRAIL - This trail follows a stream and there’s a lot of greenery, so hopefully the beauty of the hike makes up for the $11 parking. The path goes through what’s known as the secret mountain wilderness. Park at the Call of the Canyon TrailHead and pack snacks because it’s 7 miles. Elevation - 820 ft. Rating - Easy Peasy.
SIGHTS AND NOT HIKING
RED ROCK SCENIC BYWAY - Your best way to see the red rocks through the comfort of your own car. Simply get on State Route 179 and drive until there’s no more 179 left. For those of us who forgot our hiking shoes at the sporting goods store.
CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS - A few pictures of this sleek modern church sticking right out of the red rocks. Parking is free but limited, and there’s a gift shop inside. Just 4 miles from the city center.
OAK CREEK CANYON DRIVE - You’ll be going in a triangle. You can begin at Oak Creek Vista, go up 89A to Flagstaff then come back down on Interstate 17 until you get to 179. You can take 179 to Sedona or take it back to 89A on the way to Oak Creek Vista. This route is referred to as the ‘scenic smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon”.
PINK JEEP TOURS - Most tours are 2-3 hours and around $100 per person. You can experience the Broken Arrow Trail w/ a Pink Jeep Tours tour guide. Book well in advance. The meeting point is not far from the city center.
TLAQUEPAQUE ARTS & CRAFTS VILLAGE - Right in the city center. Everything from jewelry and food, to art and home decor. If nothing else, walk around and enjoy the charm. Feliz Navidad Sedona sells Christmas ornaments made out of Arizona Clay.
SPA DAY - Have one. Sedona's New Day Spa is the most raved about, while @ Uptown Massage you can save $10 - $15
EAT MEXICAN/SOUTHWESTERN FOOD - On a budget? Go for Tamaliza. Otherwise, splurge and be merry. Elote Cafe is popular, so it can have up to a 2-hour wait on a regular day, but you can leave and go back. Try the namesake dish. Javelina Cantina and SaltRock serve yummy southwestern fare, and the views, they’re free.
OTBP
WILSON MOUNTAIN TRAIL - there’s a reason this trail is off the beaten path. It’s 11 miles roundtrip, and there’s a little more exertion needed. A lot more, elevation is over 2,000 ft. The experienced hiker will find it very rewarding to reach the top and be able to look out over all of Sedona. From the trail parking (Red Rock Pass needed), you’ll hike all the way up past Wilson Tank to the trail end...and back.
HORSEBACK RIDING - For $75 at M Diamond Ranch. It’s about a 40-minute drive. They even have an option to go during Sunset.
WINE TASTING - Sedona has its own wine region named The Verde Valley. Places like DA Ranch and Chateau Tumbleweed Winery are a 20-30 minute drive. Flights at DA Ranch are $15-$25, and $8-$13 at Chateau Tumbleweed.
Cover Photo: True Sojourn
