As a 40-year resident of Arizona, I keep finding Sedona to be one of my favorite locations to spend time in, especially if you are visiting or live near Phoenix. It's only a couple of hours' drive from the Phoenix metro area, and there's just so much to do in the heart of Red Rock Country.

With its breathtaking views, rugged landscape, plentiful activities, and rich natural and human history, Sedona has been a popular tourist destination over the years that has kept visitors coming back time and time again. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a sightseer, an adventurer, or want to shop, there’s a little bit of everything in Sedona.

Whether you only have a day to explore Sedona or you're fortunate enough to have more time to explore the area, there's plenty to enjoy for travelers of all types. Let's take a look at what you should plan for your Sedona trip (or why it should be a location you add to your bucket list).

Explore Sedona’s Red Rocks

One thing Sedona is known all over the world for is the stunningly dramatic rock formations located in Red Rock State Park. With five miles of family-friendly loop tracks for you to tread on and explore all on your own and 286 acres of untamed wilderness, there are plenty of sights to bask in!

If you’d prefer some guidance around the park, daily walking tours are also available and led by a naturalist expert. Before you go, make sure you check with the park to see what tours are being offered and if any fit with your time frame.

While you’re out, be on the lookout for Sedona’s thriving wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot deer, coyotes, birds, and even the local stinky javelina.

Just make sure to dress appropriately for the weather, wear close-toed shoes, and bring plenty of water when exploring the red rocks. Even though you're escaping the Phoenix desert, it's important to stay hydrated on the trails.

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Take a short drive south of the bustling heart of Sedona to visit one of the 19 most beautiful churches in the world, according to Architectural Digest!

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, a jewel amid Sedona’s landscape, is a stunning building built onto the cliff face of the famous red rocks. This structure is 250 feet high and was originally intended for Hungary before World War II broke out.

Since 1956, the chapel has welcomed tourists from across the globe. You’re free to visit the chapel regardless of your religious affiliation, but please remember to be respectful. As such, refrain from eating or drinking, remain silent, and leave your pets outside.

If you'd like to attend a service, a Taizé prayer is offered on Monday evenings, with Adoration, Confession, and Mass on Fridays. You can also light a candle for your loved ones at any time during the church’s opening hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

In addition, feel free to explore the several pieces of gorgeous art within the chapel and its grounds, which add to the atmosphere of wonder and peace. Bring your camera with you, too, and revel in the breathtaking sights of Sedona from the chapel’s elevated location.

Hike in Boynton Canyon

Looking to take in Sedona’s natural sights while still having the convenience of nearby towns to relax in? Then, hiking in Boynton Canyon is your best bet!

This six-mile trail is moderately challenging, but it’s well worth it. You’ll find yourself immersed in towering red rock buttes, fully experiencing the beauty of the desert wildlife. If you’re lucky, in the late spring and early summer, you’ll spot all sorts of wildflowers, cacti, a variety of birds, and even whitetail deer as you trek down this trail.

Before you head over, keep in mind that this trail is particularly popular. With stunning views and being relatively sheltered from the wind and sun, it invites plenty of hikers, so you’re sure to have company always!

Boynton Canyon Trail is also connected to a number of other trails and sights. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a quick detour off the main route to explore Sedona’s Subway Cave. The quirky name is inspired by the rock formation’s resemblance to a train station. The amazing views you get from this spot of the surrounding valley are breathtaking, so it’s a must-visit if you’re in the area! Aside from that, there are also Sinagua ruins you can explore, although some sites may require a reservation beforehand.

Be respectful (take only photographs, leave only footprints) and bring all necessary hiking equipment, including grippy shoes, snacks, and plenty of water.

Explore the Cathedral Rock Trail

Bursting with energy and raring for a challenge? Try hiking on the Cathedral Rock Trail!

This is not your typical hike. Even the official website describes it as “more of a rock climb than a hike” courtesy of its steep paths and demanding nature. With that said, make sure you’re prepared for exposure to the elements and very steep sections before attempting this adventure.

Once you reach the top, though, your efforts will be rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the red rocks and surrounding desert landscape. You can also expect plenty of thrillseekers in the area, so it’s a great place to make friends and meet like-minded people.

Visit Sedona Arts Center

Sedona has a vibrant artistic community, likely due to the peaceful atmosphere, the stunning landscape that surrounds it, and the potential spiritual energy vortexes!

Get a taste of the local art scene at the Sedona Arts Center gallery, which features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and more!

Sticking around Sedona for a bit? If so, you can get in touch with your own creative side by enrolling in one of the experiences or crash courses at the Arts Center’s school. Make some pottery on a wheel or take a field trip to paint one of the surrounding natural landmarks. Your artistic experience is all up to you!

Explore the Devil’s Bridge Trail

Despite the sinister name conjuring up images of the devil, the Devil’s Bridge Trail is anything but demonic. In fact, it’s actually one of Sedona’s most recognizable natural features!

This stunning sandstone arch is about 50 feet tall and frames the surrounding low desert brush with its deep orange pillars.

The journey to this sight involves a bit of a trek and will have you hiking on a 1.8-mile trail, both there and back. While the hike isn’t among the hardest out there, make sure to still bring plenty of water. You’ll want to head there as early as possible to beat the crowds, especially on weekends.

Due to its popularity, you’ll likely still have to queue up before snapping the breathtaking bridge anyway!

Enjoy Oak Creek Canyon

If you really want to get your fill of breathtaking sights, Oak Creek Canyon should be high on your list.

This picturesque canyon is like a smaller, slightly less intimidating version of the Grand Canyon, with tons of spots to explore. For the adventurous, Oak Creek Canyon has plenty of activities for you to do, so you can easily spend your entire day in the area.

Interested in hiking? Several trails are available for you to meander on while keeping a lookout for native wildlife such as javelina, deer, and birds. If you really want to enjoy the place to the fullest, be sure to pack a picnic, too. There are plenty of scenic areas to settle down and enjoy the views!

Once you’re ready to cool down, you can even swim or fish in the crystal pools and rivers that carve through the canyon floor. Oak Creek Canyon is an amazing experience you simply can’t miss out on!

Visit the Sedona Heritage Museum

Appreciating a place fully means learning more about its local history. If you want to explore Sedona’s vibrant past, there’s no better place than the Sedona Heritage Museum!

In this rustic building, you’ll learn all there is to know about the first Western settlers to the area; their lives, and their livelihoods. Movie buffs are in for a special treat and can visit the original Winona telegraph office! This structure is pretty recognizable thanks to its mainstay appearance in the almost 100 Western films that were shot in Sedona throughout the decades.

If you time your visit right, you’ll be able to enjoy the museum’s schedule of events, which includes one-man shows, dinners and movies, and embroidery days. Check their calendar before your trip to see what’s on.

For all the things that are on offer, Sedona Heritage Museum is surprisingly affordable. Tickets are currently only seven dollars, and kids can even get in for free!

Hike the West Fork Trail

Each trail you explore in Sedona adds another reason to fall in love with the location. West Fork Trail, a highly popular option among hikers, is a stunning example. This is my personal favorite, and my family and I hiked West Fork every fall to enjoy the fall foliage as temperatures started to drop.

Here, you’ll stroll along a trickling stream that winds through the canyons. You’ll soon find yourself surrounded by red cliffs, gorgeous trees, and the sound of songbirds, not to mention clear pools, colorful rocks, and vibrant wildflowers in abundance.

West Fork Trail changes with the seasons, and autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit the area. During autumn, red maple leaves adorn the trail with breathtaking character, making you feel as if you’re in a dreamscape.

While the trail is relatively easy, you’ll need to cross a stream on a few occasions, so be sure to bring good shoes and swimming gear if you’d like to take a dip!

Join a Jeep Tour of the Local Landscape

One of the best ways to explore Sedona’s rugged terrain is through a jeep tour of the local landscape.

Adrenaline thrillseekers and off-road adventure enthusiasts alike will love the numerous Jeep tours on offer around the city. The most popular are the Pink Jeep tours, which are iconic to the Sedona area.

Ride around the desert and visit stunning red rock formations while skipping the actual hike! As a plus, you’ll learn more about the area’s history from your knowledgeable Jeep driver guides.

Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village is a stunning center that enjoys international renown and is fashioned after a traditional Mexican village. With its name literally translating to “the best of everything,” you’re truly in for a treat!

Experience local art and music, and shop for beautiful handcrafted items such as jewelry and souvenirs. Feast your eyes on all sorts of art media, such as glass, decor pieces, and photography.

Of course, it’s not just your eyes that’ll be satisfied; all of the food choices available in the area are also sure to whet your appetite! Make time for a meal and stop by one of the Village's five gourmet restaurants. These serve everything from sandwiches and French fine dining to authentic Mexican cuisine. If you’re just after a quick treat, there’s also a sweets shop and handmade ice cream parlor to enjoy!

Take Part in a Spiritual Vortex Tour

Sedona is renowned for its spiritual vortexes — mystical centers of increased spiritual energy and geological places of power. It’s said that these vortexes channel immense energy that derives from deep within the Earth. Many people believe that these vortexes promote healing and spiritual growth.

Whether you’re a diehard believer or just a bit curious, several tours will take you to the vortex sites. The tours are available in different themes, such as yoga and meditation, jeepneys, and even overnight tours to look for UFOs!

Even if you’re a bit skeptical, the vortexes are at some of Sedona’s most striking natural features. At the very least, they’re beautiful and peaceful places that you’ll be glad to have the chance to behold.

Visit Palatki Heritage Site

The ancient cliffside dwellings built by the Sinagua people nearly a thousand years ago at the Palatki Heritage Site are a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle to visit. Explore the historical structures built into the red rocks and gaze at pictographs and rock art that have survived over the centuries.

This heritage site is extremely important culturally and archaeologically, so it’s crucial to remain respectful. For this reason, reservations are required, and dogs aren’t allowed in the heritage area. Additionally, the path up to the dwellings includes around 60 steep and uneven steps, so it can be fairly strenuous.

However, there’s a wheelchair-accessible path to the picture alcoves, allowing everyone to experience the wonders of ancient art.

Stargaze at the Sedona Star Gazing Observatory

With its commitment to being a dark sky community — a place that aims to preserve the natural beauty of the night sky — Sedona is one of the best cities for stargazing. Sedona is excellent for stargazing all year round, except during the monsoon season when the rains obscure the sky.

While you can stargaze anywhere in Sedona, there are several locations that are especially spectacular. If you’re looking for a peaceful place near the city center, the Jordan Trailhead Observation Area provides a wide field that’s perfect for stargazing. Want some nighttime scenery with your stargazing? Head over to the Two Trees Observation Area and enjoy the glistening stars with the red rocks in the background!

If you’re after some company, Sedona also has plenty of stargazing tours available. You’ll be led by experienced guides who will also kit you out with the best equipment to make the most of your time!

Join a Hot Air Balloon Tour

Red Rock Country is full of rugged terrain, jagged peaks, and breathtaking sights. There’s no better way to take it all in and enjoy a wonderful view of the landscape than from the sky!

Booking a hot-air balloon tour is an unforgettable experience, and fortunately for you, Sedona has a handful of these services in operation. There's Red Rock Balloons, which offers sunrise flights. Every day, they fly balloons just as the day begins so you can see the sun make its way up the horizon.

After that life-changing experience, you’ll then glide down and watch the desert, canyons, and staggering rock formations light up with a new day.

Hike Bell Rock Pathway

The 3.5-mile Bell Rock Pathway takes you to the iconic Bell Rock and offers beautiful views of Courthouse Butte, other famous rock formations, and striking desert beauty. Unlike many of the trails in the area, the path is wide and hard-packed so you’re allowed to cycle or even go on horseback!

Once you reach the rock, there’s a quick climb to an elevated observation area with views you’d never get from the road. Toilets and parking are available on the site, but be sure to bring sun protection and your own water for the hike.

Shop at the Sedona Farmers Market

Get a taste of the local produce and meet the locals at the weekly Sedona Farmers Market! The market runs on Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. from June to late October and is the perfect way to start your day.

The farmers market boasts the absolute best of Sedona. Here, you can shop for the freshest vegetables, herbs, meat, eggs, and dairy. In addition to fresh produce, you can browse for homemade baked goods and handicrafts while enjoying the live music that fills the air.

Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it’s still a charming place to grab a coffee and simply enjoy the atmosphere!

Enjoy a Day at Slide Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park isn’t the only state park for you to explore during your visit. Located less than 10 miles north of Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is the perfect natural attraction to escape the heat.

This naturally occurring slide is an exhilarating way to enter the cool waters of Oak Creek Canyon. Bring your inner child out to play, and you’ll find the time just flying by while you splash around in the refreshing water! If you want to take a minute and dry off, there are also several historic cabins and walking trails to explore.

A year-round market on-site offers any necessities you may need, such as ice, water, snacks, and souvenirs. Several sheltered picnic areas are also available for use, too, for the ultimate day out!

Hike the Airport Mesa Loop Trail for Great Views

The Airport Mesa Loop Trail is a little challenging, but it gives you a unique and unbeatable viewpoint of Airport Mesa and the surrounding landscape!

Described as being a medium-difficulty hike, the Airport Mesa Loop will have you hiking on level terrain before gently ascending to reach the tabletop trail. With its high elevation, the loop gives you breathtaking panoramic views of western Sedona and beyond.

Keep in mind that the trail has very little shade and can be steep in parts. Be sure to know your own abilities and come prepared before embarking on this journey!

Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

The stupa is an important structure in Buddhism, believed to bring peace, healing, and spiritual power.

One of the rare instances of a stupa being erected in the West, Sedona’s Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a hot spot for meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices.

If you’re visiting in a larger group, the local caretakers offer presentations that explain the stupa's history and importance. There are also several independent guided meditation and religious mysticism tours available.

Amitabha Stupa is a significant location for many. As such, it’s important to not litter and to be generally respectful. Dogs and other pets are welcome at the park as long as they are on a leash!

Try Mountain Biking on the Local Trails

There are many great trails in Sedona where you can ride your mountain bike and race through the incredible landscape!

Bell Rock Trail is a great spot for beginners as it’s easy, wide, and fairly flat while still having enough elevation changes for a fun challenge. Riding on the Aerie to Cockscomb Trail is a great idea as well for novice to intermediate bikers, especially as it zooms you through canyon views and wooded areas.

If you don’t have your equipment with you, don’t worry. There are several places in Sedona where you can rent mountain bikes or e-bikes!

Enjoy a Drive on the Red Rock Scenic Byway

This relaxing, 15-mile cruise, nicknamed the Red Rock Scenic Byway, gives you some of the best views Red Rock Country has to offer — all from the comfort of your car!

The glowing red sandstone formations, stretches of flat desert, canyons, and plateaus studding the horizon make this one of the most picturesque stretches of highway in the country – if not the world! This gorgeous nickname is a compliment to the Arizona State Route 179 that connects Sedona to Interstate 17.

Popular trailheads are found along the way, as well as plenty of places for a quick stop to snap photos and take in the landscape. It’s a driving route you’ll never get tired of!

Experience a Sedona Spiritual Retreat

Looking for a proper getaway? Why not book a spiritual retreat?

With its reputation as a spiritual hotspot for people of all faiths and ideologies, Sedona is the perfect place to reconnect with the energy of the universe. You’ll find your share of yoga and meditation centers, spiritual vortex pilgrimages, and many other wellness-oriented organizations during your visit!

If you’re not interested in any of those, exploring the natural sights at your own pace and leisure also counts as a spiritual. With Sedona’s gorgeous landscape and breathtaking atmosphere, the experience is hard to match. No matter where you currently are on your spiritual journey, Sedona may just be the holistic healing destination you’ve been searching for!

Explore the Honanki Heritage Site

Another archaeological treasure trove and the sister of Palatki Heritage Site, Honanki Heritage Site, is teeming with the history of the Sinagua people.

This area was once the home of these people, and they left plenty of cultural artifacts that tell their story. During your visit, you’ll witness the Sinagua living spaces and their artwork engraved on the rocks.

Like its sister site, visiting Honanki requires a Red Rock Pass, but reservations aren’t necessary. Keep in mind that pets aren’t allowed in the area!