Sedona’s setting creates stunning hiking and mountain biking trails. Come see for yourself why USA Weekend voted Sedona, Arizona as one of the most beautiful places in America.
There are so many cool places to explore in Arizona, however, Sedona is my favorite area to explore. If you love nature, you can’t go wrong in Sedona. Nature is the main attraction. The stunning array of red sandstone formations entice thousands of visitors each year.
Sedona is in the northern part of the Verde Valley. The red rocks appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. They form a breathtaking backdrop for everything from spiritual pursuits to outdoor adventures.
How to get to Sedona?
From Phoenix there are two ways to get to Sedona. The quickest route via Interstate 17 to 179 and the scenic route is 89A. The quickest route is also very scenic once you exit from the interstate onto 179. This stretch of road is called the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Welcome to Sedona
For a small town there is so much to do here and if you’ve never been here it is helpful to orientate yourself.
- The Lay of the Land
- Oak Creek Village
- Red Rock Passes & Parking in Sedona
- How to Get Around Sedona
- Parking in Sedona
- Top Things to See and Do
Lay of the Land: Red Rock Country
Soon after you exit from the Interstate you will find yourself on 179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This road will take you to Oak Creek Village which is about 7.5 miles from Sedona. Most people will refer to Oak Creek Village as Sedona, however it is Oak Creek Village that will be the first to welcome you to Red Rock Country.
The “Y” intersection in Sedona is a roundabout where 179 meets 89A. This intersection is often referenced when giving directions in Sedona. Oak Creek is south of the “Y”, the airport is west of the “Y” and uptown is east of the “Y.”
If it is your first time visiting Sedona we highly recommend stopping at the Red Rock Ranger Visitor Center. The friendly staff here can provide maps and help you plan your visit. You can also purchase your Red Rock passes here.
Sedona’s popularity has increased traffic drastically over the last couple decades. For a little town it can have some serious traffic jams. During holidays and peak season expect to sit in traffic. It can be backed up for miles from the airport through uptown.
Oak Creek Village
Just 20 minutes from Interstate 17, Oak Creek Village is where you will get your first glimpse of the beautiful red rocks.
Oak Creek has three golf courses and several hotels and resorts. You’ll have plenty of restaurants to choose from along this route. If you want to taste some local wines stop by the Decanter Tasting Room.
From Oak Creek Village to the main “Y” intersection in Sedona you will drive through eight roundabouts. Driving north to Sedona you’ll see Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque Sedona shopping village.
What is a Red Rock Pass and Do I Need One?
A Red Rock Pass is a Sedona parking pass and it is very likely you may need one. There are 18 recreational fee sites in Sedona that require a Red Rock pass. In addition there are concessionaire sites and state parks where your Red Rock pass can’t be used. These sites will require a fee to visit.
America the Beautiful passes can be used in lieu of a Red Rock pass.
You can purchase a daily, weekly, and annual Red Rock passes, or you can purchase a grand annual pass. Your grand annual pass will include all 18 recreational fee sites and in addition you can use it at Call of the Canyon, Grasshopper Point, and Crescent Moon.
How to Get Around Sedona
You can get around Sedona by car, bicycle, by foot. On Thursday through Sunday you can park and ride the Sedona Shuttle to some popular hiking trails. You can take a tour on a Sedona Trolley.
Parking in Sedona
Parking is hard to find in a lot of the popular areas in Sedona and lately that seems like everywhere. If you have your heart set on seeing a particular spot get there early and/or have a couple other places in mind if you can’t find parking for your top choice.
Many of the hiking trailhead parking lots are small. Even if there is a large parking lot if it is a popular area parking can be difficult. For example, in the summer it is not uncommon for Slide Rock Park’s parking lot to be full within 30 minutes of opening.
If you’re looking to explore uptown Sedona there are some metered spots on the main street and several free parking lots a couple blocks from the main drag.
Top Things to See and do in Sedona Arizona
- Visit Oak Creek Canyon
- Cool off in a local swimming hole
- Take a hike or scenic drive
- See the Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Feel a Vortex
- Go off-roading or take a Jeep tour
- Shop local
Visit Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic drive is located just north of Sedona. From uptown Sedona follow State Route 89A north alongside Oak Creek towards Flagstaff.
Sedona & Oak Creek Swimming Holes
Thanks to Oak Creek, Sedona has some nice swimming holes to cool off in. These are very popular in the summer, so you’ll need to get there early to park.
- Grasshopper Point
- Slide Rock State Park
- Crescent Moon Park
Sedona Arizona Hikes
Sedona has amazing hikes. Some of the more popular hiking trails include: Cathedral Rock Trail, Bell Rock Trail, and Boynton Canyon Trail.
If you are looking for a short trail along the water, Allen’s Bend trail is a beautiful hike. A popular and one of the best fall trails in Arizona, is the West Fork trail. See Sedona’s natural arch on a hike to Devil’s Bridge. Hike Soldier’s Pass to see the Devil’s Kitchen and the 7 Sacred Pools.
See the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
One of the most photographed spots in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross . A student of Frank Lloyd Wright’s built the Catholic chapel into a mesa. The church has a stunning view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a Roman Catholic Chapel in Sedona. The chapel is 250 feet high and was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Built into the buttes of Sedona’s famous red rock, it has a commanding presence.
You can tour the church and admire the incredible views of the two nuns rock formation, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte. It is free to walk around the grounds and visit the church. There is a gift shop at the bottom of the stairs.
Parking is limited here. There are a few parking spots off the main road if the parking lot is full. Just take a short hike up to the top. The tour is self guided and the views alone are worth a stop.
Visit a Vortex
Vortexes are created from spiritual energy. They are believed to be subtle energy centers where your spiritual and psychic powers are enhanced. Many believe spiritual vortexes are concentrated in the Sedona area.
Visit one of the following spots below to see if you can feel the energy of a vortex
- Bell Rock
- Airport Mesa
- Cathedral Rock
- Boynton Canyon
- Schnebly Hill
Shopping in Sedona Arizona
Sedona has three main shopping areas. South and east of the “Y” roundabout is very walkable between shops. West of the “Y” roundabout is the least crowded and you’ll want a car.
Ready to start shopping in Sedona?
Yummy Places to Eat in Sedona
A nice spot to eat in Sedona is the Oak Creek Brewery. They have great view of the red rocks on the outside patio. We also love 89 Agave Catina in uptown Sedona. They have delicious Mexican food and nice area to eat outdoors and people watch.If you’re looking for a sweet treat Black Cow Cafe and the Sedona Fudge Company has some great choices.
Jeep Tours
Looking for adventure in Sedona? See the red rocks on a guided Jeep tour. There are several tours available. Alternatively, you can drive some of the same routes with your high clearance vehicle. One of our favorites off -roading drives is Schnebly Hill. The views from this area are outstanding.
