Sedona is the perfect mix of stunning red rock landscapes, vibrant energy, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re here to hike, unwind, or just soak in the views, you’re bound to have an incredible trip. This post covers our personal favorite hikes, food spots, and things to do in the area.
Hikes to Do
- Cathedral Rock Trail (1.1 miles; 669 feet of elevation gain): This was hands-down our favorite hike in the area. It’s short but packed with fun โ a bit of a scramble in sections, which adds a little adventure without being too difficult. The views are incredible, especially near the top, making it perfect for photos. Because it’s so popular, we highly recommend starting as early as possible to beat both the crowds and the heat. The trail can get very busy later in the morning, which takes away from the experience a bit.
- Bear Mountain Trail (4.6 miles; 1,988 feet of elevation gain): If you’re looking for a more challenging option, Bear Mountain is a great pick. It’s a steep and exposed trail that really makes you feel the altitude, so come prepared for a workout. The trail offers sweeping views of the surrounding area, especially as you climb higher. Interestingly, the best scenery isnโt at the summit โ it’s actually just before the top and along the final stretch of the ascent. Weโd recommend starting early here too, not because of crowds, but to avoid hiking in the intense midday sun.
- Devil’s Bridge Trail (3.9 miles; 521 feet of elevation gain): This is one of the most iconic spots in the area, and while it’s more of a walk than a hike for most of the way, itโs still worth doing. The last portion gets a little steep, but itโs manageable for most fitness levels. The main draw is the photo opportunity on the natural stone bridge โ it’s seriously cool, but also incredibly popular. If you’re not there first thing in the morning, especially on a weekend, expect to wait up to an hour for your turn. We started at 7 a.m. after doing Cathedral Rock and it was already too late to avoid the crowd. That said, the view is still great even if you donโt want to walk out onto the bridge itself.
Other Things to Do
- Chapel of the Holy Cross: This beautiful chapel is easy to miss at first glance โ it blends seamlessly into the red rock cliffs, making it feel almost like a natural part of the landscape. It’s worth taking a short walk up from the base parking lot (unless you luck out with a spot closer to the top) to visit the inside and take in the peaceful atmosphere. Even if you’re not religious, the architecture and the panoramic views from the chapel are stunning and make for a meaningful stop.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument: If you’re heading back to Phoenix, Montezuma Castle makes for a fascinating and convenient detour. The monument features a remarkably well-preserved cliff dwelling built into a natural alcove in the rock face. A park ranger gave us some background on how the structure was created โ it’s truly impressive and almost hard to believe it was constructed without modern tools. It’s a great place to stretch your legs and learn something new; plan to spend around 30 minutes exploring.
- Health & Wellness Activities: Sedona is known for its focus on wellness, so it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge. Whether you’re into energy healing, chakra alignment, or just looking for a good massage, there are plenty of spas and healing centers to choose from. It’s a great way to unwind after hiking and soak in the calming vibe of the area. We personally enjoyed the Gateway Cottage Wellness Center in Uptown.
- Artist Galleries and Markets: Sedona has a thriving art scene, and thereโs no shortage of galleries and local markets to explore. One of our favorites was the Sedona Artist Market โ it felt down-to-earth and featured a wide range of works from different local artists. Itโs a good place to find unique, affordable pieces if youโre looking to bring home a souvenir thatโs a little more personal than the usual tourist fare.
Where to Eat and Drink
- Coffee Pot Restaurant: This spot ended up being much more popular โ and more delicious โ than we expected. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, which we were told is actually a short wait no matter when you go. The huevos rancheros were the standout dish and absolutely worth it. A classic, no-frills breakfast place that delivers on taste.
- Elote Cafe: We had really high hopes for Elote Cafรฉ after hearing rave reviews and checking out their fantastic-looking menu, and the experience started off strong. The chips and salsa were excellent, the cocktails were on point, and the namesake elote didnโt disappoint. While the appetizers were amazing, the main dishes didnโt quite live up to the hype โ even the ones that came highly recommended. If we went back, weโd probably just stick with a few apps and share one entrรฉe. That said, the corn cake dessert, with flash fried bits of corn, was a highlight and unlike anything else we had on the trip.
- Wildcraft Kitchen: This organic health food spot is a solid option if you’re looking for a nourishing, feel-good meal. It’s definitely on the pricier side, but the portions are generous and the quality of ingredients justifies the cost. The breakfast burrito was tasty, though not particularly memorable. Still, itโs a good choice for a quick, casual brunch or breakfast, especially if you want something lighter.
- Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery: The Oak Creek area has a surprising number of vineyards, and we ended up visiting Oak Creek Vineyard. The wines were enjoyable, though we have to admit we were a bit spoiled after our tastings in New Zealand. The malbec here stood out as our favorite. Itโs a lovely place to sit back on the shaded patio, sip a flight, and relax.
- Sedona Beer Company: This is a great place to cool off and enjoy a laid-back vibe. The beers here were all very light โ almost watered down โ which actually made sense given the heat. They were super refreshing and easy to drink. The indoor seating with A/C was a welcome break from the sun, and the casual atmosphere made it a good place to hang out for a bit.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Getting Around: While itโs technically possible to get by without a car in Sedona, weโd definitely recommend renting one for the most flexibility. There is a shuttle service that runs to some of the most popular hikes, so if you’re staying central, you could rely on Uber or the shuttle system in a pinch. That said, this option wouldn’t make sense if you’re flying into Phoenix (like most people do). Having your own car just makes it easier to get to trailheads, restaurants, and explore at your own pace.
- Where to Stay: For our first visit, we stayed in Uptown at the Matterhorn Inn, and it was a great base โ we loved being able to walk to restaurants, bars, and even a spa. But in hindsight, we might choose West Sedona next time. Itโs generally more affordable, closer to several of the hikes we did, and still has plenty of good dining options. If you’re planning to hike a lot, staying in West Sedona could save you both time and money.
- What to Pack: The sun in Sedona is no joke, so sun protection is key. Be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen โ including a lip balm with SPF โ as well as a wide-brimmed hat and light, breathable clothing that still provides coverage. A good pair of hiking boots and a reusable water bottle are must-haves, especially if you plan to hit the trails. It gets hot, and staying protected and hydrated makes a huge difference.
- Planning Your Day: Timing is everything when it comes to enjoying Sedona comfortably. Depending on the time of year, the midday heat and strong UV can make outdoor activities pretty unpleasant. We found it best to start our days early with a hike or some exploring, then take a break indoors during the hottest part of the afternoon. In the evenings, once things cool down, itโs perfect for strolling around town or grabbing a nice dinner outdoors.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan
