Approximately two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona is an exemplar of the wonders of natural beauty, populated with majestic red rock formations and an alluring desert landscape. This Arizona oasis is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the globe to view the picturesque landscape and experience a spiritual renaissance via one of its many healing retreats. Sedona rentals and property management is becoming more popular due to the popular tourist attraction.
As well as the scenic allure, there are plenty of man-made attractions surrounding this small community that can provide endless fun for the entire family. To help you decide what to add to your itinerary, here are some of the top things to do when visiting Sedona.
The Sedona Trolley
Having just arrived, you may be at a loss for where to begin your journey. The Sedona Trolley tour can help you get your bearings and experience a taste of some of the many attractions the town and its vicinity have to offer. There are two options to choose from, each of which takes about an hour, but there is no reason why you can't enjoy both!
The "A" option will take you to the South, where you will witness some incredible natural landscape on your way to the astonishing Chapel of the Holy Cross. The "B" adventure embarks westward through the looming red rock canyons, visiting familiar rock formations such as Thunder Mountain and Chimney Rock within the Boynton Canyon.
Experienced tour guides are along for the ride for each journey, and they will regale you with intriguing information about each location, including its historical background!
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Speaking of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, you will want to add this impressive landmark to your to-visit list even if you are not interested in bus tours. Seamlessly sculpted into the landscape, the chapel is one of the premier features of Sedona. Decorated with elegant works of art, the pinnacle of which is the bronze crucifix of Jesus peering down from above, this Catholic church is an architectural wonder.
In addition to witnessing its internal beauty, there are Monday evening Taize prayer services you can attend, Adoration and Mass on Wednesdays and Fridays, and they also have a gift shop for souvenirs. In addition, you can opt to light a perpetual candle (for a price!) featuring a plaque that will remain throughout the year.
For future reference – this is also an excellent venue to hold a wedding!
Hiking Trails
With such a unique natural landscape full of wonder, it's no surprise that countless hiking trails and expeditions grant the opportunity to appreciate and relish Sedona's desert allure – up close and personal! Innumerable years of erosion have crafted magnificent red rocks and buttes, creating a mesmerizing landscape for you to explore.
If getting gritty on the trail is not your cup of tea, jeep tours will take you to and through many landmarks, saving your energy (and feet!) for later adventures. These tours run the gambit of the terrain, some visiting the seven canyons along the Dry Creek Basin while others traverse wagon trails along the Mogollon Rim or sweep along the Seven Apache Pools.
If time is limited, the trails through Boynton Canyon are particularly memorable and if you are seeking an adrenaline rush, test your courage by crossing the Devil's Bridge!
Hot Air Balloon Scenic Tour
If you have an adventurous heart and heights do not intimidate you, there are opportunities to experience the majesty of Sedona from a bird's eye view – in a hot air balloon!
There are several tours available to choose from. If you select this bold method of exploring the desert landscape, bring along a camera to capture the incredible aerial view.
Red Rock Scenic Byway
When you are ready to get off your feet but still wish to explore the cityscape, hop in your car and set a course for the Red Rock Scenic Byway. There's nothing quite like a fun car trip with family, friends, or a special someone under the brilliant Arizona sun.
The byway is about 7 ½ miles but offers a surprising amount of sightseeing, including two of Sedona's vortexes: Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. These vortexes are unusual rock formations that many people believe to be hosts to great energy. The latter vortex resides within the Village of Oak Creek, an excellent destination for exploring galleries, getting your shop on, or grabbing a bite to eat.
The Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center is a great place to stop and pick up maps with hiking trails and other landmarks you may wish to visit while learning more about the area, its geology, and its biotic communities.
Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
Before you leave, you don't want to miss the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village! Architecturally designed to resemble a Mexican-style medieval village with cobblestone streets, this site is a one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza. Clothing stores, art galleries, and venues featuring artistry such as ceramics, glass-blown artifacts, jewelry, paintings, and more spread as far as the eye can see, hand-crafted by local artisans. There is also an assortment of local restaurants if you want palette-satisfying cuisine.
The village is a work of art, featuring majestic archways and burbling fountains to enjoy as you walk from site to site. This atmosphere is perfect for seeking that ideal gift or souvenir to bring a little piece of your Sedona trip home for yourself, your family, and your friends.
The Bottom Line
There are far more activities to enjoy in Sedona than these. Still, many of these options open up opportunities for further exploration or at least give you a taste of some of the town's most notable highlights. These scenic hikes, unique landmarks, and mesmerizing architectural phenomena will whet your appetite for more, and there is always something new and exciting just around the corner.
A single day will be gone in the blink of an eye, so try to schedule as much time as you can to take your time and truly immerse yourself in Sedona's splendor.
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