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
Poco Diablo Resort
Poco Diablo Resort
4 out of 5
1752 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ
The price is $201 per night from May 6 to May 7
$201
$264 total
includes taxes & fees
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Sedona. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,133 reviews)
"great location and facility, parking was a bit of an issue, but not a show stopper"

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Poco Diablo Resort
Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
3.5 out of 5
160 Portal Ln, Sedona, AZ
The price is $155 per night from May 6 to May 7
$155
$211 total
includes taxes & fees
May 6 - May 7
Stay at this 3.5-star spa hotel in Sedona. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a full-service spa, and WiFi. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,130 reviews)
"2 bed, 2 bath suite. Kitchen was very well equipped. Central air instead of box ac was great. Cabinets looked like they were from the 80’s. Grouting on the floor tiles around the toilet was breaking up. Bathtub had a brown tint to the floor. I’m sure it was clean but it didn’t look it. Caulk around ..."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024

Los Abrigados Resort and Spa
Arabella Hotel Sedona
Arabella Hotel Sedona
3.5 out of 5
725 Highway 179 Sedona, Sedona, AZ
The price is $195 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
$195
$250 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 2 - Jun 3
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! (2,084 reviews)
"Loved this place."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 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.
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! (1,767 reviews)
"Beautiful views from our deck."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Junipine Resort
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! (819 reviews)
Gem Accommodation in Sedona
"Awesome resort, very quiet and homey. Loved every minute of our stay."

Reviewed on May 1, 2024

Sedona Springs Resort by VRI Americas
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! (1,071 reviews)
"Really nice and quiet place, outside of the downtown shopping area and easy to get to. Cabins are really cute and comfortable. Pool was nice, hot tubs were also nice. Would definitely recommend."

Reviewed on Apr 30, 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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