Sedona

• Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center

  address: 331 Forest Rd
  In addition to providing the usual visitor information, there is also a National Forest Service ranger on hand to answer questions about regional hikes. Red Rock Passes are sold here.

Climate

By plane

• Sedona AirportToo small for scheduled jet traffic, but is popular for as a private aviation destination.

The nearest major airport is in Phoenix Sky Harbor or Phoenix Mesa Airport.

By car

Sedona is located approximately 90 minutes north of Phoenix, Arizona. From Phoenix, take I-17 north to SR260 Cottonwood/Payson. Go north toward Cottonwood. At the intersection of SR260 and SR89A, travel north on 89A to Sedona.
From Flagstaff, Sedona is also reachable from I-17, but by far the most spectacular route is down Oak Creek Canyon via Hwy 89A. Drive carefully, as the switchbacks and falling red rocks can be treacherous, but the views are well worth it.
An alternate route is I-17 to SR179 through the Village of Oak Creek. SR179 is designated as an All America Road by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). This road winds through stunning red rock terrain.

Walking in Sedona allows for great views but a bike or car is necessary to access trail heads and most destinations. The city is divided between 3 distinct areas, all fairly spread out and realistically requiring a vehicle. Limited public transit exists.

By guided tour

A number of companies provide guided tours (by bus, trolley or Jeep) of Sedona that include transportation from the surrounding areas. Some companies will provide bus travel from nearby towns while others begin in Sedona. Some will provide just a brief tour with small stops, while others may take you on a hike, and arrange all your meals.

• CenterFocus Experiences

  phone: +1 928-567-8580
  An outdoor adventure guide company based in the Sedona area. They offer hiking and backpacking trips to the Grand Canyon and Havasupai, as well as rock climbing, canyoneering, archaeology and astronomy tours.

• Pink Jeep Tours

  phone: +1 928-282-5000
  address: 204 N Highway 89A
  A fun way to see the red rocks if you're not in to hiking.

• Sedona Trolley Tours

  phone: +1 928-282-4211
  The best first thing to do in Sedona is to take the Sedona Trolley. They have two routes. One is the City Highlights Tour and the other is Scenic Canyon Tour.

• Hydros Adventures Tours

  phone: +1 928-310-8141
  Offers one day and overnight hiking, rafting, backpacking, and adventure tours to Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah. Pickups in Phoenix, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon area.

Sedona is home to a bustling downtown and vibrant arts community, but the real attraction is the surreal, red rock landscape, visible from anywhere in town. There are however several notable historic sights.

• Chapel of the Holy Cross

  phone: +1 928-282-4069
  address: 780 Chapel Rd
  This unique chapel built into the rock offers great views.

• Palatki Heritage Site

  phone: +1 928-282-3854 (reservations)
  address: Forest Rd 525 - Forest Rd 795
  A Sinagua archeological site with cliff dwellings and pictographs and petroglyphs, dated to 1100-1400 CE. The site is located in the Coconino National Forest, and has three interpretive trails. Reservations are recommended, as visitor numbers are managed by the rangers to limit damage to the site. A Red Rock Pass, which can be purchased at the visitor center, is required on all vehicles.

• Honanki Heritage Site

  phone: +1 928-203-2900 (reservations not necessary)
  address: Forest Rd 525
  A Sinagua cliff dwelling site with numerous pictographs, inhabited from 1100-1300 CE. The site is managed by the Coconino National Forest Service. A Red Rock Pass is required on all vehicles; the passes are not sold here and must be purchased beforehand.

• Sedona Heritage Museum

  phone: +1 928-282-7038
  address: 735 Jordan Rd
  A small museum dedicated to the history of early white settlement in Sedona.

Hiking and mountain biking

Canyons, creeks, mountains, forests, spiritual vortices, hikes and mountain biking trails surround the area. A Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/wk, $20/yr, sold at multiple locations and online) is required to park at trail heads. The U.S. Forest Service has guides and maps to the local trails.
Mountain bikes can be rented from Over the Edge Sedona Bike Shop (1695 Hwy 89A, tel. 928-282-1106), and from Absolute Bikes (6101 Hwy 179, tel. 928-284-1242).

• Boynton Canyon

  address: Boynton Canyon Rd
  One of the most scenic of the box canyons in the area, and correspondingly popular. The parking lot is a short distance from the trail head; no parking at the luxury resort.

• Broken Arrow Trail

  address: Morgan Rd
  Follow an easy 2-mile hike to Chicken Point. Well-marked trail (follow the cairns). Beautiful views. Do early in the morning before Pink Jeeps - which start around 8AM. Can also see Submarine Rock from trail. This route is popular for mountain biking.

• Cathedral Rock Trail

  address: Back-O'Beyond Rd
  For a challenge, this 0.8-mile trail is steep, but the view is unparalleled. Great at sunset. Beats Airport Mesa. Can walk around the base of the rock for a less strenuous hike.

• Bell Rock Pathway / VistaA 3.7-mile trail with fantastic views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the surrounding area. Suitable for hiking and mountain biking.

• Devil's Bridge Trail

  address: Dry Creek Rd (FR152)
  The largest natural sandstone arch in the area. The trail is short and moderately difficult, with outstanding views at the top. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended.

Other notable trails include Soldier Pass Trail and Courthouse Butte Loop Trail. For a more laid back stroll, park near the end of Verde Valley School Road and walk the rest of the way to Oak Creek Crossing. Or take an hour's walk from near the school by the junction of the Upper Red Rock Loop Road and the Highway 89 (there is a parking lot there). The trail leads up to one of the finest panoramic views you will ever see.

Other outdoor activities

• Red Rock State Park

  phone: +1 928-282-6907
  address: 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd
  This 286-acre preserve was once part of the Smoke Trail Ranch, and has ten well-maintained hiking trails as well as a visitor center. A number of guided hikes, birdwatching walks, and astronomy events are offered.

• Slide Rock State Park

  phone: +1 928-282-3034
  address: 6871 Arizona 89A
  Originally known as the Pendley Homestead, this historic apple farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is named for a slippery rock slide into a creek. Swimming encouraged.

• M Diamond Ranch

  phone: +1 928-300-6466
  address: 3255 National Forest 618 Rd
  Horse back rides and cowboy cookouts. Real western history and heritage at a 100-year old working cattle ranch. Transportation provided to and from Sedona.

• Oakcreek Country Club

  phone: +1 928-284-1660
  address: 690 Bell Rock Blvd
  An 18-hole golf course.

Scenic drives

This is a gorgeous area and driving around gives you great views of the rocks. Jeep rentals for serious off-road driving are popular. If you have four wheel drive, Schnebley Hill Road at sunset provides excellent views.

• Desert Canyon Loop Scenic DriveThis scenic loop begins east of Interstate 17 where State Route 179 from Sedona crosses I17 to become FR618 just north of Camp Verde, Arizona. This scenic drive is a high desert landscape in the vicinity of Montezuma's Well National Monument and Montezuma's Castle National Park.

• Oak Creek Canyon Scenic DriveFollow 89A through Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. Beautiful views of dramatic canyon walls through the pine Forest. Oak Creek runs year-round and can be viewed from many points along the route. Hike West Fork of Oak Creek, for an moderate, well-marked 2.5mi hike, with 6 Creek crossings. Pay to park.

• Red Rocks and Sycamore Canyon Loop Scenic DriveThis drive takes you into the heart of the magnificent Sedona Red Rocks Country. The route traces the base of dramatic cliffs and offers the option of four scenic side trips that lead to some of the most exciting features in Red Rock Country.

• Red Rock Scenic BywayBeautiful views start on Arizona's First All-American Road, also known as the gateway to Red Rock Country. Exit I-17 and head north. The road ends in Sedona at a traffic circle. On this National Scenic Byway (south of the Village of Oak Creek on SR 179), you'll find the Coconino National Forest Visitor Center; stop there and get free maps and lots of red rock country information.

• Boynton CanyonA pretty drive up Half-High Rd and left at Enchantment Resort. Nice hike up Boynton Canyon, or 1 mile past resort, at Doe Mountain.

Spas and wellness

Sedona is famous as the home of five New Age vortices, areas where the earth's magnetism is said to have special properties. Vortices are located at Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Schnebly Hill. You can take a vortex tour from one of many local guides, or hike to the sites yourself. Look for cairns marking the vortex sites.

• Chakra Healing Arts Center

  phone: +1 928-204-1047
  address: 207 N Hwy 89A
  An alternative healing and wellness center open seven days a week in the tourist district of uptown Sedona, started by multi-generation acupuncturist and healer, Banya Lim, in 2013. The five-room studio loft specializes in massage to balance chakra energy centers, healings which tap the surrounding natural resources (red rock vortexes), readings which intuit past lives and current energy blocks, and trainings about energy principles, used by its Licensed Massage Therapists. Sister store Sedona Story, below it provides sustained, extended support for the enterprise.

• A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa & Massage

  phone: +1 928-282-3895
  address: 30 Kayenta Court #1
  Offers individually created signature massage, body treatments and Japanese facial massage to re-kindle, nurture and balance your natural healing rhythms. By reservation only.

• Unity of Sedona

  phone: +1 928 282-8171
  address: 65 Deer Trail Drive
  A New Age spiritual center, new thought church, and energy vortex featuring sacred services, workshops, a labyrinth, psychics, concerts, spiritual gatherings, and a metaphysical bookstore and gift shop. Inspiring and unique Sunday Services at 9:30am and 12:00 noon welcoming all who find their way to the beautifully landscaped grounds and sanctuary.

Sedona has many shops specializing in local Native American arts and crafts, international galleries and New Age shops (aura readings, healing crystals, vortex information) in addition to the usual tourist fare. A few stores sell shirts dyed in genuine Sedona red rock.

• Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village

  phone: +1 928-282-4838
  address: 336 Highway 179
  Full of restaurants and artsy shops. If you must take a break from enjoying the outdoors, this is the place to do it.

• Hozho Plaza

  address: 311 N Hwy 89A
  Contains international and local art galleries.

• Main Street Sedona

  phone: +1 928-204-2390

• Hillside Sedona

  address: Hwy 179
  A lot of high-end shops and restaurants, well positioned for strolling around.

When it comes to dining, Sedona has an exceptional choice of style, atmosphere, decor and flavor developed for tourists from around the world. Many of the restaurants in Sedona are rated among the best restaurants in Arizona, and several have earned national acclaim.

Budget

• Picazzo Pizza

  phone: +1 928-282-4140
  address: 1855 W Hwy 89A
  Very good food, pizza choices are too numerous to mention. Take out available.

• Wildflower Bread Company

  phone: +1 928-204-2223
  address: 101 N Hwy 89A
  Wildflower raised the bar for affordable dining in Sedona. Good food at affordable prices. Great views of the red rocks. Nice comfortable fireplace on a winters' day, with daily newspapers and free wi-fi. Very central location.

• Simon's Hot Dogs

  phone: +1 928-496-0266
  address: 2050 Yavapai Dr
  The best gourmet beef and vegetarian hot dogs.

Mid-range

• Casa Bonita

  phone: +1 928-282-2728
  address: 164 Coffee Pot Dr #H
  They offer a 10% discount if you are staying at a few selected hotels in the area. Just show your room key.

• Coffee Pot Restaurant

  phone: +1 928-282-6626
  address: 2050 W Hwy 89A
  A local institution that has been featured on the Travel Channel, Food Network, etc. With a view of Coffee Pot Rock, this historic family-friendly place offers 101 omelets and southwestern favorites. Open for breakfast and lunch only. Includes a small curio shop.

• Cowboy Club

  phone: +1 928-282-4200
  address: 241 N Hwy 89A
  Very central and very popular steak house. Good atmosphere, food is pretty good. Really don't understand why so popular, but on a weekend plan on a 45 minute wait during evening hours for a table (reservations accepted).

• Javelina Cantina

  phone: +1 928-282-1313
  address: 671 Hwy 179 #BD
  Large portions of average American-Mexican food with an excellent view from the balcony. Food is good, not great.

• Ken’s Creekside Restaurant

  phone: +1 928-282-1705
  address: 251 Hwy 179
  Amazing food and friendly service. The peach cobbler is heavenly!

• Szechuan Chinese Restaurant & Martini Bar

  phone: +1 928-282-9288
  address: 1350 W Hwy 89A #21
  Delivery available.

Splurge

Grocery stores

• Safeway

  phone: +1 928-282-0118
  address: 2300 W Hwy 89A
  Has a full-service hot and cold deli, as well as an onsite pharmacy.

• Bashas'

  phone: +1 928-282-5351
  address: 160 Coffee Pot Dr

• Oak Creek Brewery & Grill

  phone: +1 928-282-3300
  address: 336 Hwy 179 D201
  Noted for nut-brown ale, hefeweizen and Pilsner-style lagers. If you can't decide what to order, try the Seven Dwarfs sampler, served in miniature 5-oz. beer steins.

