Sedona, AZ

Travel Guide
Sedona featuring landscape views, a gorge or canyon and tranquil scenes
The Red Rock Country of Arizona is famed for its Native American history, incredible landscape and outdoor activities.

Known as “Red Rock Country,” Sedona, Arizona offers visitors a huge range of outdoor sports and activities amid a backdrop of spectacular scenery, a robust spiritual and artistic community, many ancient dwellings and more than 80 galleries.

Sedona’s red sandstone formations make a stunning backdrop for many outdoor pursuits. Rent a motorbike or buggy and take a self-guided tour through to the Grand Canyon or one of the other nearby landmarks, such as the Wupatki and Sunset Crater National Monument.

Make the most of over 200 miles (320 kilometers) of hiking and biking trails that wind their way through buttes and monoliths, deep canyons and thick forests. The trails offer different levels of difficulty and different experiences. Some lead to high elevations and sweeping views, others to winding creeks and unusual geological features.

Bikes and hiking equipment are readily available for rent. For biking enthusiasts there is an annual mountain biking festival.

Visit one of the area’s many spiritual guides and healers who have inhabited Sedona for many years, and who claim the area possesses extraordinary powers for meditation and healing. Take a tour to Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock or Boynton Canyon, which some claim were created by electromagnetic vortexes of energy.

For a taste of the rich Native American history of the area, visit the Palatki andHonanki heritage sites, where you can see ancient cliff dwellings and rock art. Montezuma’s Castle, a five-story, 20-room dwelling built by the Sinagua farmers in the 12th century, is considered by many one of the best preserved historic structures in the Southwest.

Sedona’s low levels of pollution make it one of the finest places in Arizona to view the night sky. Sign up for the Evening Sky Tours, and learn about the constellations and stars.

Sedona offers unique geology, rich history and outdoor activities, making it a popular and interesting holiday destination.

Where to stay in Sedona

Coffee Pot featuring a small town or village, views and a gorge or canyon

West Sedona

4.5/5(1,928 area reviews)

Bask in the glow of red sandstone formations while exploring numerous hiking and mountain biking trails. Discover the unique turquoise-arched McDonald's and the awe-inspiring Chapel of the Holy Cross, nestled within a red rock cliff.

West Sedona
Sedona featuring landscape views and mountains

Uptown Sedona

4.5/5(633 area reviews)

The stunning river views and popular shops are just a few highlights of Uptown Sedona. Make a stop by Sedona Arts Center or Gallery Row while you're exploring the area.

Uptown Sedona
Chapel of the Holy Cross

Chapel

While visiting Chapel, you might make a stop by sights like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.

Chapel
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Nepenthe

When in Nepenthe, you can plan a visit to Grasshopper Point Picnic Area and Airport Mesa Viewpoint, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Nepenthe
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Sedona Shadows

While there might not be top attractions in Sedona Shadows, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Slide Rock State Park and Oak Creek Canyon.

Sedona Shadows
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Back O' Beyond

While Back O' Beyond isn't home to many top sights, Cathedral Rock and Crescent Moon Ranch are some notable places to visit nearby.

Back O' Beyond
Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
3.5 out of 5
160 Portal Ln, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Sedona. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,171 reviews)
Good overall
"Overall very nice place to stay. In the center of town so easy to walk to a lot of places. Parking was horrible. It’s first come first serve and every evening we had about a five minute walk from our car to our room. The floors in the room are tile and very dirty, like they never get mopped. Our ..."

Reviewed on May 19, 2024

Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
Poco Diablo Resort
Poco Diablo Resort
4 out of 5
1752 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sedona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,132 reviews)
"Beautiful property and grounds! Short drive to downtown Sedona, so it was very quiet at night. The property looks to be going through a transition, as the whole kitchen staff was going through a turnover resulting in a very limited menu. The food we did order was delicious, and the wait staff was ..."

Reviewed on May 16, 2024

Poco Diablo Resort
Arabella Hotel Sedona
Arabella Hotel Sedona
3.5 out of 5
725 Highway 179 Sedona, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this hotel in Sedona. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,103 reviews)
"The staff from the front desk folks to the maids were all so friendly. Appreciated the breakfast with so many options."

Reviewed on May 20, 2024

Arabella Hotel Sedona
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sedona Springs Resort by VRI Americas
Sedona Springs Resort by VRI Americas
3 out of 5
55 Northview Rd, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (858 reviews)
"Really liked our stay in Sedona at this property. Nice staff and conveniently located."

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

Sedona Springs Resort by VRI Americas
Junipine Resort
Junipine Resort
3.5 out of 5
8351 N Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room massages. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,784 reviews)
Must stay here
"We loved this place so much! Great for a family."

Reviewed on May 15, 2024

Junipine Resort
Sedona Pines Resort
Sedona Pines Resort
3.5 out of 5
6701 W Hwy 89A, Sedona, AZ
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Sedona. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,102 reviews)
"Very comfortable and clean. Activites like yoga and sound bath were great. Perfect accomodation with kitchen very handy. Would stay again!"

Reviewed on May 18, 2024

Sedona Pines Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Sedona

Downtown Sedona is a lovely place to walk around, and you can take a local Verde Lynx bus for further distances. To explore the natural attractions which are the town’s main draw, though, you’ll need a car. There are numerous car rental agencies in town, or you can opt to take a guided tour with a company. Often these will be in a four-wheel drive, allowing you to explore the area’s more rugged landscapes. Visit the Arizona Department of Transportation website.Browse Sedona rental cars.

Best time to visit

Although Sedona is a desert town, it doesn’t reach quite the searing summer temperatures of other Arizona cities like Phoenix. However, temperatures in July and August often reach the mid 90s F (mid 30s C), and you may prefer to come in spring or fall when it is slightly cooler. Winter is a great time to visit too, with average high temperatures in the mid 50s F (mid teens C) in January.

Popular places to visit

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Sedona

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