• PJ's Village Pub

  phone: +1 928-284-2250
  address: 40 W Cortez Dr #7
  Very local feel.

Budget

Mid-range

• Days Inn Sedona

  phone: +1 928-282-9166
  address: 2991 W Hwy 89A
  Swimming pool and jacuzzi. Free continental breakfast and wi-fi.

• Sedona Real Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 928-282-1414
  address: 95 Arroyo Pinon Dr
  A pleasant hotel on the outskirts of town, just off 89A. Rooms have exterior entrances; they're a bit on the small side but they're clean and well-decorated. Free hot breakfast with some very good options, and free wi-fi. Concierge and pool; pet-friendly.

• Sky Ranch Lodge

  phone: +1 928-282-6400
  address: 1105 Airport Rd
  Scenic views from Airport Mesa, pet friendly. Nice grounds. Quiet. Older property but well maintained. Reasonable prices.

• Super 8 Motel

  phone: +1 928-282-1533
  address: 2545 W Hwy 89A
  Basic motel, good location, set back from road. Free wi-fi and breakfast, pool, pet-friendly. Clean. One of the better budget Super8 motels.

Splurge

• El Portal Sedona Luxury Hacienda and Restaurant

  phone: +1 928-203-9405
  address: 95 Portal Ln
  The architecture and adobe construction of El Portal is completely authentic. Nowhere else in Sedona will you find a luxury inn or hotel with 18-inch thick adobe walls— walls that provide both quiet and history. Twelve spacious rooms have been created in accordance with the simplicity and function of turn-of-the-century architecture.

• Enchantment Resort

  phone: +1 928-282-2900
  address: 525 Boynton Canyon Rd
  Pricey, but very nice.

• The Penrose Inn Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 928-284-3030
  address: 250 Red Butte Dr
  Arguably one of the best. The service, amenities, and delicious, hot breakfasts are miles above average. Their view of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte is unmatched.

• The Sedona Dream Maker Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +1 928-284-0172
  address: 322 Dreammaker Way
  An extraordinary B&B made of logs and love in a luxury log home.

• Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa

  phone: +1 928-203-4111
  address: 2250 W Hwy 89A
  77-room boutique hotel and spa located in West Sedona.

• Sun Cliff Sedona

  phone: +1 928-282-4355
  address: 3400 Red Rock Loop Road
  Accommodates two guests per stay, ensuring a private experience, on 24 private acres, overlooking Oak Creek with the red rock views in Sedona. Daily maid service, nightly turn down service, 24 hour concierge, on-site massage and private chef services available.

Camping

• Cave Springs Campground

  address: Hwy 89A, Oak Creek Canyon
  Open April - October, this is one of the most popular campgrounds in the area. 82 sites with picnic tables and fire pits, drinking water and toilets, coin-operated showers available. No hookups, trailers under 36'. Reservations can be made online.

• Manzanita Campground

  phone: +1 928-203-2900
  address: Hwy 89A, Oak Creek Canyon
  Open year round, with 18 single-unit sites with tables, fire pits, vault toilets, and drinking water. No hookups, 7-day limit. Reservations can be made online. Campers may use the coin-operated showers in Cave Springs Campground (listed above).

• Pine Flat Campground

  address: Hwy 89A, Oak Creek Canyon
  Open April - October, this is another very popular campground. 56 units are available, 18 of which can be reserved online. Vault toilets, drinking water (no showers), no hookups, trailers under 30'. Campers may use the coin-operated showers at nearby Cave Springs Campground (listed above).

• Rancho Sedona RV Park

  phone: +1 928-282-7255
  address: 135 Bear Wallow Ln
  Full and partial hookups with 50-amp service.

• Sedona Public Library

  phone: +1 928-282-7714
  address: 3250 White Bear Rd
  Has public computers with internet access, and free wi-fi is available throughout the building. Visitors and non-card holders must check in at the Reference Desk to request a guest pass.

• Sedona Public Library in Oak Creek

  phone: +1 928-284-1603
  address: 7000 Hwy 179, Oak Creek
  Has public computers with internet access, and free wi-fi is available throughout the building. Visitors and non-card holders must check in at the Reference Desk to request a guest pass.

• Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon to the North
• Phoenix to the South
• The historic mining town of Jerome (Arizona) to the Southwest